17 replies to this topic

[Colaris]

I've seen kite lines that have fabric wristband type ends to them instead of handles. They look far more comfortable than the plastic handles. Anyone use them??Are they ok for stunt kites?

[stroke survivor]

Nice and comfy!!! (You'll look like you know more than the beginners!!)

[Colaris]

stroke victim, on 20 July 2011 - 10:48 AM, said:

Nice and comfy!!! (You'll look like you know more than the beginners!!)

Hee hee, thanks. Also I like the way you have not got tons of line to contend with, just a set length.

[Exile]

I prefer straps to handles, any day. There is only one drawback to them though. If you aren't using a padded strap (and sometimes even then), when you are flying in high winds and playing with a lot of pull, the straps can start to cut off the circulation in your hands. Love them though, and would fly with straps over generic handles any day.

[stroke survivor]

If you're just starting, use as long a lineset as you can!! Longer lines mean a little more time for any input to reach the kite! It gives you a bit more time to react!! Also, if you think you're gonna crash - Give to the kite!! Makes your impacts much softer!! Pulling just drives the kite into the ground!!

[--Pete]

Straps are very nice. They can cut off circulation (as Exile said), or even pinch a nerve, with hard-pulling kites.

Just keep moving them around to prevent keeping the pressure always in the same place.

There is also the risk of not being able to "let go" if things get out of control. Be sure you can slip them off while they are under tension.

For stunt kites (both 2 and 4 line) having the lines be exactly the same length is important. This is hard to do when you are winding lines on and off the plastic handles.

[John Barresi]

I much prefer straps to handles, for 21 years now... Helps to get comfortable ones, of course.

[windofchange]

Straps are the only way to go. Although lately I find myself preferring finger straps over wrist straps.

[--Pete]

windofchange, on 21 July 2011 - 11:40 AM, said:

Straps are the only way to go. Although lately I find myself preferring finger straps over wrist straps.

I like them myself, but not really practical on a hard-pulling kite.

My favorites for REALLY hard-pulling kites are a set of padded wrist-straps that also have a tee-grip that can be adjusted so that you support part of the pull with the straps and part with the tee-grips. Less likely to tear a tendon that way.

Actually, there is a step beyond that where you hook your stuntkite lines to an anchor via a pulley, and use lanyards to steer it. Then you can (and should - in case the pulley or anchor lets go) use finger loops.

[Reef Runner]

I too fly with straps, always (unless I'm flying my Rev). Unless the wind is really cooking, I usually fly with my straps on just one or two fingers, and as Kent said, I like the two finger straps, and use them quite often. Whichever you use, make sure they are soft..............the stiff straps will cut into your hand eventually, and as Pete mentioned, you'll need to keep moving them around............... (don't be worried about making your own, my favorite set is homemade)

Oh, and I think Pete is really into Power Kites...............I was referring to standard dual line stunt kites 1