Wayne Dowler
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Posts posted by Wayne Dowler
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Leech lines are a way to control the "flapping" of the trailing edge. Hear the noise from old kites? Notice how quiet most all modern kites are? Leech lines let you adjust that noise level. Left uncontrolled, the flapping would eventually ruin the trailing edge. Adding the leech line and snugging it up, usually eliminates that.
All are routed through the trailing edge seam and anchored at the wingtips and spine. Some are fixed at the spine and adjusted at the wings, others are fixed at the wings and adjusted at the spine.
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Should be made from bridle line, might need to match the strength to get a similar thickness, but easily done. Just make the loop at the kite end plenty big and both the same length from knot to loop.
Remember to burn the ends to keep them from fraying!!
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Make your own long leaders and attach them on the bridle's attachment pigtails. Most make them around 3' long, they protect the TE from damage in roll up tricks. You can make some and by using a larkshead knot, move them to any kite you choose!
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All of them look well done! That "Vickie" is very similar to Alden's original! You should see some of them now with no bottom strip or only lines to hold the shape.
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Think of it as a total package type thing. The bridle and kite are developed together and work together. The bridle might be a certain way to help bring out some features of the kite. Or limit others.
But I do know you can switch types of bridles - 2 kinds I know are - 3 point or turbo. What the differences are I'm not clear on, I just flew mine stock. Just learned to make a few simple adjustments based on conditions. Others might have more info on the subject.....
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Please don't replace the bridle just yet. It was designed for it. The Kymera's was designed for it too, not the other. You need to fly it before deciding to change it. Every kite is designed around certain performance parameters, and the bridle is part of those performance goals. It might enhance certain things and limit others. Give it a try first.
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Got any before and after pix?
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Good all purpose length is anywhere from 75' to 85-90'. Shorter presents the challenges mentioned. Longer can lose your "feel" for what the kite is doing. However, there is a time and place for short lines - size of field, needing the room, etc. Used both.
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Usually not, if not marked as RTF. Lot of kites come as "kite only", not as packages, because many already have things like lines or handles and don't need duplicates.
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Yes - helps get any stretch left in them, out. Reduces the number of times needed to adjust them, given that they are quality lines to start with. Crap lines will just keep on stretching .......
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For my dual line kites, I used 3 different strengths - 50#, 90#, 150#. Some of the full sized kites will not do well with 50# Too much pull or too heavy a feel. Helps to have a variety and match the day's conditions to both kite and line.
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I fly quads mostly, dualies at times. But I started with dual line and kept going. Took an enforced break for a couple years, then got back into flying. Group flying really got my attention, but it took a while to regain my hand, eye coordination needed. Then I joined a team of quad fliers. That brought my game up. Then I learned indoor flying, brought my game up more. Then I joined a second team!! Biggest thing I got out of it?? Confidence!! Found something I could still do and do well !!! That keeps bringing me back!!!
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Flying is only learned by putting that kite in the air! Yes it is nice to know the whys and whats, but learning to fly requires just that - flying! Got a saying here - Time on the lines!! Can't substitute anything for the experience gained while flying.
As a survivor of a stroke, I know this to be so true!! Gotta get that thing out there!!!!
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Sorry - not a big SLK guy, but your question on swivels is really about quality. Boat anchor swivels are not made to anywhere near the tolerances of mountaineering or industrial use. Even fishing has levels of quality - best is SS ball bearing swivels. It really comes down to use and safety.
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Braided dacron is more than sufficient for single line use. Dyneema is overkill, better in dual line or quads. I didn't know they still made kevlar line. Never use around others.
Always use a higher rated strength line if in any doubt.
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A Wind of Change moved to Salt Lake City. I don't know if other stores are still in the area.
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Rinse under low pressure hose. Can be setup or brokedown. Make sure to get bridles well. Air dry. Dunk whole lineset (winder and all, no handles) in a bucket of water. Don't scrub unless absolutely needed.
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Special it is, but I can wait for - the Djinndor! 😄
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Have to see it, can't picture it. But metal rubbing on bridle line can cause failure - maybe.
Figured it out - you drilled through both sides. Any wear will occur at the hole where the leader exits. Maybe the vinyl cap will keep it from rubbing and wearing.
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19 hours ago, makatakam said:
You need to know what the kite does so you don't end up with 3 of the same animal.
Now that is sound advice right there!!! Something for light, medium, and strong. Then after, get what you find to your liking, But a basic quiver has its place.
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Got a feeling you'll still get wear from that hole, no matter how smooth. But we'll see ....
By the way - what did you larkshead to?
Leech line
in Beginners
Posted
Most leech lines are on "newer" kites, LOL!! A lot of the really old stuff didn't have them at all.