Line Equalization

[Toyguy]

I noticed today during my first flights on the Hypnotist that the lines are uneven. I compensated while flying by holding the wrist straps differently, but I'd like to fix it.

I've read all the articles here, and others I could find and I am still not understanding it. I have the general concept, but what I don't understand is how the overhand knots that are recommended don't slip. It seems to me that a simple overhand knot, tied around the line, would act like a slip-knot under tension and just slide down tight. What keeps that from happening?

Why isn't something like a bowline recommended? That leaves a non-slip, fixed length loop.

I think I understand that I need to move the sleeving further along the line to shorten the longer one. I'm just not quite sure yet how to do it from the text descriptions. Anyone have links to a photo or video tutorial?

Thanks!

Dave

[Baloo]

Hi there. I am sure there must be some pictures or video somewhere. However.

Dont forget you are not tieing a simple overhand knot AROUND a line, that would definatly slip. You are tieing an overhand knot in a LOOP of line, this WILL make a SECURE knot. I add a second loop in.

Not sure if this helps but when I tie my sleeving I use a double overhand knot. Sorry dont know what it is called. In other words I make a loop and pass the working end (free end) TWICE through it. It takes a few trys to get the length right so dont snug it down too tight straight away.

You MIGHT find it better to shorten BOTH lines to equalise, it is easier to work out equal knots then if that makes sense.

Others use 2 overhand knots fairly close to each other, that makes a good secure loop as well.

OK over to evryone else for comments.

[wufer]

If it were me i would tie another overhand knot on the pigtail of the kite about 3 inch in from the end of the longest line and larkshead my longesr line to that knot.

So what you end up with on the kite;; one pigtail withe one original knot,, and one pigtail with the original knot plus a knot about 3 inch further in towards the kite.<< larkshead your long line to this.

Makes sense? mmmm

Derek

[John Barresi]

On the line sleeving (loop), I always tie two overhand knots... Never have any slippage.

[windofchange]

I do the same John. I have always tied two overhand knots in my sleeving and have never had a slip, even with my large power kites.

Just un-do the knots that are on the shorter line, slide the sleeving the equal amount that the lines are uneven and then retie the knots. Cut off the excess. To measure your lines exactly, stake one end of your lines down on the ground with a ground stake (screw driver, rebar, tent stake, etc...) and then pull the other end against the stake to find out what the difference in the lines are. Measure that distance and then slide your sleeving up the short line the same distance & re-tie.

Re-adjusting your lines is pretty simple it just takes a little bit of time to get it done.

[John Barresi]

As a lazy option, if the difference isn't more than one or two inches, an additional knot or two into the sleeving of the longer line, on one or both ends.

Sorry, had to toss it out there... I don't like to spend a lot of time on my gear, and that's always worked for me.

If you've got more than a couple of inches excess though, you'll probably want to go ahead and move the sleeving.

[Toyguy]

Thanks everyone. I will take another stab at this tomorrow, weather permitting. I think there's too much difference to take it up with some additional knots so I will try to move the sleeve.

Dave

[ant man]

on new lines i do 1 knot untill they stretch and then add another once they are set.. after that i do 2 knots otherwise youll have to untie both knots every time you have to re level your lines