Swivel or not to Swivel, That is the Question.

[jerryaldoroty]

Getting ready to launch my first dual line kite. I've logged 100's of flying hours on single line kites and have always used swivels on the line to the kite. What about on stunt kites?

Thanks!

- Jerry

[--Pete]

If you are using braided line (not twisted) and wind and unwind your lines without adding twists (on and off a card-type or figure-8 winder), you can do without swivels. Just use a lark's-head knot to attach the lines.

You will be checking your lines for equalization periodically, so the few twists you get from turning over a handle or wrist/finger strap occasionally will be released then.

You always "unwind" the wraps before landing with a dual-line (or a quad-line) kite before landing and putting things away, so you don't introduce twists by flying.

Unless you are pathologically careful (like me) about letting out and winding in single line kites, you will introduce twists in the line, and swivels are useful there.

[jerryaldoroty]

Thanks Pete. BTW, do you recommend learning to control the dual line kite on short lines (10') in 0 wind conditions? - Jerry

[--Pete]

Thanks Pete. BTW, do you recommend learning to control the dual line kite on short lines (10') in 0 wind conditions? - Jerry

NO!

[Hadge]

Thanks Pete. BTW, do you recommend learning to control the dual line kite on short lines (10') in 0 wind conditions? - Jerry

Unless you have a very specialised kite you just won't be able to fly in 0 wind let alone learn how to control your kite. Start off with lines around 60'-80' and a nice steady wind around 6-12 mph. You'll pick up basic control very quickly - remember if you think you are going to nosedive into the deck run towards the kite!

[jerryaldoroty]

OK. Very much appreciate the reply and instruction. - J

[Reef Runner]

The longer your flight lines, the more reaction time you will have, when things begin to go South. As Hadge mentioned, when it's inevitable that you are going to crash, move toward the kite [fast], and do not pull on the lines. Sometimes, things will happen so quickly, especially when you are learning, that this may be difficult. When you are a bit unsure and feeling your way alone, quite often, the kite will react to incorrect input, before your brain can kick in, and suggest a corrective action. Needless to say, standing your ground, while pulling on the lines, will only drive the errant kite into the ground, that much faster & harder, greatly increasing your chances of damaging your kite, and nobody wants that, for sure

[Dust]

Also have a buddy go out to the field with you to help speed up relaunches and untangles without having to put down your lines.