NWFlyer Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 I'd like to get opinions, (just for my own curiosity) what is the shelf life of spectra or any other line for that matter. Like to hear from the "regulars / Long time fliers" or anyone with an opinion? yes I know what they say about opinions BUT this is kite stuff ) Is there any way to tell if the line is still safe to use for the kite and others? John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makatakam Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 I don't think that Spectra has actually existed long enough yet for anyone to determine how long it will last before deteriorating without being used. I am still using an 80-foot set that I started out with six years ago. It is a bit "fuzzier" than it used to be, but still works. I am nearly certain that you'll wear it out before it goes bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadge Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 As long as it's sensibly stored - out of direct sunlight, avoiding excessive heat/humidity - it should store practically indefinately. Once you start using it, well thats a different story depending on brand- some lines wear much more quickly than others - I've heard of some pilots changing lines after as little as a 12-18 months! I have a set of Climax lines which are at least 5 years old ( I've had them 3 years and bought them used) and while faded are still fine. I've just bought some Scectra lines so time will tell. The only real way of testing the actual strength of line is to break test a length of it with a big set of scales. Remember the poundage quoted is usually the minimum breaking strain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWFlyer Posted July 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 Nice, Thats kinda what I was thinking. I'm still flying kites with line that is 4-5 yrs old. Seems to be okay still :-> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makatakam Posted July 5, 2014 Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 If the line starts looking grey, secure it well to the winder, put it inside of a sock, and throw it in the machine with your wash. Skip the dryer, let it air dry. Comes out looking almost new, and should give you at least one extra twist before binding. I have also used silicone spray to make it slicker, but you have to let it dry COMPLETELY or it will pick up dirt really fast. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWFlyer Posted July 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 I like that, washing with the socks, pretty cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
--Pete Posted July 5, 2014 Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 Kevlar™ (Du Pont) is particularly subject to UV degradation. Leaving it in direct sunlight (or fluorescent light) for any length of time will drastically weaken it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makatakam Posted July 5, 2014 Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 I like that, washing with the socks, pretty cool Note that you want to put it winder and all INTO a sock. The reason you put it inside a sock is so should it come loose from the winder it doesn't get tangled very badly, and the sock should be secured by tying it a tight knot to keep the line from coming out or secured with a heavy-duty rubber band or string. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWFlyer Posted July 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 OoO yea, I can only imagine the "ball" you would have if it wasn't inside the sock.... Thanks Pete, I didn't realize fluorescent light gave off UV. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Dowler Posted July 5, 2014 Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 Team flying presents a whole different perspective - we replace lines when they start to show real binding during wraps! Good spectra lines last a long time, but beach flying, team flying, can eat into the lifespan! If you're flying either dualie or quad, look at how "fuzzy" the lines are! They tend to bind faster than newer lines!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWFlyer Posted July 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 Thanks Wayne, I have noticed a kind of "ratcheting" feel when there are more than just a couple of wraps. Haven't noticed any fuzzy stuff though. I'm not at that team flying level either. BTW how did Lincoln City go? John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Dowler Posted July 5, 2014 Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 I guess I'll ask how many wraps?? Some lines are more sensitive than others when it comes to wrapping! LC was a gas - plenty of wind Saturday, demos went well! Sunday started off light, no big stuff in the air, but my Zen pulled through and let me demo! Then the wind picked up and the team was able to demo, no problem!! I stayed Monday and flew an X/V pretty much all day!! Delayed the PFD by at least a couple days! And flying with the rest of the team and some others on the 4th didn't hurt either! PS: PFD = post festival depression 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWFlyer Posted July 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 Sounds like LC was good. The "ratcheting" feel starts at about 3-4 wraps and gets noticeably worse after that esp if I add excessive wraps by trying to unwind the wrong way. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadge Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 Sounds like LC was good. The "ratcheting" feel starts at about 3-4 wraps and gets noticeably worse after that esp if I add excessive wraps by trying to unwind the wrong way. John Are these new lines? if so they may need flying in a little as 3-4 wraps isn't much - my old Climax sets will take 20 + wraps before they even start to bind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amexpmh Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 There is a lot of LaserPro Gold versus Skybond debate but the Skybond definitely handles the wraps better, slicker than LPG. I use and like both but Skybond handles the twists better. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWFlyer Posted July 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 Hadge, these lines are probably at the least 4 yrs old, maybe more. Time flies 2. Thanks Amexpmh, I kinda like what I've been hearing and reading about the Skybond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobB Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 The Climax lines that Hadge mentions are great lines to get a hold of. They are just as slick as Skybond, but they aren't as springy. My old Climax lines are faded from the sun, fuzzy from wear, but can still wrap 10-15 times before I feel much binding. When they were new, I wrapped them 25+ times before they started to get sticky. I don't know if anyone sells them in the US, but shipping from Europe isn't that expensive for a lineset. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWFlyer Posted July 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 Thanks Rob, I'll check on that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makatakam Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 Are the Climax lines made of spectra? Do they play well with LPG? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadge Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 Are the Climax lines made of spectra? Do they play well with LPG? Climax lines are made of Coramid which is a type of spectra type fibre "Most climax sport kite lines are manufactured from CORAMID. CORAMID is a high quality brand fibre among others such as Dyneema or Spectra. CORAMID has the same basic characteristics as these (i.e. melting point) but performs better in all other areas. climax® lines are different to conventional sport kite lines. A special braiding technique, through and through impregnation and a special polishing process give braided climax lines their unique characteristics. The fibres have a tighter alignment and line surface becomes smoother and harder. A tighter braid reduces line cross-section by more than 50%. This results in a minimum of wind resistance (drag), and forces acting on your climax kite line are distributed more evenly among the individual fibres." They last very well, all of my line sets are at least 3 years old and still fine. I just bought a set of 80' x 110lb protec lines which cost £20 ( abound $30?) and I wouldn't think shipping would be too expensive. If you want the details of agood supplier send me a PM ( I don't know if I can put direct links on the forum). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWFlyer Posted July 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 Wow, I'm sold! Sounds great...... PM me with that link too please. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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