Beginners tips and tricks

[RevRookie]

I tried the fishing line thing and even though they were spectra lines, they tangled instantly as soon as you turned your back. You could use it for your first pair of short lines - less length of line to have to untangle - but I doubt you will make a second set out of fishing line. I have mine at the bottom of my bag still, but the hassle of using them is just not worth it.

held og lykke

Kelly

[oapbillf]

Hi Kelly,

I used fishing line on small foils and on Revs before I got into team flying using LPG.

It is available in various breaking strains up to 100lb, and at 100lb that is all I ever used

and is a similar diameter to 90lb LPG if not a bit smaller.

Only go for the Crystal though, the coloured line tends to stain your fingers when winding up!

Bill

see image for package info

[RevRookie]

I used some yellow 50 pound because I wanted light a set of light lines and some green 100 pound - both different brands than yours. Neither coloured the fingers, but neither worked very well either because they weren't as slippery and liked to tangle. Like I said, they're at the bottom of the bag for emergency use only.

I think that when I next need lines I'm going to buy a large spool 333m or 1000+ feet and make my own. I would like to try coloured line though - the white lines on white snow or against the white cloudy sky are hard on the old eyes.

Kelly

[Wayne Dowler]

The only colored line I know of that's available now is Shanti Skybond. It is a yellow line, coated, slippery, handles well on the sand, seems to have pretty good longevity. Not sure if there are any from Europe or overseas. Skybond is available in 50, 100, 175. 250, and 350# strengths from AWOC. Most Rev fliers use either 50# or 100# sets depending on winds!

[RobB]

The Vector linesets that are commonly available in Europe are actually better than the Skybond, at least for me. Skybond is fine for 4 line kites, but I prefer Laser Pro or Vector lines for dual line kites...

[Hadge]

Climax linesets are coloured - yellow for the Professional and Orange for the Protec. Good linesets, very slippy and last ages - widely available in Europe.

[povlhp]

I have some cheap 100 lb, which is not too smooth, more like normal sewing thread. 4 strands. 500 meters for < $10. Think I could use it for other stuff as well.

But for heavier weights (200 lb) you can get 8 strands, which is like the normal kiteline, and the weave looks closer as well. Ordered a roll for SLK.

As for sleeves on the lines, I thought the main purpose was to help avoid the lines cutting the bridles (and the leaders), as the lines are thinner. It is easy to use a marker to color the lines to identify them.

[Wayne Dowler]

Sleeving was used to increase the knot strength in Spectra fiber lines. Some feel it still has a need, some do away with it altogether. Pretty sure any improvements in the line have lessened the need, but many still use it out of habit. I personally use sleeving on almost all my sets, except one outdoor and my indoor set. I tie a small cheater tab into my loops (all sets) for easy adjustment or breakdown. Since I make most of my sets, I use the core from the bridle line I use for sleeves, as tab material.I just make a small loop of core line and double larkshead it onto the loop. Then retie into the length I want, cut and burn the ends

I use a "Sharpie" to code my lines, easy to use and easy to reuse if needed.

For SLKs, the line is not as important as it is for your quad. Remember you are winding the quad up with wraps and still need to maintain control. As long as you feel the SLK's line is strong enough, it will do. But good quality line on your quad is a necessity!

[RevRookie]

Hadge - I like the look of that orange line. It would be visible against grass, snow or sky even with elderly eyes! Do you have a favoured distributor or shop that sells it over the internet? I'd like to pursue this.

Thanks

Kelly

[RobB]

I think the Climax lines are the same as the Vector lines that I was referring to above. The coloring in the lines fades to a pinkish color over time, and like the yellow Skybond lines, the color doesn't make them any easier for me to see. I got mine from SKD in Sweden when I got my Seven.

[hyzakite]

Wow! Looking at the pic of those Climax lines, all I can see is that Rev 1 Carl Robertshaw Masterpiece #2. I had some of the Berry Blue spectra but never had a chance to use it.

[Hadge]

Hadge - I like the look of that orange line. It would be visible against grass, snow or sky even with elderly eyes! Do you have a favoured distributor or shop that sells it over the internet? I'd like to pursue this.

Thanks

Kelly

They are good line sets. Tim Benson sells them at around £22 for a ready made set on the winder. I use to get mine from here - http://www.kiteparadise.shopfactory.com/contents/en-uk/d102.html

He also sells bulk rolls at a very good price if you don't mind making your own linesets - around £30 for a 100m spool. The guys name is Manni Kluge and he's a good bloke but I would email him before you order as it's a small one man outfit and I haven't seen him for a while so I'm not sure if he's still in business.

I think the Climax lines are the same as the Vector lines that I was referring to above. The coloring in the lines fades to a pinkish color over time, and like the yellow Skybond lines, the color doesn't make them any easier for me to see. I got mine from SKD in Sweden when I got my Seven.

I don't think they are exactly the same but they do fade to pink in time. They do last though, I bought a set secondhand 3 years ago and they are still going strong!

[povlhp]

Well, got my Rev-like handles from Germany. The ultralight aluminum in orange with my initials engraves. They bend a lot more than the freilein handles, and I have started flying with the lines on #2 knot (further away from handle) on both top and bottom. They are also longer than the Freilein handles.

This makes a huge difference in flying. I think the upper part is now closer to vertical when the kite hovers, And I feel like I can do things with much smaller hand movements. They made a much larger difference in flying than what I had expected.

[makatakam]

The right equipment will always help you fly better. Once you can feel the difference, begin making changes in your line settings. Most flyers eventually add more brake by attaching the top lines further out on the knots. It will give you better speed control, and decreases sudden movement caused by wind gusts.

Keep on flying, smile and don't forget to breathe.