Kite Lines

[Impulse Flyboy]

I've been wondering exactly what the difference between kite line brands are. Specifically I'm wondering about a set of ES/55 Blue Line I recieved instead of a Laserpro gold line i ordered from a problematic vendor. They're both made with spectra line, but the Blue Line product is braided....and ...blue

So what are the difference between laserpro gold/sport, Blue Line, Dyneema, or shanti lines? And should I really be all that concerned?

Impulse Flyboy

[Dorsal]

I believe (from my personal experience) the ES/55 Blue is a step up from the Laserpro Gold, or at least equivalent. You might occasionally get a little blue tint on your hands while rolling up the lines, but that's it.

They are both Spectra, both will take a dozen twists before you start to feel any drag on the handles at all, and both require figure-eight knots for everything because they are so slick.

I'd feel it was an even trade from the vendor, 'cause the differences in price vary from store to store.

Then I'd find a decent vendor! What end of the states are you from? Do you need a suggestion or two? Email me if you need names.

[audioRob]

Blue line is faaarrr inferior IMO. I can feel it wrapped very quickly, 10 wraps and you start to struggle pretty bad.. LPG ive been able to get up to 20 and still have little/no troubles flying and tricking.

I must mention I have 50lb blue line I use for light winds normally. The lighter weight stuff feels much more responsive than LPG... still doesnt wrap well.

Either way laser pro can kiss my behind now. Cant stand it.. lost 2 quad linesets due to crappy quality and they tangle soooo easily. Oh well, im on the search for new lines

[John Barresi]

I'd say the kiting crowd is 50/50 split between Lazer Pro Gold (LPG) and Shanti line... LPG tends to leave a white residue behind sometimes though.

I recently read where someone described LPG like waxy dental floss, a little flatter braid... And the Shanti as "silkier", or a smoother braid.

Blue Line is quickly working their way into the bargain bin, in the back of the shop.

[Impulse Flyboy]

Very interesting. I'm pretty sure I'm stuck with this set so it's good to know it's not just dental floss lol.

I get the feeling my vendor decided since I was buying an ultralight that the BlueLine would be a better choice. Luckily this set of lines is for a 2-line ultralight so I can't imagine putting that many twists in it. I guess I learned a lesson without about this vendor without too much damage.

In response to Dorsal, this is the 3rd vendor I've dealt with and the only one that I've had any trouble with, so I think I'll just stick to the ones that have better service.

In response to AudoRob, I have an M-quad which uses braided Dyneema lines and I've found that once you get that thing spun round too far, your pretty much shackled. I'll do my best to use those Dyneema lines on the ultralight and compare them with the BlueLine and give you guys an update (whether you like it or not lol )

From the sales pitch Shanti lines makes, they believe they are the best out there, is that really true?

Thank you all for the great info

Impulse Flyboy

[Tedrick]

Well, as you've seen, everyone has an opinion on kite lines . In my experience, BB is FAR superior to LPG. I fly mostly at the beach, so everything I fly is subject to get some sand in or on it. I've had sets of BB last for more than a year of regular flying. The few sets of LPG that I have used frayed, started binding sooner when wrapped, and wore out way faster than any other type of line I've used. Plus, LP always insisted on using sleeving that was way too big and wouldn't hold a knot, meaning the lines required constant re-equalizing. When my LPG linesets wore out (which they did quickly), I replaced them with BB.

In my opinion, that kite vendor did you a huge favor .