Sleeved lines

[Browser]

I keep seeing mention of sleeved line sets on web ads for kite shops. Every kite I have owned thus far has not had any kind of sleeving on the lines (from what I can tell), so can someone enlighten an ignorant as to (a) what sleeving is and ( what it is for please? :confused!:

[monkey]

Sleeving is usually a thin dacron sleeve cover the ends of the lines. Its for strength at the weakest point, the connection to the kite and handles. Some people like it, some don't! Personally, I have my outdoor sets sleeved, and my indoors sets are not

[John Barresi]

The old belief is that Spectra line weakens by 60% when tied in a knot by itself... Hence, sleeving.

A lot of pro competitors and fliers don't bother with sleeving however, and roughly 80% of my lines are actually sleeved... In 15 years, I've only broken unsleeved lines at the knot once.

Sleeving definitely makes it easier to take your lines on and off though.

[Jason Paul]

I'm sure you know this John, but for anyone that doesn't:

For unsleeved lines, tie an overhand knot at the end of the loop - leaving just a small tag of line protruding. This gives you a "handle" to grab onto for pulling your larkshead loose. Just grab the little tag and pull.

Jason

[John Barresi]

Aye, agreed.

[audioRob]

I only sleeve my quad lines otherwise the whole left right up down thing can get confusing at times.

otherwise just unsleeved with the pigtail.

Only certain knots change the strength of the line btw. 60% is an estimate for a typical overhand knots. There are other knots that range from 0% (slip knots) and other's that get very close to 100% depending on the type of line and directionality of pull. Get a good knot book and study

[Jason Paul]

Interesting - all my dual sets are sleeved, but my quads are not (well, two are, but I don't use them much).

I just color a bit of the loop with a marker to identify top from bottom. My left and right stay separated anyway, because I larkshead tops/bottoms together after flying.

Also, I've bumped up to 150# line to compensate for potential weakness caused by the knots.

I can almost guarantee that sleeving will trip you up with throws.

Jason

[audioRob]

Interesting - all my dual sets are sleeved, but my quads are not (well, two are, but I don't use them much).

I just color a bit of the loop with a marker to identify top from bottom. My left and right stay separated anyway, because I larkshead tops/bottoms together after flying.

Also, I've bumped up to 150# line to compensate for potential weakness caused by the knots.

I can almost guarantee that sleeving will trip you up with throws.

Jason

We'll see. Right now I cant even get the kite out far enough for tangles to occur.

I have a good idea for getting rid of such problems though

[Tedrick]

All my lines are sleeved to allow for rapid lineset changes. Also makes identifying left and right a cinch, which to me is very important, especially under competition conditions.

[eplea]

Browser,

I sent you a PM with a couple blurry photo's

Hopefully the above replies and my PM will give you a better idea what sleeving is and what it's used for.

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Ed