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Length of lines

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wannakitesurf
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Length of lines

Postby wannakitesurf » Tue Apr 02, 2013 7:45 am

Hi,

Generally, would you use the same length lines for a 9m and a 12m?

Whats the purpose of changing your line length and when would it be considered?

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Re: Length of lines

Postby BigPaul » Tue Apr 02, 2013 10:33 am

Basically Yes, you can use the same bar and line for your quiver. as for shorter or longer lines, this is for much better kiters than me. I'm just happy to get out on the water on kit I trust as it's set as it's supposed to be.

That said i'm a weekend warrior, the much more advanced kiters will give you the reason why :D

Happy surfing buddy

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Peter_Frank
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Re: Length of lines

Postby Peter_Frank » Tue Apr 02, 2013 10:53 am

wannakitesurf wrote:Hi,

Generally, would you use the same length lines for a 9m and a 12m?

Whats the purpose of changing your line length and when would it be considered?
Normally you would use the same line length for a 9 and a 12m2.

The behaviour changes dramatically, when you change line length.

Often many prefer somewhat shorter lines in waves, as the "reaction" time is shorter and you can change direction (redirect the kite) very easy and fast.

For low winds - longer lines are preferred.
You get a longer sweep thus you can get more power "on demand" so to speak, and it will generally be much easier to work through lulls now, with minimum work.

For general riding TT and freestyle, it is personal preference whether you want a bit shorter or longer lines.

Too short, and the kite becomes too much on/off and dont feel right :wink:
Too long, and the kite will get a "saggy" delayed feel, and dont feel right :wink:

:D Peter

wannakitesurf
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Re: Length of lines

Postby wannakitesurf » Tue Apr 02, 2013 11:04 am

thanks guys

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Starsky
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Re: Length of lines

Postby Starsky » Tue Apr 02, 2013 1:28 pm

Line length is one more variable that you will figure out in time. Peter outlined it well.

If you have more than one bar its a great idea to have different length lines on them. Gives you one more way to bridge the gap between kite sizes, cater to different locations, conditions, and even board/riding style.

Longer in lighter conditions, shorter in higher winds and waves.

Ive heard it said many times that every three meters of line length helps improve bottom end power by about a meter of kite size. Just gives you a longer power stroke, so that relates to working the kite around for power and not so much the static parked pulling power of the kite, although longer lines also allow the kite to get up further in the wind gradient to more wind. In spring we often get doming conditions where there is almost no wind down at water lever, but its obviously crankin up high. Long lines can save a session, just dont drop the kite as relaunch is often imposible.

Conversly in high winds, short lines will tame everything a bit. The length of the power boost from gusts is cut short as the kite gets to the edge of the window nice and quick. No lisence to take out your twelve in 30 knots, but it can make a session on the top end of a kites range much more comfortable and fun.

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Re: Length of lines

Postby Michelks » Tue Apr 02, 2013 2:34 pm



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