waxing kite lines

[PurdyKiter]

Someone suggested putting melted paraffin wax on the lines that go through the control bar to reduce friction and wear on the lines.

Would this idea be a good one to reduce wear on all the kite lines?

What are the pros and cons?

A few years ago on this advice I purchase some Bow Wax. This is super hard wax and worked wonderfully in Washington State and northern part where the air (and beach) temperatures are not hot. But... then I went to Mexico and the instant I placed my bar on the sand it attracted a ton of sharp sand particles and wore out my center lines quickly.
I WOULD NOT advise this!

[Mossy 757]

Why are you guys applying a sticky material to your control system? Wax is basically just very hard glue, and glue+sand = equipment failure, if you don't melt your lines in the process.


It's amazing to me what people will try to do in order to avoid conducting proper preventative maintenance on life-dependent safety equipment

[merl]

Why are you guys applying a sticky material to your control system? Wax is basically just very hard glue, and glue+sand = equipment failure, if you don't melt your lines in the process.

Sticky? It's probably location dependent (type of sand if any, and ambient temperature). Has worked for me for 15+ years in the cool north, and I quickly notice the difference if I don't wax a centre line.

[wrogu]

There are special dynema line coatings produced by Marlow. Buying them is a different story.

[Baptiste_FR]

In my case, I only applied wax (for ski) on the trim rope. The result is not sticky and more rigid.
I've not tried it yet on the water (there's no wind at the moment).

[PurdyKiter]

In my case, I only applied wax (for ski) on the trim rope. The result is not sticky and more rigid.
I've not tried it yet on the water (there's no wind at the moment).

Next time you kite in the tropics with this setup you'll discover the error of this wax concept. Attracts sand like glue, then with each use of your control bar you're grinding this sand into the weave of the cords. Destroyed mine. It was a very hard Bow Wax at 60 degrees.. a sticky mess at 85 degrees.

[Baptiste_FR]

Next time you kite in the tropics with this setup you'll discover the error of this wax concept. Attracts sand like glue, then with each use of your control bar you're grinding this sand into the weave of the cords. Destroyed mine. It was a very hard Bow Wax at 60 degrees.. a sticky mess at 85 degrees.

I understand and maybe I did a mistake. But I live and ride in the Northern part of France with mostly wind during autumn and winter. So it should be ok. Next time I ride I'll give you an honest feedback and impression on this waxing thing.

[PurdyKiter]

Next time you kite in the tropics with this setup you'll discover the error of this wax concept. Attracts sand like glue, then with each use of your control bar you're grinding this sand into the weave of the cords. Destroyed mine. It was a very hard Bow Wax at 60 degrees.. a sticky mess at 85 degrees.

I understand and maybe I did a mistake. But I live and ride in the Northern part of France with mostly wind during autumn and winter. So it should be ok. Next time I ride I'll give you an honest feedback and impression on this waxing thing.

Loved wax at 47.6062° N Seattle Washington USA
Hated wax at 19.1138° N Manzanillo Mexico

[edt]

Wax doubles the life of my leaders and chicken lines. I'm in Michigan so it's good to know I'll have to give up wax if I move to Mexico. I do love Mexico but it would be so hard to give up winter. I really do love kiting on the ice and snow

[Baptiste_FR]

Loved wax at 47.6062° N Seattle Washington USA
Hated wax at 19.1138° N Manzanillo Mexico

Well, between waxed lines and warm weather, I'd probably choose the sunny beaches !