Thanks for the ideas.
Windigo1 wrote: ↑Fri May 27, 2022 7:12 pm
I had one bar with this chicken loop same thing it cracked.. I replace it with another CL from another company that was a very easy thing to do.
It seems like all the newer loops have metal ends. What brand did you use?
Herman wrote:
I have had a similar CL. From the photo what is cracked is the abrasion cover. The real strength is in the dyneema. If you remove the cover from the small loop the dyneema loop that is left will still engage with the webbing tab.
I think I might wear out the dyneema in the small loop if I use it bare. The stitching on the webbing makes a scalloped edge. It also seems like the dyneema would grab on the webbing even more without the tubing to hold its shape.
Herman wrote:
The cracking may well be caused by chemical deterioration of the polymer used rather than wear ( diffusion of plasticisers and oligamers ). Obviously I can’t tell you what to do because it depends on the load you expect to put through it and the consequences of a failure. At least the dyneema of the small loop would be easy to inspect if it is exposed.
Last time I kited (nine years ago), I think I did one good waterstart, so I won't be trying to jump for a while. The local beginner spot has clean, moderate winds and isn't crowded. It seems like a CL failure in moderate wind shouldn't be a problem if no one is downwind of me. Has anyone had their bridles or lines get tangled after a chicken loop failure?
Herman wrote:
If there are cracks in the main loop or it is not sealed, sand can get in and reduce the life of the dyneema in the loop plus extra abrasion on the crack edges. These can be taped as a temporary measure to keep sand out.
The main loop has a wide crack. I can see the line and it doesn't seem frayed, but there isn't a way to check for sand inside the tubing. What kind of tape would hold up to water and abrasion?
Herman wrote:
Have a hunt at your local to find someone who understands and repairs this sort of thing. With the right skills it could easily be refurbished to a workable condition but the way forward has to be your decision!
PS I would have thought OR would sell replacement loops?? Just 2 screws to replace??
I'm still looking for a shop that can replace the CL. I thought it would be nice to have a stainless ring or thimble on the end, but it can't be too big or it would jam in my 1" diameter harness hook. If it's too small, the 3/4" webbing tab won't fit. Only other ideas so far are Gorilla tape and shrink tubing.
OR didn't know of any shops with old loops in stock.
evan wrote:
Also good to check if that bar has a single front line flagout.
If I am correct it has only a short double front line flagout, insufficient to kill a kite in stronger winds.
It does have a double line flagout. The mini-fifth line is about 209 cm from the above-bar swivel down to the depower pulley. Would 20 mph be too much for a 9.5 OR Prodigy with a rollover bridle?