Handle for Trim System

[chaosgate]

For those who've built their own rigging and/or have experience with lots of bars, what has been your experience with the different ways to finish the end of the trim rope?

Normal commercial bars usually have a handle at the end of the trim strap, and a bungee inside to keep the line short, but the trim range is usually very low (maybe 10-20cm), so it's not that useful compared to sheeting in/out.

Some race bars just have a long string with a knot or ball at the end (such as the flysurfer race bar), but in my experience the line ends up wrapping around the depower line as soon as you do anything besides traveling in a straight line.

The F-One Foil bar has a ring around the depower line, which probably solves the line wrapping issue, but I wonder if the depower is still smooth and doesn't get tangled. Does anyone have any experience with this?


I'm trying to find the "best" way to finish my current bar that allows for a lot of trim range, but doesn't result in tangles.

[evan]

Fone solution is dangerous, the loose loop can wrap around the bar or harness hook when trimmed fully.

And indeed, the long loose rope can be annoying, that's why most keep it in one of their hands constantly.


On our Infexion bars we stiffened the trim line in such way that it is still flexible enough to feel like a normal rope but automatically springs back straight when wrapped around the bar or leader lines so it can't get stuck anymore.

On the freeride bars we keep the loose end just long enough to grab, like 10-15cm. Combined with the stiffened trim line it is the most elegant solution compared to a heavy handle on a bungee.

[Herman]

I have only seen the stuff already mentioned and I don’t think there is a miracle solution out there. If you want a trim that feels smooth it needs to be 3or4 to one with a good pulley or slider system and positive cleat, but this means handling a long tail, hence race bar handling techniques. It just comes with the territory of big foil or LEI kites. Personally I would sooner have a free end to handle rather than the risk of a droopy loop as mentioned above. On the bright side you may find you trim less as you gain experience depending on your riding style. Small kites often don’t even need trim if you use a large bar throw imho.

[Smeagle]

Some race bars just have a long string with a knot or ball at the end (such as the flysurfer race bar), but in my experience the line ends up wrapping around the depower line as soon as you do anything besides traveling in a straight line.

On a race kite with race bar, you have to work with depower all the time, the line is long enough to reach the bar and hold the end in your hand. It also gets extremely long because of the ratio is bigger than 2:1 on most race bars.

I just let some line end "tangle". Nothing at the end, in my experience any kind of ball/weight at the end will only add "swing mass" which can cause tangles. Yes, the line will sometimes wind around the depower-line, but I just grab it at the adjuster and can pull it out in case I need to operate it. I am happy with that, it is very clean and I never got a tangle or any other problem with that.

- Oliver

[Windigo1]

I have 2 old Liquid Force bars that have velcro on the handle and velcro on the side of the cleat you stick the handle on the cleat it works but most times I don't bother doing it.

[alpaia]

The most practical i did on diy bar was a sheeted depower rope with a spliced loop at the end.
Like evan said it is stiff and has no weight so it does not tend to wrap around the rest.