looking for bar to foil with

[tkaraszewski]

[loco4viento]

My favorite setup for many years. Works for any kite without having to launch and land multiple times to fine tune. Clean and simple.

[frequentflyer]

That system looks somewhat prone to causing death loops if one of the sides drops a loop, but if it’s working for thou that is nice and simple

[Onda]

I´m using the Kauper Pintxo Bar since about 1.5 years for foiling:
https://en.kauper-xt.com/bar

The original QR system is junk, I replaced it with two simple steel rings and the Infexion Seat-Belt QR.
The lines can be set to 15 / 18 / 21 / 24 m.
There is no depower rope, both front lines are going right through to the QR, protected by a 6 mm diameter PTFE hose where the bar is moving along the lines for depower throw.

The bar itself is really good for foiling. Super light (430 grams), with smart backline adjuster system hence no adjuster above the bar.
With the Peak4 kites, a super-light bar makes a lot of sense. Feels much better than a clunky bar from one of the large brands.

[nate76]

Here's a little video of the bars I've been building that I've been really happy with:




I've also experimented with terminating the outside leader lines with loops that go around posts - both work well. For my Shaman single skin kites, I've gone really minimal and got rid of the flagout and moved to simple knots on the leader lines for gross adjustment; otherwise there is plenty of depower just in the bar throw:

[Oldman_Dave]

I'm not sure why people feel they need ultra-lightweight bars for foiling. I have a very light carbon bar and it works ok, but it doesn't have the padded ends and bungie line holders that you get on normal bars. I don't feel the featherweight bar adds to the experience of kiting. The weight of any bar is trivial and the kite lines support most of it.

I kind of agree with this. For me there are a few really important factors that count much more than weight - in my order:

1. click in chicken loop (been stuck trying to wrangle old North/duotone system under water 1 handed.. no thanks
2. PU centre (I mostly foil 1 handed, no more rope between fingers)
3. Availability of metal V loop for rope slider
4. good rotation system to untwist centre lines (I do a lot of looping with peaks)
5. cost - not willing to pay a fortune
6. Good quality stiff lines (SK99 etc) I put this nearly last as most bars seem to cover this
7. Decent bar ends with built in line holders. I see how they do it with clouds but yeah nah not for me thanks

I went with North Navigator on my recent purchase. Would purchase again.

[OzBungy]

I´m using the Kauper Pintxo Bar since about 1.5 years for foiling:
https://en.kauper-xt.com/bar

....

I bought the Pintxo bar to try a carbon bar because so many people were raving about using carbon bars, and I liked the idea of the rear line trim. I've still got it and keep it as a spare.

I didn't find the lightweight bar much of an advantage. Many of the Pintxo systems seem like a good idea not very well executed.

I still can't see what all the fuss is about lightweight bars. Full fat bars are simply not heavy enough for the weight to be an issue.

The concept of needing a special bar just for foiling is bizarre. I can't for the life of me think of anything about foiling that demands a special bar.

To an extent the same is true of kites. Yes foil kites and lightweight kites have certain applications, but in general I do just fine with 3 strut surf kites. My favourite moderate wind kite is a 5 strut. It is a constant source of amusement to watch people flailing about with their special no strut kites and zero skills. They would be far better off using standard gear and riding more.

One thing I am loving at the moment is my 60cm bar, particularly with kites down to 4m. It's just pure joy to carve a turn onto a wave and completely ignore the kite. When I need to the kite to come around I tweak the end of the bar and the kite flicks over and races across the window to join me. Sooooo much fun.

[Jyoder]

Minimalism+1

[OzBungy]

Minimalism+1

What do you do for a safety system?

[Jyoder]

Minimalism+1

What do you do for a safety system?

Not needed. Too many accidental releases. Foil only, when kite correctly sized, just letting go of the bar is enough.