Thanks downunder
Some information in that thread, definitely, but also some "Quababble" he hee.
It was not very hydrofoil specific, so I would like to continue here (will change the title).
Also, I am not talking about the rear lines only - as most of us have WAY less load on the front lines when hydrofoiling.
Yes, the thinner rear lines are no good for reverse launch on land, which is often the only way to launch a light LEI kite in marginal winds.
But this can easily be addressed using a tad longer leader lines
This would be good anyways, so avoid lines getting cut if the hydrofoil should come into the lines - eventhough it doesnt really happen in these winds so not an issue.
Also, a hot launch LE up can be used instead, better in such really low wind.
I have never ever broken a "normal" line the last 15 years, and use them for some years (4 or more ?) kiting, but have several bars so of course not the same wear (but I get to ride 200-250 kites yearly so some "wear"
)
Only in the very early years, having some very low quality lines with doubtful origin, I had broken one in a (not very powered) TT jump, and also cut two frontlines when crossing lines on the water with another kiter
Some lines can get a bit of "fray" at the sleeving ends, if one is very harsh on the lines (rolling them towards yourself when packing up, instead of walking towards the lineends which is better), or if starting on tough ground.
But then you can just cut a bit of the end and they are good as new.
Disagree that only racers and not "freeriders" want thin lines.
Particularly when using long lines, it matters a lot more.
And why would we not seek the ultimate and best, or at least on some points no matter what our other choices are ?
Freeride is not the same a being a casual weekend warrior who dont care much about things, IMO.
Using a carbon bar, no safety, no heavy pads, lighter suit, lighter kites, low drag lines etc etc, in marginal winds
This is why I was thinking about something like, for average weights (one has to scale accordingly to own weight):
170 /100 kg.
130 / 100 kg
130 / 70 kg.
100 / 70 kg
It might be more than sufficient, and it might also be on the verge to break relatively easy ???
The highest load will come if a kite falls and catch up again on the way down - can happen in marginal winds, eventhough less load.
One could choose to "eject" the kite if this happens, if fast on the trigger, you will have to swim/drift ashore anyways in this wind.
It goes for both foil and LEI kites, same thing IMO, that thinner lines are a good thing.
I know this is impossible to say for sure, but there must be some having experiences with thinner lines and having broken these and in which circumstances, just to get an idea.
They might have to be changed more often (or not if flown till they break, in safe surroundings of course).
Peter