I see 2 options:
- get your extensions made with knots on one end. Could be also loop with knot like the universal pigtails.
- make slim pigtails like the one I just did to try it out. The black line is ~1,7mm, the spliced pigtail is 2mm. I used 300kg SK99. The pigtail can be shorter of course.
The original ELC System with unsleeved loops is safe. Armin does not recommend it for sleeved loops, the diameter is too big.
The ELC could be a neat and safer link between very thin racing lines and the FS mains with the ring. BC the cutting force of the thin lines is eliminated by the ELC if the thin line loops on the ELC first. Then the larks head of the thicker main around. Will try this with the race lines
I tried this method with Flysurfer rings ( the ones that they have at the end of the Main lines to connect lines) . I got a lot of tangles in my lines because of the weight of the rings and the fact that they grip the other lines.
Do not knot your kite lines it weakens it too much. Even if it doesn't break right away it's going to be a weak point. Use the pigtails which is kind of a pain like you said or bring them all the way thru like you have been doing.
I assume the knot will not create a weak point if you are only connecting to the figure 8 knot , since the tension of the larks head would dissipate some of the pull on the knot. Unless you use that lines loop to connect to another line on the other side of the knot? See attached diagram to hopefully better explain this- what do you think?
Learn to splice. Then you can make any kind of pigtail or connector you want. It's easy and fun and leads to a much better understanding of how lines and leaders and pigtails work. You can make up DIY bar systems quite easily using old bars and custom made leaders and trim lines and the rest.
Make yourself some mix and match line extension sets. Start with around 15m base line set, then make 6m and 3m extensions. Then you can have 15m, 18m, 21m and 24m lines. It's no real drama to feed through a 3m or 6m length of line.
Realistically, changing line lengths is more a novelty than a necessity. You'll find there is a small set of line lengths that give you desirable outcomes. The rest don't really matter that much. In that case you standardise on what you like and have purpose specific bars set for those lengths and configurations. Then you can choose your weapons for the day and go out and have fun.
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