Thinking of running a set of short lines this winter to increase my wind range. How much more should I expect and how short to go? Was thinking 20-22m.
Currently ride to 30kts 8m Catalyst and 6'0 Wam
Dimitri supplies a set of 15m lines with his kites now, so you have the option. Standard length are fitted to bar at purchase.
He loves riding short lines
You should be able to find out more on his site.
What's your current wind range on your 8m?
Down side of short lines is you'll feel the gusts a lot more.
I run all my kites on 21m lines except my 14's on 25m had both the Park and Trx 8m out in 40knots and my escape and fury 9m out in 36-38 so the shorter lines work well and its real gusty here, majority of winter rides can be anywhere in the 20-40knot range,tried the 25's on the smaller kites but never liked them dont think 15's would be any good in the lulls,prob be ok in real consistant wind though.
Is that on a surfie or a TT, I'm near 90kg and know the 8m Cat with 25's will be good to 40+ on a TT and 30 on a surfie.
Short lines can give you the ability to use the one kite in a wide range of conditions
This can make a great option when travelling as you can take 2 bars instead of 2 kites
eg - take a 10 m kite with long lines ( std - 23 m ) for lighter conditions
when the wind gets stronger - drop line length to 16 -
therefore using one kite - and two bars can make travelling a lot lighter
Ian Aldredge rides 16m lines a lot of the time
kite just becomes more jumpy in the wind and you get a fair bit more top end out of the kite when you got the control for it. i wouldnt go shorter than 18s, i used the schools 15s a few times for a laugh in 25 - 30 and it was still a bitch to ride with them on a TT, would be fun on a surfy though.
WRT loops it just makes it easier to get the kite lower in the loop and less drag from the lines lets it fly up faster to catch you better. imo if you loop properly and get the kite low, short lines often give a lot more aggressive power than long lines. i think its just to do with the increased turn and forward speed of the kites. just need to be more lit up before they start working well that's all.
Yeah just looking for a substitute for a six, might go 20's and see how it goes.
Loops look savage on short lines, think I'd want flat water instead of Pinnachop for loops.
Do you still have a two line, Steve? Maybe I need to borrow it to really advance my freestyle
Two liner and Phil's Bic board would look like a time warp!
My setup is not too different than yours:
I have a 10m and 8m catalyst, and 6m park, 20m and 25m bars, ride a 510 wam, and weight 75 kg.
I must say the difference in the bars is expressed in my opinion in about 2kt.
on 25 knots i get overpowered and its hard for my to ride waves, and that's about when I switch to the 6m.
18-20 is around when I switch to the 8m (about 18 with 25m lines, and 20 for 20m lines).
I must say, that my 20m bar does not work well with the park, only the 25m.
Never tried using a setup with shorter lines.
I hope this helped you out!
i have no short line advice. but my little 6m reo loves 30plus. its a mad little kite that makes extreme conditions easy.
The smaller park shoots out ofthewindow too much on 20m lines. A lot smoother on 25m. I like the 10m park on 20m lines on surfboard. Less slack in the lines when going down the line and faster turning.
