so... umm... yeah- i'm new- don't laugh too hard.

bajnhmj · Since 18 Aug 2006 9 Posts Kook

I don't want to break myself or my stuff, so I am going to ask this question BEFORE pumping up the kite...

I recently acquired an 03 SS and bar from a friend. I have taken a couple of lessons and am familiar with the rigging of the kites I've flown, but each kite is different- so here's my question:

The left line attaches to a ring and the bar came with a leash attached to the same ring. In the interest of safety and being able to ditch the whole thing in the even that it goes horribly awry, where should the other end of the leash be attached?? And please correct me if i'm wrong, but with a trim cleat, you pull in the front lines to allow more wind to escape the canopy...right?

I think I'm prepared for the laughter... so let it flow! If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at??

skydiveblake · Since 28 Jun 2006 63 Posts San Diego

No one is laughing at you. Please get another lesson, or you will surely die - with any luck, you won't take anyone with you.

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

Careful with that outdated bar too, the shackle on the chicken loop can get fouled on itself when you release it.

Another lesson sounds paramount and some more modern gear wouldn't hurt!

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

Get a newer leash with a release that is hooked to your spreader clip loop since you are using rear/steer line leash. That leash has no safety release, unles you get a shackle to clip it to, but a new leash would be cheaper. Most here who have ridden for years have at one time used that leash. Now days it is considered not up to par, as far as leashes go. good luck, Twisted Evil

and get a new leader for the right side , no knots is nice. Rolling Eyes

NateDogg · Wed Sep 27, 06 3:44 pm

Alright, you pretty much have it right. White knob shortens your FRONT lines, depowering the kite fully. It's more of just a general adjustment though, do it once and then manipulate the power with the bar. That clip on your leash attaches to your harness normally, so when you release the bar the kite is killed to one line but still attached to you.

What I would do, and this is coming from an instructor, is get one more lesson with the gear you now have. That way you can not only get skilled on the gear you'll use eveyday, but the instructor can check things like the safety, rigging, line wear, etc.

NateDogg · Wed Sep 27, 06 3:45 pm

Yeah, good point. Get a newer leash with a release. I've used mine too, and once is all it takes

bajnhmj · Since 18 Aug 2006 9 Posts Kook

And I realized I forgot to mention that I am NOT planning on just launching the kite and learning on my own. I will most likely take lessons until the instructors refuse my $!! Smile

The new leash comments are exactly what I was thinking. That's why I posted the question- it just didn't seem safe having something hard-lined to me. The way I figured it, free kite + lessons = beat the crap outta the free kite and then buy a good one.

Wow you guys are quick on this forum- appreciate the tips everyone!

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

the item you are seeking is the slingshot surefire spreader bar. poke around and you'll find it.

this is a spreader bar / leash combo that works with any harnass. the leash releases under load. the harnass hook also releases under load (effectively negating concerns about the chicken loop QR)

i rode a fair bit with that exact set-up. imho just ditch the simple clip leash, use the leash that's integrated into the ss spreader, and treat the QR on the chicken loop as "double-emergency back-up" and you're all good.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

I'd have to agree about NOT running the Slingy Surefire spreader bar too (and I love SS stuff), but as everyone else has said, get a new leash with an emergency release (the new '06/07 SS one is clean, but definately isn't as tough as the '05).

And also, depending on how long you're planning on using this bar setup, you may want to think about upgrading the chicken loop... The one that's currently on it will for surely work, but it's kind of dated. For some reason there's no lower stopper ball..? That's not a huge issue either as one could be added, but if you're going that far, you might just want to change out everything up to your front lines. The '04/05 SS "Clip & Ride" would work awesome (what came factory on my '05 bars), especially since you aren't running a 5th line, but the '06/07 SS "Lock-N-Load" is a nice piece too (their emergency releases were improved dramatically over what you've got).

I dunno, just something to think about... Here's a few old pics if you aren't sure what I'm talking about.

My '05 4 line bar on top... JP's '05 Oneline bar on bottom. The '05 Oneline upgrade utilizes the OEM Clip & Ride, so as you can see, the emergency release is the same.

The '06 (and basically '07) Lock-N-Load which JP now has on his Oneline bar. Sorry don't have my own picture with the bar...

Here's the old post if you wish to read more in depth:
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-1142.html&highlight=slingshot+oneline

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Also for safety, rig a 5th line, or try and make a center line re ride system, that will work a little better. I would recomend just buying a new bar, already set up for fith line. You will be stoked you did later.

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

What ever you do don't use the 06 slingy chicken set up in kats second photo. The chicken line is very thin and not nearly up to snuff. get a 05 one if you can , but I would go with the surefire spreader/ leash until you start doing crazy kiteloops ect.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

All that is very true,
the sure-fire does break after 6mos or so ,(My Dakine spreader hook broke after about the same amount of time) ,,so when the rust shows it's time to go,but they are good up to that point. When they do break it's likely the kite will be ripped out of your hands .
But these will release in a powered emergency and compared to other shackle types they are cheap insurance for a sticky problem ,and the dealer GAVE me a new one
One broken in 3 yrs.
If I had all that crap on my trim loop i'm sure it would have released many times more .Those plungers and donkey dicks look like trouble to me
I like my trim loop to be smooth and clean and not easily triggered
I use 1/4 " Spectra with a stainless ferrel in bar, they last about 6 mos. cost is $3
I'm 220 lbs. and ride often

Tony · Since 28 Aug 2006 940 Posts Portland Opinionated

Bajnhmj,

No laughs here dude...Remember bro..."Ghetto gear is better than no gear.'' .....But keep in mind to keep yourself safe and others around you at all times......

Peace out...! Wink

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

for this guy i was thinking the surefire spreader bar because it has two quick releases that he needs. one on the hook (so he doesn't have to use the outdated QR on his chicken loop) one on the leash (that really everyone ought to have).

after watching blowhard and registered crank their kites through the powerzone and go screaming down the line at 100mph for the last two summers i am thinking surefire spreader is strong enough for most mortals.

personally i don't like any of the chicken loop QR's i've seen and using the surefire spreader's QR seems like the best solution to me. (check it for rust like bh says).

whatever --- one man's opinion. Bajnhmj it sounds like you're clued enough to sort it out.