Cleated trim ropes

Jonpnw · Sun Jul 09, 17 6:47 pm **Cleated trim ropes**

Friendly reminder to those using cleated trim rope systems . Make sure you always cleat the rope and not just let the plastic dingle ball smash into the teeth . The plastic piece is for making the rope grab easier NOT to be a certified load stop .

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 892 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Good to know, thanks for the technical advice.

Very Happy

wallydog · Since 30 May 2012 229 Posts Stoked

Question is have you actually seen a slingy handle torn off the d-power end? That would be a bummer.

Jonpnw · Mon Jul 10, 17 9:33 am **Yes**

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2086 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4909 Posts Portland Unstrapped

always felt the kite performed best when sheeted in at least a few inches - good to know

Pepi · Mon Jul 10, 17 4:25 pm

Back when we sold SS products, we would add a small stopper ball just above the handle on the depower rope to help alleviate this issue and also prevent the finger pinching/cutting scenario that would commonly occur from the plastic around the cleat.

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

My instructor made is very clear that rope was to be cleated in at all times. He had his line go through the screws years before. He has been teaching for a long time, he has the knowledge. He said it was best to break the handle and tie a knot at the end. I always make sure my line is cleated in. The handle breaks easy with a hammer. A few hard hits and the handle is in pieces. I have replaced a few handles when replace the trim ropes.

wallydog · Since 30 May 2012 229 Posts Stoked

I have been doing the double de-power line as Nak suggested quite awhile ago in this forum. Excellent Slingshot bar upgrade. Really should try it. You can actually pull in or out on the de-power with ease at all times. I do not know why slingy doesn't just do this from the start. The new line is backed up with a figure 8 at the end of the handle. This should never let go.

Ho-Toe · Tue Jul 11, 17 5:23 am **Don't need to whack it with a hammer**

Jonpnw · Since 22 Jul 2010 1327 Posts Pacific Northwest XTreme Poster

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

I should agree the Philips head screw driver is best, that is until the screw head snaps off leaving the screw in the rope. I have the 2008 Slingshot Bars, about half of the time when I remove the screws from the handle, one will break off. Instead trying to get the screw out, I break the plastic handle and replace with new one I got from PEPI’s discount parts basket($5 handle). My time is better spend breaking the handle off and replacing it then trying to get a screw out. If you have a more modern bar, I would hope the screw would come out easier. My next set of kites will not have lower trim if I can help it.

happycamper · Since 11 Jul 2012 74 Posts white salmon

Anyone ever try putting some Velcro on the handle and then the body of the cleat/release mechanism? I hate having all that line swinging around when I'm depowered a lot. Yeah, I know, change to a smaller kite.

craz z · Since 01 Dec 2008 130 Posts Montana Stoked

I have multiple brand bars. I can say i'm not a fan at all of the velcro. It frays the shit out of the depower line. constantly pulling on threads as the velcro sticks to the depower line. Might be a good time to wax it maybe.

(I'm thinking some kind of magnet system would be the ticket for the dangle)

I know what you mean by pulling so much rope. With foiling its just the way it is sometimes. need power to get going and then don't need any of it when your on foil.

I too have been reminding people about pre-cleating before launching. Never had a pull through but certainly can happen. its a absolute struggle if it isn't cleated and you need to pull some in.

I think this thread is helpful even if it is common sense. Very Happy

Sella · Tue Jul 11, 17 11:15 am

Why not add a cup holder while were at it? Velcro, magnets, selfie sticks.....fuck ya Merica!

Or.....you get up to speed on the truth.

craz z · Since 01 Dec 2008 130 Posts Montana Stoked

We don't have the luxury of the gorge winds. Gusty to us is 0-50 last weekend i rode 3 kites within 4 hours and ran each to their edge from high to low.

Foiling has increased my use of the depower from no trim to full trim in as little as 1 mile long tack. along with full on terrifying can't stop overpowered followed by slogging and swimming in after the fun stops. I'm so ready for a steady wind gorge trip.

Under any other conditions like the TT or surfboard i would never touch the trim rope ever just change out kites if needed.

A gusty gorge day is our best day ever here (at least in the summer)! Spring/fall winds are much smoother and predictable but the water is cold. Very Happy

Sella · Tue Jul 11, 17 12:51 pm

Those are brutal conditions Craz....and yes we are spoiled in the Gorge but if our gusty days are your best days.......time to head West and come visit as it's been booming this month, finally. Thumb's Up