SS leash failure

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

I modified my leash with some duct tape to keep it from releasing. Anyone else use this method?

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

yeah, good luck getting it to release when you need it to tho.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Jul 26, 10 7:44 am

What kind of leash and how did you modify it? The leash should work pretty well without modification. Duct tape gets hot and sticky in the sun which has the potential to jam stuff up, thereby negating the effectiveness of the leash when you might most need it.

99% of the time things are chill but it's that 1% that you have to account for. In 7 years I have only had one "oh shit, things are dangerously out of control moment (broke front line on 10m fuel) but I was so thankfull that while getting yarded upside down and backwards under water that I was able to cut away from everything. As it turns out, it's difficult to breathe underwater.

mxwllms · Since 26 Jul 2006 110 Posts Boring, Or Stoked

As sad as it is i had the same problem... just ditched the slingy leash and got one from Best... no more poping problems

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Yeah I know people have lost kites unhooking with these leashes. Usually after a long swim, the kite is OK. Duct tape works but is kinda lame to have to modify a leash. Too bad the good leashes like Cabrihna's or Bests can't be copied. Patent? must be expensive. Cabs ALWAYS releases. Never had an accidental release. SS I have seen it happen over and over to others and myself.

Last time it released I was in 50 degree water. not fun.

forrest · Tue Jul 27, 10 7:14 am

Before every trick, make sure your leash isn't stuck behind you on your harness somewhere. Don't compromise your safety by disabling the quick release.

Pepi · Tue Jul 27, 10 9:28 am

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

I've had my SS leashes release by accident with me a few times. Got to make sure that it is pushed down and secured tight before every ride. If it becomes unseated by even a 1/4 inch it is enough for the leash under load to release and come 100% undone. May be time to replace that leash of yours too...

Bettyboarder · Tue Jul 27, 10 10:34 am

You should check your leashes often. I had one stuck full of sand and crap and couldn't get it to release.

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Pepi, Betty, I hear you about checking the leash everytime you ride but if companies are going to set a standard they should make it a high one. With Cab I never even think about, it just works when I need it too.

Also an inadvertant release can be a dangerous thing.

Lets face it, The leash in question is cheap and easy to produce so lots of companies use it.

Its another example of kiter safety being sacrificed for a few chinese Yuan.

I noticed the new SS leash is smaller I guess for cost saving? Its a bit harder to visually find now. (although yellow color is an improvement)

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

You need to check your releases regularly, all of them. leashes are just like any other piece of equipment, you need to check em. My rule is to use the newest leash I have on my harness.
I take my newest slingshot leash and connect it to my harness. Everyday before I go out I check it by loading it and then reloading it. I feel for my knife, just to make sure I have it and the muscle memory to pull it out. Then I check my chicken loop by activating it and reloading it.
I don't know if anybody rock climbs, bikes or ski's, but don't you check your gear before you go out. It's a cop out and unfair to blame a brand for wear and tear on gear.
Buy and new leash. Very Happy

Pepi · Thu Jul 29, 10 7:36 am **Re: Safety System's Check, it's a standard**

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

Amen to that Pepi and bulae99!!! Checking my pulleys has saved me from being stuck riding towards japan or some other kitemares. Doesn't take long for a pulley to give you fits. I check my pulleys every single time I ride and have students do the same.

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

What does a slingy leash release look like?

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Well I am NOT ripping SS since I have bought their kites or bars and am very happy with them. I am simply stating the obvious for those who have tried other safety systems and know their are superior designs available.

I stand by my comments that the reason SS and many other companies use this leash is because its cheap. The Chinese will sacrifice safety to save a few pennies every time. Its just a fact of life. Just like they sacrifice your dog or baby for profit, they will do the same with Kites and bars/leashes. Thier margins are very tight, and pennies matter.

It's important for consumers to complain to distributors what needs to change. I applaud SS for its bars and kites which are a cut above the industry standard, and maybe the best available. I can easily replace thier weakness with a Cab leash, and I always do.

The standard should be the most reliable product with the LEAST amount of maintenance.

Do you check your tire pressure every day before driving? Well you should, but I bet not, because the reliability is so good.

Pepi you make a good point, but in my favor. Newbies have too much to think about while learning so a poorly designed leash only increases their chance of injury. This is especially true after a newbie accidentally releases the kite to leash a few times in deep water. Its hard to check a leash in deep water while trying to relaunch with a barge bearing down on you, I know this from experience unfortunately.

The fact is, while learning its hard to remember multiple things when under stress, that's why high safety standards are so important.