kite leash issues

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

I have a few issues with my 2007 slingshot kite leash...

The caribiner to clip on seems to grab other lines in the process of releasing the kite. This can be helped somewhat by clipping it in so that the open end of the hood faces away from other lines, but it still poses a risk of not being able to flag out the kite in my opinion (also recal a picture of the caribiner hook hooking a guys hand http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-6010.html)

Also, the emergency release seems backward to me (it required pulling the red slider toward you rather than pushing it way from you) This means that if there is not a huge amount of tension on the leash, it will require both hands to disconnect the leash from your harness (or do I have it connected backwards??)

Are there specific reasons the leash is designed this way? are there different/safer leashes available this year?

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 03, 08 12:45 pm

I don't know about all that but I do know that the old clip style leashes can easily open when cross loaded. Like, so easy that they are practically worthless.

in terms of the direction of pull out, it is easier to pull something towards you than it is to push something away (you just have more strength that way). Your correct about the tension but I can't think of a situation where you would want to cut away everything when there wasn't any tension.

Letting everything fly should be the last of the last ditch efforts to avoid serious injury. I really haven't seen a better leash than the SS one.

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

http://kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2343596&hilit=gated

This issue was just discussed in another thread, but I can't find it right now, so the above link is to a similar discussion on Kiteforum referring to those open gated snap shakles.

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

If you are unhooked with your back to the kite and let go of bar (ie missed HP) - the red slider can get pulled on your harness and release Evil or Very Mad

. See ya - there goes your kite. This has happen 3X to me. Bad design IMO