KITEBOARDING BARS & LINES
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Often overlooked, Bars & Lines are one of the most important components of your kite. Changing any one of the following Bar/ Line variables can make a huge difference in your kiting experience.
Line length-Longer lines generate more power but result in slower turning response. Shorter lines result in faster turning, but sacrifice some power. 20m lines or less are for specialized uses. 22 to 27 meter lines are very common.
Bar width-Wider bars make the kite turn more quickly while shorter bars do just the opposite. Consequently, fast-turning small kites are typically outfitted with narrow bars to help make them less sensitive to over-steering. Bigger kites are usually outfitted with wider bars to help them react more quickly. 10.0 kites and smaller go on an 18” bar. Mid-sized kites go on a 20” bar, and kites above 16.0 go on a 22” wide bar.
Configuration-2-Line bars allow the user to steer, but have no other way to control power in the kite. 4-Line Bars allow for some power control by changing the kite’s angle of attack, and use re-ride or rear-line leash safety systems. 5-Line systems work much like 4-Lines, but add more rigidity to the kite and more safety and convenience to the user. These systems can be used on converted 4-Line & dedicated 5-Line kites only. Pulley-depower systems are designed specifically for use on hybrid (supported leading edge) kites and allow a very wide range of depower.
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