20m lines vs 23m lines

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

I noticed a few brands going to 20m lines in recent years.

I'd submit that I love having the option of riding 20m lines, I've had a 20m line bar around for 5 years now. However, 23m lines have been my goto setup for years.

I like that some brands ship with extensions, and let you make the decision. That way if you get 2 or more kites, you can make a bar into a short line bar and another into a regular length bar.

I'd just submit that long lines and short lines both have their place in different conditions, and different styles of riding. I don't think it necessarily is tied to the wind speed either. I have had some awesome times on short lines on bigger kites strapless, and have had great times on tiny kites and longer lines (dangling.)

Overall I've noticed that a kite is more a kite when your lines are long, and its more a sail when your lines are short.

Anyway, just some random thoughts as I try to replace my 17" 23m line set that I left at Stevie a week ago, ack!

Chooch · Mon Aug 09, 10 1:14 pm

Yeah I never though different line lenghts could be so much fun. Love riding my 17m lines in the surf....and when I really like a challange I put on my 7m lines. Twisted Evil

marybear · Since 06 Aug 2007 75 Posts thehood

first thing i do with a brand new bar is take it to the operating room
crop the lines down to a nice 17m short lines =LEGIT Cool

Sella · Mon Aug 09, 10 1:42 pm

One of the best ways to customize your riding style many people might not realize. 2 bars with different line length is a nice option to have IMO.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1873 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

yeah, not sure why all companies don't offer the line-set that is already sepereated into different lengths....

I've heard people say it's because they tangle when you are walking the lines out, but that's a load....

wainman has 3 lengths....
royal and OR i think have 2 diff lengths...

I bought an old wainman bar just for the line-set

Idea

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Aug 09, 10 2:19 pm

NO LINE LENGTH COMPARISON THREADS!! Very Happy

That said, I need to chop down a line set on my new havocs for the upcoming rooster sessions.

Mark · Mon Aug 09, 10 2:38 pm

Been running the stock Naish 20m lines for several years now. They come with 4 meter extensions. I have found the difference to be almost a kite size in power. I have one line set rigged as 20m and another rigged 24. It gives another option when riding. Seems the shorter lines make the kite alot quicker feeling.

You should certainly play with length and find out what feels good to you....

Chooch · Mon Aug 09, 10 2:42 pm

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

I like the 20M lines simply because they take up less space laying them out on the beach and on the water. It is easier to squeeze between other people on the shorter lines. If everyone starts using shorter lines, I'm sure it would feel a lot less crowded out there.

shred_da_gorge · Mon Aug 09, 10 5:17 pm

I've been flying the North Fuse and alternate between my 5-line (25m) for lighter wind and the new 4-line bar (20m) when it's good. My buddy had tested the 12m and said it turned slower than his Rebel, and when I first took it out on the 5-line I concurred. When I flew it with the new quad bar it was a different story altogether though. I agree it's about a kite size in difference - turns out length matters after all!

hoodkiter · Since 10 Jul 2010 95 Posts Hood River, OR

Adjusting line lengths is definitely something that I need to do. Right now i'm running the standard 20m lines.

The Airush Smart Bar system seems to be fully adjustable though, so it should be easy.

apparently they can be turned into 10, 17, 20, 23, or 27 meter lines using only the provided extensions, and can be made compatible with either a 5 or 4 line system

any more adjustability than that I cant imagine is necessary.

happy tuning!

hoodkiter · Since 10 Jul 2010 95 Posts Hood River, OR

Ataud_Verde · Since 04 Oct 2009 36 Posts 40.59°N 73.86°W

What's the best way to shorten the lines, splicing the ends or sleeving it and tying a knot?

Nak · Wed Aug 11, 10 7:24 am

I'd say splicing. I've not tested spectra line sleeved and then knotted, but I have read that it's pretty strong. I'll have to get around to strength testing a couple of examples. I have tested Q-line with any number of knots, and they all have a knot strength of around 250# or less. (Yes, even the figure eight knot... )

If you're going to sleeve, hollow dacron fishing line works well.

Splicing is a lot easier than most people think:
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-11649.html

Nak · Wed Aug 11, 10 7:32 am

I've tried 20m and 23m lines on different kites, some I like the shorter lines, some I don't. My 13m REV feels like a 11m, just slower. I'd rather fly the 11m with 23m lines than the 13m with 20m lines any day. On the other hand, 9m and smaller kites become really fun on the shorter lines, assuming you have enough wind. The kite is quicker and more manageable at the same time! Very Happy

Just my opinion.

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 283 Posts Obsessed

If anyone is interested I have a giant spool of Q power line. White, orange, blue and yellow. I'll consider just about any offer.