Line Stretch = Weakness?

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 537 Posts Oregon Addicted

So after a kitemare at the ponds the line my kite depowers to was stretched about 6 inches. I am wondering if there is a correlation to line stretch and weakness.

I am thinking of just reworking my lines to make them all equal but I may just get a new set of lines if it is going to be a weakness.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Nak · Wed Feb 02, 11 12:09 am

It depends. If your lines were pre-stretched at the factory, then you've exceeded whatever pre-load they applied. I think generally 50% of rated line strength is accepted as a good pre-load. If you've got 500# lines and they were pre-stretched @ 250#, you probably hit 300# or so... Should still be good. If they weren't pre-stretched, and some slip by that aren't, you just exceeded whatever the max load you had ever hit in the past, not much.

Best thing to do would be to stretch the opposite line and measure the load it takes to match up with the stretched line. As long as you're not over 60% of rated strength, I think you're fine.

BTW, what happened?

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

Another point is if a line stretches it inherently will be under greater stress because it is thinner.

DesertWinds · Since 01 May 2009 80 Posts

Do share your mare as it may be easier to offer some help but when in doubt toss it out or use it for something less important than your life.

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

That sux - it's a lot easier decision when they just break!

If you have the money I'd pickup a new set the same length, then you can keep your old ones as spares (minus the one that's possibly bad).