line replacement

Mrlaroo · Since 02 Jan 2007 181 Posts Bend Stoked

Aloha guys,
I guess it would be a good idea to replace my lines since they have a few seasons on them but was wondering what was the best route to go on that? It seems like people replace their lines after a season or 2?
Is their a good set of replacement lines to buy? I don't think it matters what bar you use but I have a Best 07 bar and I kind of want to stay away from buying anything with a Best label, hope I don't offend anyone but I dont want to support them at all, ever again.

Pepi · Sat Mar 24, 12 9:19 am

It's definitely a very good idea to switch your lines after at least two years use, as the lines will stretch quite a bit, and I would bet on it that all four of your lines are now very different lengths (or the front are a lot longer than the back).

You mention that you have a Best Bar. Do you have a Best kite? If so, then you might want to first determine if your line set has all equal length lines. Some of the older Best line sets had two separate line lengths (I think?).

Brand-wise, most of the kite companies are using similar suppliers for their lines, so quality should be pretty squared up across the brand lines, but there will be very different length options and some line sets coming shorter with varying extension options for optimizing your kite wind range and performance. Also, some line sets will only work with their specific brand due to leash or line adjustment modifications.

Lastly, if you haven't already checked pricing, it might be a bit of a shock, as it is to some who do not regularly change their lines. Line sets run between $140-229 for a complete set of 4 lines. It's quite an expensive type of line and the kite industry is still quite small, so the pricing is what it is. No one is making too much money off of these accessories.

Nak · Sat Mar 24, 12 9:31 am

If you're handy, here's an option:
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-11649.html

Mrlaroo · Since 02 Jan 2007 181 Posts Bend Stoked

Thanks Pepi, that was a great response. The lines are the same length but you are right my lines are all different lengths from stretch, I have them dialed in by just moving the longer one back a couple knots on the back line.
I have best kites but i have been riding the RRD Obession with the 07 bar and has worked out, I can't compare it to the rrd bar though so who knows what I might be missing.

Yea I have noticed that most bars now adays do have extensions which I think is really cool not that I have used them but to get more of a wider wind range as you say.
Yea kiting does get expensive for a poor guy like me but $140-229 for lines, ouch. Do you think I am better just to buy a new bar if I kept what you sayed into consideration? If only I could afford a new kite and bar.
Thanks for your input, you have been a great help.

Mrlaroo · Since 02 Jan 2007 181 Posts Bend Stoked

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

The line lengths have always been the same length (comparing front to rear) in sets. So if you buy a replacement set of lines, they will allways be equal no matter what year. I am fairly certain of this but just as a qualifier check before you buy. In the year that the front and/or rear lines were a few inches different in length is what due to the lenght of the depower rope or leader line, not the actual lines.

Come visit the Best forum. You will learn alot of things from the two Best moderators that constantly moderate and answer questions and customer service issues along with all the regular forum users. You will also find out that a 20 meter replacement set is only $112 and a 20 meter with a 3 meter extension is only $139. One of the shops I deal with gives you an additional 5% off automatically at checkout for that amount spent. Both below the price range referenced. If you make your own lines, some shops will sell Q Power by the foot so ask around. Know your knots also.......

The quick release on that bar is a bit outdated BTW. Best has gone through a few design changes since then. One thing to consider when determining replace line or entire bar. Im not affiliated with Best by the way. Good luck.

Mrlaroo · Since 02 Jan 2007 181 Posts Bend Stoked

Thanks for the advice Krazed but like I stated above I don't want to support that company in anyway.
Yup it seems that they are all the same length when buying a set. I found Cab lines 22M for $80 or 25M for 85. Seems like a great deal so probably go with that.

Thanks for your help guys!!