Using control bars on different brand kites

cnett · Since 23 Aug 2010 115 Posts PDX Stoked

I know the shops recommend against this, but is it really a problem switching out control bars with different brand kites?

I have all Best kites and need a new bar. The new Best Redline control bar is $450! There are plenty of other bars out there that are just as good and a lot cheaper.

Anyone have any experience using different bars with different brand kites, specifically Best kites?

Jonpnw · Mon Jun 30, 14 12:20 pm **Bar**

I used to use the Slingshot comp stick on Best kites. Change out the pigtails and boom! Works great . I preferred the SS bar over the Best bar.

There are some nice SS bars for sale in the Classifieds. Windance has the pigtail ends you will need.

scottman · Since 08 Jun 2007 150 Posts hillsboro Stoked

I also use slingshot comp stick bar on my best kites. The center line safety and below the bar trim are the main reasons for me. You can use any bar with equal line lengths.

scottman · Since 08 Jun 2007 150 Posts hillsboro Stoked

17" bar for 7m
20" bar for 9m
23" bar for 13m

cnett · Since 23 Aug 2010 115 Posts PDX Stoked

Thanks for the replies.

Just one more question:

@Scottman

When you say "you can use any bar with equal length lines," do you mean?

The Best Redline bar comes with 23M (I think) + 4M Extensions. I need to match that exactly for the SS bar to work on the Best kites?

dwaynej · Since 09 Sep 2013 207 Posts Stoked **CGKA Member**

Manufacturers don't like it since they match bars to kites.

For me, I match the physics of the bar to the factory bar. The physics are:
- High/Medium/Low Front Line V
- Line length when bar sheeted in - even front/rear line length or something else?
- Single front line vs double front line flag out.
- Amount of throw to depower.

My line lengths and bar sizes are a matter of preference/conditions. My Cabrinha Overdrive Bar swaps between 18" and 22.5" while myCompstick is 20" with a spare 17" bar in storage. Line extensions give me options on line length for both bars.

I personally have no issues swapping my Cabrinha Overdrive bar with the Slingshot Compstick as they have the same physics. Compsticks are awesome bars!

scottman · Since 08 Jun 2007 150 Posts hillsboro Stoked

When the bar is full sheeted in and trim set for max power the front line length should equal rear line length.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

A guy is trying to launch a kite, 9meter best 2010 kite est., on a liquid force bar older bar. He and his friend are launching the kite. The is telling his friend I have no control, seems like it's not steering.

He launches the kite, looks down to get his board, inadvertently sends his kite. He gets pulled into the parking lot and lodged between two trucks.

He is ok, but the bar did not match the throw of the kite.

If you run a different bar with a different brand of kite make sure it matches up. If you have any doubt, then don't do it.

Pepi · Wed Jul 02, 14 9:01 am

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

affect steering, right?

Speedo · Since 07 May 2007 262 Posts Obsessed

I have 2007 Best Waroos as my backup kite quiver which I am currently using while I work on my 2010 (i think) North Evo valves that delaminated (were being stored in Oahu- guess they didn't like the temp/humidity- I think that issue has since been fixed)

Anyways, my North bars seem to work ok on my Waroos (have flown them at least 15- 20 times like this). I generally use the waroo bars on the Best kites, but every now and then have found it expedient to use the north bars. I think that 2007 bar is a generation behind the Redline. Based on what Pepi wrote (mixing limited throw bar with a long throw kite)- this isnt the best idea. That said, I have had adequate depower and I don't remember having a problem with the safety system- BUT In all honesty I can't remember deploying the safety system of the north bar when coupled with the best kite.

Speedo · Since 07 May 2007 262 Posts Obsessed

PS- If I had known what Pepi wrote- I never would have mixed the bars.

I have often wondered if the disparity in bar throw or depower line length is getting screwed up by mixing the bars. However has not been a problem for me when using Best kite with north bar.

Before I did this, I asked a friend of mine who has a ton of experience if it would be ok. The only thing he mentioned was to make sure the front line length matched the back line length as some bars had front line length in great disparity with the back line length (or so I was told).

Ignorance is bliss. My setup has been ok. I FEEL like I have used the North Bar Safety system with the best kite- But simply can't remember specifically ever doing it. I have never used the Best Bar with the North Kites. I really love the North Bar.

Slappysan · Since 13 Jun 2012 309 Posts Obsessed

Also be sure the safety is the same on the bars as some kites are designed to release to both front lines with most kites are designed to release to a single front line.

If you use a bar that releases to both front lines on a kite that isn't designed for it you are essentially giving up the ability to flag your kite and might force you to do a full release and lose your kite.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

If you are gonna try and save money running a single bar then get a damn good bar. Slingshot is the best bar on the market if you ask me. Sure there are other bars that are good, but the bar, the kite and the overall safety of this system works for me and the people I teach.

I run each kite with a single bar that is part of the kite package. I pay a little more, but I know that when I rig that kite the bar is good to go for that kite. It also only has the wear and tear from that kite.

Why buy a great stereo and use crappy speakers? Why pay $800 for a kite and then use a shitty bar?

Safety systems matter and it's important to use them, practice with them, and become familiar with them, intimate with the use of the system you choose.

My medical deductible is $500. I'm comfortable dropping coin on a good kite and a good bar.

Slingshot safety works well for me, what works well for you?