Favorite Kite Spreader Bar?

synergy12 · Since 31 May 2007 142 Posts Stoked

Hey,

Just wondering who likes what for kite spreader bars andd why.

Oregon Surf Shop Tim · Since 04 Feb 2008 70 Posts Lincoln City Oregon

Sling Shot SureFire spreader bar because the integrated leash lets you just spin the bar after looping the kite or doing any type of roll to get the twists out of your lines. The leash does not get wrapped around the chicken loop.

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

The one that comes on mystic harnesses is a bit shorter than the rest so the bar sits closer to you, which is nice.

forrest · Tue Mar 25, 08 6:56 am

DaKine hammer head because it's simple, strong, and cheap.

Nak · Tue Mar 25, 08 7:38 am

That's easy, the KiteRelease! Very Happy

Four easily selectable modes:

Manual Release

Automatic Release-Launch: Calibrated to 80% - 100% of YOUR bodyweight. Used during Launch and landing to help prevent injury- --or worse-- in the event of a serious incident. (Extreme gust, bridle wrapped on a wingtip, etc.)

Automatic Release-Ride: Adds about 50% tension to the release. Used by beginners/intermediates while riding, or by advances riders in conditions that warrant the added safety of automatic release.

Lock: Self explanatory. Tested not to release at loads of 1000 pounds. Used for advanced riding/jumping.

Comes with the SoftShackle, eliminating the need for a donkey dick while still allowing easy hooking in and out.

Designed to last a lifetime of riding. Modular design allows replacement of any parts that do wear, as opposed to replacing the whole unit.

If you only need it JUST ONCE in your whole life, you'll be damn glad you had it!

Am I prejudiced? Very Happy

Maybe, but I really do believe in the KiteRelease. Very Happy

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

Nak,

Is the KiteRelease for sale yet?

The KiteRelease came up in conversation, the other day, in this thread:

http://kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2346931

Nak · Tue Mar 25, 08 8:21 am

Not yet... Sad

I've been keeping a low profile with it because it's taken so much longer than I thought it would. I'm waiting on final samples now, should be here within a week or two. If those are good, and they should be, production will then commence. I'm hoping for availability in June... I've said that before though! I'm working with a new company in Thailand that has been very promising, so hopefully this is really it this time.

On the good side, I've got two years of testing under my belt, and I'm really happy with the KiteRelease. Joanne probably would have quit by now without it... Her instructor in Isla Blanca was really wowed by it & thought all students should be using one.

synergy12 · Since 31 May 2007 142 Posts Stoked

Hey,

Could you PM me when they are available? By the way, is the price known at this time?

synergy12 · Since 31 May 2007 142 Posts Stoked

Hey,

Could you PM me when they are available? By the way, is the price known at this time?

Nak · Wed Mar 26, 08 6:34 am

Still waiting on the final cost for Production & liability insurance... Probably will retail for $199

If you want, email me at Mike@SportsSafetyDesigns.com , that way I can put you on the mailing list. I'll post something here too. Very Happy

boredbrain · Since 16 Feb 2006 352 Posts Hood River Obsessed

Surefire is similar to the kite release except for the Auto feature, but has a very fast disconnect.

Nak, how has sand and salt water effected the mechanism? do you need to clean it regularly to ensure that it functions at the tension?

199 will be spendy, if you want to compete, it will need to be around hundred dollars. If the product is as good as it sounds, volume will make the difference.

Slingshot spreader bars are very good and come in a variety of sizes.

I don't know how many have heard this one, applies here as well to windsurfing.

How do you make a small fortune in kiteboarding? Start with a large one!

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

Mark · Wed Mar 26, 08 9:29 am

Mike's system is very cool. I wouldn't mind paying 199 for a quality local product. When the wife makes the decision to take up kiting (hope soon) I would like one for her.

Nak · Wed Mar 26, 08 10:26 am

The goal is to make it as inexpensively as possible. That said, I don't see it retailing for $99; It's just not possible. Precision machining costs money, even in Thailand or China. Some of the tolerances are +/- .001 inches. A big part of the cost will be the product liability insurance. The distributors need to make a profit, as do the retailers. I'll be happy just to get my money out of it! Very Happy

All of that said, I think $199 is actually pretty reasonable. Other spreader bars retail for over $100, with no precision parts. Also, I've designed it so that you should only need to buy one. Ever. if you do manage to break or bend a hinge pin for instance, a few bucks will buy the new part. (Rather than buying a whole new unit.) Future upgrades, like the spinning leash, will be cheap and easy to add. I could get the retail down by making the thing cheaper, but it wouldn't last as long or be as reliable.

I've been using the first prototype for two years with no ill effects from sand or salt water. Some of the sample pieces had corrosion problems because of poor plating, or improper alloys. That's one of the reasons it's taken so long, finding reliable suppliers for the different parts. I won't sell a sub-standard KiteRelease.

Proper care consists of a quick rinse prior to use and a quick rinse after. After salt water use a couple of minutes in hot tap water is ideal, but a quick rinse can suffice. Once a season it's a good idea to replace the seals; that takes ten minutes and 5 or 10 bucks.

Bear in mind that the big difference between the KiteRelease and other bars is the automatic feature. No matter how fast a manual release is, there may come a day when it's not fast enough. It only needs to happen once. That moment is what the KiteRelease is for. Plus, it's a lot easier to use than a Donkey Dick!

mkiteboard · Since 23 Oct 2007 17 Posts

what happens when your leash twists??

Nak · Wed Mar 26, 08 6:45 pm

mkiteboard · Since 23 Oct 2007 17 Posts

i am just wondering why to have the spinning leash??