Useful Tips & Tricks

[DA12K]

So I have been back into kiting after a "15 year hiatus" and have some useful info I would like to share. I came up with the ideas just recently and would like to get your thoughts and opinions on them.

First, I made a line set and wanted to be consistent when I pre-stretched the lines. So... I went out and got a 50lb fish scale at Walmart for $5.00. This thing worked great to see what kind of load I was putting on each line. I would highly recommend this.

Here is a picture:

Second, to manage knots on line sets I was thinking of using shrink tube to cover up the knots and prevent snags.... I know if anyone tries this they will need to be extremely careful when shrinking the tubing so they don't compromise their line with the heat. Also, if you need to adjust your lines the tubing will come off easy.

here is a picture:

[Morrunya]

Those seem like fine ideas to me!

[big bri]

Not a new ideas,but as watty says,a good idea.

Mr John Rawlins[skysail]gave me that pre stretch tip a while ago.Along with Mr Rev[john mitchell] when i was haveing some trouble with my lines grownig.Its a great tip and always worth a mention.

Lines can be bought pre stretch,but its great makeing your own.

The tube seal is new on me though.Sound like a dreat tip,CHEERS

BRIAN...

[Stone in Shoe Bob]

I wouldn’t risk the heat shrink. I thought kite line had a low melting point and that is why sleeving is used, to protect against friction.

[Guest groz]

Second, to manage knots on line sets I was thinking of using shrink tube to cover up the knots and prevent snags....

Interesting. I have had my pig-tails snag now and again on my B-series handles - this may be the start of an idea to fix that problem too. Unless anybody else has an idea on how to stop them snagging?

I could of course just move my hands aparts and not flap my pig-tails around so much ....

Cheers

G

[DA12K]

I totally understand the "heat" thing... There is low heat shrink tube and as long as you use a hair dryer it should be fine. However; please try this at your own risk and practice on some scrap line to get the feel for the tubing. I am attaching some before and after pictures.

[antman]

that idea would work better once your lines are stretched and brokin in .. a new linset will go out of alinement a few times and with that youll need to do an onfield adjustment with a sleeve witch is why i only tie 1 knot on each sleeve .. as for snagging i have heard a few fliers complain of this .. i use the thin sleeves.. kinda like the ones theresa from the kite shoppe has.. those have always worked for me great.. the thicker shanti sleeves are the ones that will snag on you due to their thickness

[jay1957]

Fishing tackle shops sell very low melt heat shrink tubing, in various sizes especially made for braided lines

[sailor99]

I can see why you may cover the knots on your lines. But would you not be left with the knots on your pigtails, which you cannot cover up obviously, which rather negates any benefit?

[tonycarl60]

How about something like this:

No knots.