Quad Line lengths

[JynxKites]

There has been discussion regarding flying 50', 40', 30', and now 12' lines.

I have flown (90#) 85' and 120' lines. Fearing that opening this topic will ultimately cost me more $... I cautiously ask:

How does the line length effect the operation/handling of the kite?

When are the shorter lines used/prefered?

Which length/s do you suggest for a newbee?

Please remember "KISS" (Keeping It Simple 4 Stupids)... :confused!:

Be patient... I promise, if I don't get-up-to-speed soon... I'll find another hobby!

Jynx

[Guest QuadQrazy]

How does the line length effect the operation/handling of the kite?

When are the shorter lines used/prefered?

Which length/s do you suggest for a newbee?

Jynx

Short lines provide a quicker responce from the kite, longer lines, the longer it will take for the kite to respond to your control.

In light wind use short line with low weight...I use 50# 30' LPG

In heavy wind you can use short or long line on personal control, but should be heavy line to prevent the line from snaping...

I use 150# 85' & 150# 120' LPG

Learning to fly is personal preference, some like short lines, and will teach you control, and kite responce.

Longer lines will make your kite respond slower, and you will have more time to recover.

KISS = Keep It Super Simple.

[deebs1596]

easy way to think of it is that higher # is better for heavier wind, lighter # is better for light wind

lighter shorter lines are better for light wind whereas the heavier longer lines make it easier to control in high winds

i use 90# 30' in light wind and 95# 85 for high wind.

like Quadcrazy said its about personal preference

[JynxKites]

Appreciate your input!

I guess I'll try the shorter lengths out for fun... How about connecting the handles directly to the bridle? I could save $ and maybe accomplish some of the more difficult moves!

Jynx

[Cath Shook]

There has been discussion regarding flying 50', 40', 30', and now 12' lines.

I have flown (90#) 85' and 120' lines. Fearing that opening this topic will ultimately cost me more $... I cautiously ask:

How does the line length effect the operation/handling of the kite?

When are the shorter lines used/prefered?

Which length/s do you suggest for a newbee?

Please remember "KISS" (Keeping It Simple 4 Stupids)... :confused!:

Be patient... I promise, if I don't get-up-to-speed soon... I'll find another hobby!

Jynx

Another way to think about it is ... where are you flying??

In my location, Outer Banks, I need all lengths because of the ocean tide High tide, the short lines come out if we're on a 'short' beach, otherwise we are flying standing in the surf (w/ an east wind). It's fun to do this unless the surf is heavy!

Have learned to love the 120' lines for the bigger window, but I've also flown the 50' lines just for fast flying (small wind window) OR in more crowded spaces, for safety.

Also, short lines weigh less, so they're often better in light winds when/if your longer lines are 'pulling' the kite out of the sky due to extra weight?

What are you flying and in what winds? Recently, the winds here were averaging 35 MPH, so everyone was flying vented, but also, everyone was still on 90# lines with NO problem re line strength (you do have 4 lines to share the pull), After 4 days of this over two weekends, I've since noticed my upper lines ended up about 3" longer than my bottom lines, so I've reveresed these to let the lower lines 'stretch' a bit and catch up.

Really short lines (up to 25' ???) are more for indoor flying IMHO, so you're fine with the ones you have if you have the space. If you don't yet have a vented Rev, either get the 150# for higher winds ... or ... better yet, time for a vented. You'll be amazed at the difference and enjoyment you'll have!

Cath

[Morrunya]

There has been discussion regarding flying 50', 40', 30', and now 12' lines.

I have flown (90#) 85' and 120' lines. Fearing that opening this topic will ultimately cost me more $... I cautiously ask:

How does the line length effect the operation/handling of the kite?

When are the shorter lines used/prefered?

Which length/s do you suggest for a newbee?

Please remember "KISS" (Keeping It Simple 4 Stupids)... :confused!:

Be patient... I promise, if I don't get-up-to-speed soon... I'll find another hobby!

Jynx

As a lot of people know, I use really short lines a lot! Even indoors, I tend to use shorter lines than most people. The cool thing about short lines outdoors is the toss and catch. This is hardly possible with a set of 120' lines. Unfortunately, shorter lines tend to be more difficult to use for beginners because there is not as much room, and the kites appears to be moving faster. The short lines are GREAT practice and teach you a lot of control, and they are great for light winds.

As for super short lines, (i.e. 12 ft) I rarely use those outdoors. They only come out when the wind is completely, or nearly dead, and I fly like I'm indoors.

As not as many people know, I also tend to use really long lines . Even indoors I usually either use really short or really long lines. The nicer thing about long lines is that you have a lot of room to play. Unfortunately, it can be a little more difficult when flying with longer lines.

As for weight, my thoughts differ from QuadQrazy. I never use more than 90# lines. If I need stronger lines than that, then it's a bit to heavy wind for me (I will be flying five feet in the air). Indoors, I do use 50# line sets, but I could just as easily use 90#. My 30' line set that I use outdoors quite often in 90#.

As for connecting handles right to the kite....... good luck with that

[deebs1596]

not a bad idea...i'll have to mention that to a friend of mine who does indoor...

shortest ive ever flown on was 4 footers on a micro indoor; worked well until we got the kite caught on the fan.

my personal preference is 30 footers for winds up to 12mph- anything more and i'll swap to my 85 footers.

as far as cost goes, you could buy a few sleeving kits and buy line in bulk and make various line sets. (I made a 30 and a 50 foot set from a pair of 85's) I used to order all the line for my dualies in bulk and make different sets for different winds.

having a few different linesets can come in handy, just as different framesets can.

I'm not gonna tell you that you have to use this length or that length-only you can decide that.

That micro was great until that fan met it

[Jeff]

I've flown in winds heavy enough to scare me into thinking I might snap my kite, and even given up when it was too fierce, but haven't yet broken a 90# lineset.

I fly on 120' most of the time if space allows...practicing for team flying mostly...but I do like to change it up for variety on occasion. I've got a 75' set that I use in a park near my house, or anywhere I can't take out the long set, and a 25' set I made just so I could fly in the yard in front of my house. Was also thinking I'd probably make up a 50' set too.

You definitely feel the quicker response with the shorter lines. And maybe because of that it might be easier to start out a little shorter. But really, there is no right or wrong here. You've got two lengths that are very common, and just fine for learning on. I feel like it might be a tad easier to develop your skills on the shorter length, but if you want to do any team flying you should get the feel for the longer lines. In other words...do both.

[steveb]

I've got line sets from 15' to 120'

For recreational flying I like 75', but go down to 50' if the tide is up.

I use the shorter sets for low wind or crowded festivals; any time space is at a premium.

120' for flying with islandQuad, mega flies or stronger winds when there's space available.

75-85' is a real nice length for solo flying, though.

[Martyjuggles]

I flew for years on 80' lines and it was not until starting to read this forum is started to play around with line lengths. Sorry to say but it's worth shelling out the cash, as others have said it will refine your control and when you return to a longer set it will all feel SOOO much more under control and slow.

Also a 30 ft line set would mean you can have a go at throwing and catching your rev which is actually pretty easy but looks super cool!!

i have 90', 40' and 20' and use the 90 and 40 most often

[Guest QuadQrazy]

My thoughts differ from QuadQrazy. I never use more than 90# lines. If I need stronger lines than that, then it's a bit to heavy wind for me (I will be flying five feet in the air).

I think thats what so cool about this sport & forum, we are all flyers, and thats what makes us all individuals, and we all have different ways of doing the same thing.

The best advice is to find out what works best for you, and what you like, and how you like to fly, different wind in different areas, and what is good for you may not be good for someone else.

I'm a heavy flyer, and i'm not going to get off the ground anytime soon, and I do like the challange of flying my standard revolution 1.5 SLE in strong wind, and 150# line, but thats just me.

[mrdenny]

Hi Jynx,

I was messing with line lengths some time ago and went out and got 800 feet of bulk LPG line. Just for the fun of it I first cut it into a set of 200 foot lines. I flew them for around 2 days. Lots of lag time and a huge wind window. Then I took the knife to them. First set was a 120 set which was my intention in the first place. I strongly suggest having a set of those for when you get together for flying with other revs and team flying. I had the 80s which I got with the kite so I cut the remaining down to 50 foot and 30 foot line sets. While playing with different lengths you can jut use lark's head knot in the ends and forget the sleeves. If you want them later add them. If you should do this don't make my mistake. Remember to get some winders.

[Mike]

Please remember "KISS" (Keeping It Simple 4 Stupids)... :confused!:

Be patient... I promise, if I don't get-up-to-speed soon... I'll find another hobby!

Jynx[/b]

My opinion:

You can fly well on 90# lines in any wind.

You can fly any length in any wind.

However, it is fun to play with the different line lengths. The kite will feel very different and it's lots cheaper than buying a new kite!

When you're new, it's fun, especially in winter when you can't fly as often as you'd like, to play with all the variables. We've all been there. However, I think what the beginner really needs to do is fly and not spend a lot of time switching equipment. That introduces more variables into your setup when what you want is to learn to do it well enough on one setup. Then branch out. Once you've got the basics down, then play with all the other stuff.

I use 75's for solo flying, 120's for team (of course), and I fly on short lines (25' or less) mostly when there is no wind or space is tight.

--oh, don't leave us for another hobby! We love having you here!

[sailor99]

Personally like the 120's for anything involving precision as well as for team.

[Jeepster]

My opinion:

You can fly well on 90# lines in any wind.

You can fly any length in any wind.

However, it is fun to play with the different line lengths. The kite will feel very different and it's lots cheaper than buying a new kite!

When you're new, it's fun, especially in winter when you can't fly as often as you'd like, to play with all the variables. We've all been there. However, I think what the beginner really needs to do is fly and not spend a lot of time switching equipment. That introduces more variables into your setup when what you want is to learn to do it well enough on one setup. Then branch out. Once you've got the basics down, then play with all the other stuff.

I use 75's for solo flying, 120's for team (of course), and I fly on short lines (25' or less) mostly when there is no wind or space is tight.

--oh, don't leave us for another hobby! We love having you here!

Jynx,

Don't you love it when you ask what appears to be a simple question and twelve flyers respond with fourteen different answers? Flying a kite seems to be a curious blend of science and art ... with emphasis on the art. Many of us want to focus on the science side when we should be focusing on the art (read that practice, practice, practice) side of the equation. Jeff said it right ... "there is no right or wrong here" ... just have fun and enjoy it.

For mid-west flying, Jeff and Mike's answers are spot on. There's only one thing I'd change; I'd vote for 50 foot lines being the next set to add to your kite bag. (In the interest of full disclosure ... you and I started flying quads at about the same time ... so, I'm only an expert at being a newbie) I've got 120, 80, 50, 30 and 15 foot sets ... all 90# test. I use the 120s and 80s the most ... depends on the location, the wind, who's there and personal whim of the moment. The 50s come out when the wind is very light. When the wind becomes less than light, I should move down to one of the shorter line sets, but frankly it's just too frustrating at my level on the learning curve to keep wishing the kite into the air. The more I practice, the more the kite seems to stay up in lower and lower winds ... maybe it's simply the kite that's getting trained ... probably not, 'cuz in Mike's hands my kites seem to behave the way they're supposed to ... kind of like your kids behaving correctly when they're with other adults.

MrDenny hinted at it, but didn't come right out and say it ... you should probably learn to make your own line sets. If you can tie your shoes, you can make a line set.

Cheers,

Tom

P.S. I know what a Yooper and a troll are, but come up short on FIB ... care to enlighten?

[Baloo]

The bottom line answer, fly with what you like.

I have loads of linsets in my bag. I fly with what I feel I want to on the Day. From 30 to 120.

For instance at the Portsmouth training Days I spent one on 50ft I think and one on 120. There are differing challenges with differing lengths.

One thing JB told me in confidence so please dont tell anyone else, if you go from 90 to 150lb lines it slows the kite down about the same as going up a frame set. So I would presume if you went down to 50's it would liven the kite up a bit.

I am joshing of course, he didnt tell me in confidence, he told all the folks at the clinic.

[Baloo]

P.S. I know what a Yooper and a troll are, but come up short on FIB ... care to enlighten?

I think a FIB is a lie you tell your kids to make them do stuff they dont like.

For instance, when I was a kid I wouldnt eat chicken, unless my Dad told me it was Kangaroo.

[steveb]

I fly 90# lines nearly all the time, but 150# helps in strong winds, as the thicker lines have additional drag, which slows the kite down. Slower kites pull less than fast kites.

The opposite is true with 50# lines and they can make the difference when you get into the really light stuff.

[Jeff]

P.S. I know what a Yooper and a troll are, but come up short on FIB ... care to enlighten?

Well, I'll say this much on a family friendly forum...

There's something of a rivalry between folks from Illinois and Wisconsin. It ranges from friendly ribbing, to outright hostility depending on the parties involved. Everybody knows that WI folks are often called "cheeseheads." When I went to college in WI in the 80s, it was seen as less cute and more insulting, especially coming from Illinois people. So the locals had their own term for us, but it was even less kind. FIB is an acronym, but all I'll say on the open forum is that the "I" is for Illinois, but the "F" and the "B" are words I won't type here. And based on that, you get the gist, I'm sure. Or if not, PM me for the less censored version.

[JynxKites]

Jeff- Geeze, If I would have know that I would have never used "FIB"!

I Thought it meant... "Fabulous Illinois Brethren"

Sorry!

The "Cheese-head"

[Jeff]

Jeff- Geeze, If I would have know that I would have never used "FIB"!

I Thought it meant... "Fabulous Illinois Brethren"

Sorry!

The "Cheese-head"

It's ok...I still have friends that used the term, but not meant to be mean. I don't take it literally.

[Choccy]

Short line flying will have you in a tizzy of giggles, which is so much fun.

It doesn't matter about precision... but you can try!

have a sit down as you are flying and see how long you can keep the kite aloft

I've yet to try the lighter line weights... in any of the lengths...

and I'm in no real hurry.... just enjoying the ride that is kite flying.