Are kite fliers losing the plot?

I don't know it this is what you're looking for, but here's my temporary solution to uneven line length.

You'll need a piece of string (approx. #350lbs). The string should be about 12' long.

Make a loop (approx 3' long) using an overhand- or fig8 knot to one end of the string. That should leave you with a looped string at about 8-9' make a fig8 knot for each inch for the rest of the string.

Voila - the equalizer is ready!

Connect the equalizer to one of your straps. Then attatch the shortest of your flying lines with a larkshead knot to the equalizer. You can adjust for the difference in line length by using the different knots as 'anchor'.

Hmmmm...... Do _you_ see what I mean? I'm not sure I do anymore!

I'll take a photo of this gadget if you'd like!

Best Winds!Sven A.

Thanks Sven, I get it I think, the equaliser was really for flying quads where the differences make a bigger impact on flying. I'm sure I can make something that will work.

Some of the (all of them?) Jaco winders

have built in equalizers, killing two birds

with one stone.

There's a plot...??????????? jeeeez, and I thought it was just being made up as we went along..!!

Another benefit to sleeving the loops of flying lines is that it offers a wear resistant cushion for the Spectra/Dyneema. If I attach my lines to the bridle (usually Spectra/Dyneema fully sleeved in dacron) then this is going to be a high wear area. I am very much more likely to get line breaks and I am opposed to line breaks on principle If I have sleeved ends, the lines are protected. Same goes for the strap end.

I don't sleeve my indoor lines however. Generally the bridle is unsleeved also and the line goes straight to my hand.

Splicing is very good but sleeving is so much easier to do, for the same result.

Seems to me like the larks head onto the bridle would be a very light wear area. Once the lines are attached to the bridle, they don't move, shift, or spin around, they just stay still, atleast that's how it seems to me. I've never had a line break there.

Hi again,

Well that got a few 'lurkers' out of the woodwork! Ok, to answer some of the comments:

All I was trying to say was - you learn more by trying things for yourself than by habitually asking others, and it's generally more satisfying. Wasn't meant to be at all 'condescending' or 'insulting' - if it appeared to be so, then I apologise to those who saw it that way.

Don't remember condemning the asking of questions.

I don't have a problem with helping others - probably spent more time helping others than some here - because I'm older than many here - I've had longer to do it! >

Personally, I sleeve all 'multi' lines, and fit swivels to all single lines...... The reason is simple - I see no reason for not doing it >

Sleeving makes lines easier to identify, easier to attach / disconnect, it may help the lines last (I haven't decided) - but it certainly makes adjusting them easier when they stretch (getting the knots out).

Singles get swivels because it doesn't do any harm, and may help with preventing twists and subsequent tangles, if you have to 'spread it about on the deck'.

Line equalisers come under the same heading as wind meters in my book - they seem useful at first, but once you've used them a few times you start wondering why you bothered? Experience works much better >>

My method for checking line length involves a yard of cord with an 'eye' in each end, and a small carabina (a dog lead would work too). Just hook it around the nearest immovable object (tree, fence-post, friend, car, sleeping rhinoceros, etc) a few feet from the ground, and hook one end of all the lines on the clip / 'bina - then use the 'which hangs lowest' routine. This works better for me than using a 'pointy stick' in the ground because the line is horizontal and the 'sag' shows better. Takes a few minutes messing about - but you soon get the hang of it. I'm not saying that 'pointy sticks' are no good - every flier should have a few, I just don't use them for this purpose.......>

Damn it - I could be guilty of helping someone there...... <grin>

In closing, an observation: Considering that, in general, fliers and dogs are rarely the best of friends - Isn't it strange how a dog lead often comes in handy......>

Cya ''til next time, Jim C
www.jims-place.org.uk *************************************************** If the insects ever do take over the planet, let's hope that they remember with gratitude, how we took them on all our walks and camping expeditions - and realise how sorry I am about the thousands that die on my visor every year, honest.

***************************************************

Remember this:

OK, we all come across problems in life, but before begging for help, ask yourself: 'Am I really that dumb, or could I work it out myself'? You may amaze yourself! We're talking about 'tying knots in bits of string' here - it's not exactly rocket science!

You called it begging and the person asking dumb for asking!

And why don't you just omit that when you were young people helped you learn things; Instead of saying now that you are old and more experienced you do it all your own. I have people like this at work that think they know it all and every one else is not worth the time to teach because they are dumb. Well excuse me; most people were not born with a manual in there hands. I'm sure that they were trained at some time.

By the why; Apologize accepted and this just hit a bad nerve with me. Try to think back and I'm sure you must have been tough something and not just come up with all this on your own. If you did you should be inventing things and putting a patent on all that you come up with.

I remember the day when I wanted to stack my chevrons. I came up with the idea my self to use five lines and well I tied the right length line to both kites. Flew great but when I was done I had to break down both kites and pack them together. My first fun fly I learned to make 10-8' loops and attach them to the kites. Then take and make five lines with loops on both ends and lark head them to the ones on the Chevrons. Now I can disassemble my kites and pack in separate bags. I now stack a total of four and I would have never been able to do that with the set up that I had. Such a simple fix but I never thought of it.

I also apologize for being so offensive but I don't much like people looking down on other people rather they be kite fliers or just hard working americans like me. This is how gangs start. You see all the ruckus that was stirred her! This is what makes this country so great is that we have all kinds of people that are all different.

My kids can't seem to get line tying yet but he's a straight A student in school. He has little to no common sense but is a master in numbers, reading and all things taught in the school.

I love it! a heated debate I give nay damn about! am I losing my edge?

d-JAG

So glad you enjoyed it, Jamey <grin>

That's what I like about the human race, no matter what rubbish you come out with - one half of the planet agrees, another half want's to lynch ya, and a 'third half' promptly changes the subject..........heh heh. >>

Ain't life wonderful.........

Jim C