A question about lines' longevity
Thu, 07/29/2010 - 09:59
Dear experts,
I had a great time at Dog Beach yesterday until both front lines broke on my 2010 Cabrinha SwitchBlade IDS as I was taking my first air. They broke right above the attachment point on the swivel. Although I acquired this kite used these lines were fairly new as the kite has no more than 10 sessions and they broke right above the attachment point on the swivel.
I've already ordered both front and rear replacement lines online but I'm a little puzzled as to how this could have happened. At 165 lbs I'm not a big guy and my understanding is that these lines should be able to width stand considerably more pull.
A few weeks ago I had a session at WB where I continued riding after my kite had an inversion. Each rear line was crossed with its corresponding front line. This did not affect the kite's control and as the wind was picking up I didn't bother landing and correcting it. Could this explain the short life span of my front lines or were my front lines bitten off by a shark yesterday?
Eric.
Thu, 07/29/2010 - 11:21
#1
No way!!! Definitely let me
No way!!! Definitely let me know if you think this was a pre-sale issue that led to this. We can work out $omething to make it right.
Thu, 07/29/2010 - 22:59
#3
If you leave knots in the
If you leave knots in the lines, that can compromise their strength
Sun, 08/01/2010 - 09:27
#4
Inverted
Hey Eric,
Flying with your lines inverted was absolutely the reason for your failure. Anytime a 4-line kite inverts it will in theory fly the same. However a tremendous amount of friction and resistance is being applied to the lines. The reason why yours broke right above the swivel is because thats exactly where your outside lines were rubbing after your kite was inverted. Because you have the IDS and your inside lines seperate so far away from the bar it actually adds to the stress of the situation. Were as a normal 4 line set up doesnt produce as much friction. Regardless any time you invert your kite you should head back to the beach and fix it. Theres no reason to disconnect, just simply pass the bar back through the middle of your inside lines.
Sun, 08/01/2010 - 10:06
#5
Thanks
Thanks Kreepykiter,
Your insight about the very high swivel of the IDS bar makes a lot of sense to me and I'll be more diligent about line inversions from now on. I got a brand new set of four lines and I'm back to praying to the wind gods.
I appreciate that Patrick but the lines looked fine when I got it from you. Unless you're an expert saboteur I doubt this could be your fault. I just hope I'll receive my new lines in time for the next windy day and if it is something I did wrong (most likely the case) I want to make sure I understand it so I don't do it again.