Different line lengths

[pieface]

I know, I've been kiting for years now and I probably understand this already but I don't so here goes.

 

Why so many different line lengths?

Now on one bar setup I have 30m lines and on the other I have 20m lines

I just wanna know if this affects the characteristics of a kite? and...

How do the different line lengths affect the flying of a kite?

[mick]

I have a mate who had 2 sets of lines on his kite. We would be flying 12 mtres and he'd be on his 'longs'. Wind picks up and I drop to a 9, he changes to short lines. JD. Now ok the difference want 3 mtres but it was substantial. He did struggle to hold it and I was a tad underpowered but no way would I have held my 12. All to do with the length of wind window the long uns give I think.

[Westwood]

it does make a massive difference to how a kite responds. longer lines create a larger wind window allowing the kite to generate more power. this is good in low winds. the downside is slower turning.

 

most kites are designed to fly at around 23-25m.

 

Flysurfer use shorter lines because their is a few metres of bridle.

[broraboyan]

I have 5m extension lines on my 20m I must give it a shot, usually just go down a kite, would be more like sense to change to the 20s

[garc]

It does make a big difference. I used to fly my old 2m kite on 15m lines when I was buggying. Brilliant in 35 knots. Need your wits about you though but I found it more controllable.