4-line handles - harness-line size

[majic79]

How do I best go about choosing a decent sized harness-line for my handles?

 

Is there some rule of thumb (multiply the length of your forearm by 2, subtract the girth of your thigh, then sacrifice a virgin for the best size...) that means I can pick a decent sized harness line that's close to the optimum for me (6' 5" tall, long arms/legs, too fat if I'm honest) - I've played on handles, I've windsurfed on a harness, I know how important size can be, just don't want to make/buy three sizes if I can get it about right the first time around

[mick]

I would say I have a good 7 inches between my handle and roller so 14 inches between handles. You don't have to make different lengths just move the larkshead where it attaches to the handles. A lot depends on your height, what you're doing. I buggy with this set up but for boarding you'll need a longer throw. Also of course, chest or waist hardness. Its something you have to experiment with. Smaller kites can use a shorter harness line but bigger kites need more pull so a longer line.

[mick]

Look at this picture of Ted. I assume he's got a big kite up but look at the length of his lines. He's doing a new trick called the Alan Partridge Ahaaaaaaa.

 

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/heidi123/DSC09945_zpsf41ce3ce.jpg

[majic79]

ahh, ok, I didn't think about activity - I'm going to be recreational kiting mainly (scuds, jumps, land-boarding) and I'd like a go at buggying, but that's a little way off for now

Edited May 23, 2014 by majic79

[mick]

Well seat or waist harness? I would think that for static, you want the top of the handles about nipple height. So for me, my hook is just below my belly button. I have quite a low belly button. Anyway, statically, I guess i need at least double my buggy length. When I board I use about 28 inches between handles, thats 14 inches per side.

[mick]

Now bearing in mind that I'm mentioning the word hook or roller. Mine is a fixed spreader bar roller but in about 10 minutes someone is going to mention CAPTIVE. My advise would be to forget this atm as its just another load into the equation.

[majic79]

I've gone for a seat harness (so that I can transfer it to a buggy if I want, and I'm used to that sort of setup windsurfing, it's nice to be able to take the load off and just sit into it) - I think it's a captive roller spreader as well (makes sense for handles and a rope), but I have D-loop spreader bars that I can load into the seat harness anyway

 

OK, I'm probably going to need quite a long harness line, if I go by your measurements, I'll need at least 30" (75cm) to get enough play

[mick]

I'm not sure about this 'captive roller spreader' bit When we refer to a 'captive' system, generally the hook, or roller is removed from the spreader bar and a ring fitted. Thro this ring fits a quick release system attached to a pulley locked to the harness line. Of course you can release it but it won't fall away normally. This means that if shit happens, and it will, you can only release the kite by physically pulling the QR. Personally, myself with 12 yrs of buggying , boarding and kitesurfing I have never seen need for this on static flying or even buggy cruising. For ariel work, then absolutely. Others will OBVIOUSLY disagree. I think its quite cred to say " I fly captive".

[majic79]

OK, thanks for the explanation - so much new terminology, apologies for screwing it up (somewhat inevitably!)

 

I went for the Peter Lynn base seat harness (looked good enough for a start and I didn't fancy a waist or back harness)

[mick]

OK so you have the basic hook on the front? Ideally and it isn't at this point, a major thing, you need to replace the hook spreader with a roller spreader. The line runs much smoother and lasts loads longer. BUT the hook will get you going. Linewise, just buy some decent shock cord (not elasticky) from say Go Outdoors. I think I use 3mm. Buy a couple of mtres for a quid or so and play. A mtre length will give you 17 inches each side and your knots with some to spare.

 

At this point, what I would suggest is a pair of kite killers. Now while these are judged by many as noobie kit, for me, its stops your kite from blowing away from you and possibly injurying some one down wind. We don't need 3rd party trouble. Also letting go of the handles will bring the kite safely and quickly down. I call it responsible not noob. Sorry to bleat on.

[majic79]

I ordered a Peter Lynn Twister 4.0 with handles, this is supposed to come with all that noobie gear (I don't mind being tarred with that brush - it's accurate at the moment!)

 

Perhaps I wasn't clear - the seat harness I've ordered does include a roller pulley arrangement, but I also have spreader bars with plain hooks (windsurfing)

[mick]

Sounds like a good set up. You'll have some fun with it for sure.

[majic79]

Chars! Looking forward to being flung around like a rag doll!