How Important is My Kite Line?

Flying Line

Lines used to fly your kite are available in various test strengths, lengths, and quality. It is essential to use a line that will compliment your kite and wind speed.

Heavy line will cause line drag and the flyer will be flying the line rather than the kite. You can tell if this is happening if there is a sag in your kite line from you to the kite.

Dual Line Kites

Dacron is an inexpensive, flying line for those flyers who don't want to spend a lot on equipment. Dacron will stretch 14% of its length. Dacron will slow down the kite and the responsiveness of the kite, therefore: making it easier for beginners to learn to fly dual line kite.

Dacron/Spectra Blend is the medium cost of flying line. It has 7% stretch of its length and does not need to be sleeved. It is the most popular line for the recreational flyer.

Specta is the best flying line available. It is an extremely light weight line. It also offers the flyer minimal stretch to create optimum response time between the flyer and the kite. Spectra line will only stretch 3% of its total length. Spectra is also slippery so it won't bind up when the lines are crossing. It also allows you to do more tricks with your sport kite. Team flyers use this line because of the many wraps required during preformances. Spectra line is sleeved through Dacron for cushioning of knots, protection of the line, and for evening up the lines.

Sleeving is an eight inch covering at the ends of each control line where a loop is made and an overhand knot is tied. This loop is used to connect the line to either handle or kite. Sleeving is highly recomended as it adds strength and reduces wear. It is best to use a second knot, so that the line can not creep as with a single knot. As the line creeps through a single knot, it makes that line longer. Note: It is important to have the lines even or elso the kite will keep diving to one side. You may also have to even the lines again after you have flown for a while as the lines will tend to stretch.

Line Length

Dual line kite fly on 65ft to 125ft depending on your kite, your flying style, and wind conditions. Your kite retail store can help you in choosing the line just right for you and your kites.

Happy Flying!