BASICS / GROUND EQUIPMENT /
LINE & WINDERS
LINE
Braided Dacron ®Braided Dacron is a commonly used line. Kite retailers carry Braided Dacron for single line kites. Braided Dacron is rated by its test strength, in the USA this is given in pounds(#). Kite manufactures give the minimum test strength to use with their kite. If you build you own kite you can find the line strength you need by comparing similar kites of similar size.
Editor's Note:I understand in Europe line is sold by diameter (i.e. 1.5mm) if someone has more information about this send me an e-mail.
Colors-Braided Dacron comes in two colors, White and Black. Black when used for photography has the advantage of blending in with the ground portion of a photograph if your camera is aimed in the direction of the line. Most retailers carry only the white Dacron. Check out Gone With The Wind under "Kite Retailers on the Net" on the LINKS page for black Dacron. Rolls of white Dacron are usually sold in 150', 300', 500' and 1000' lengths and Black Dacron is usually sold in 500' and 1000' lengths.
Spectra ® & Kevlar ®
Spectra(aka Dyneema) and Kevlar(aka Aramid) are mostly used on stunt kites, because of their low stretch and slipperiness compared to other line. They are also smaller in diameter than Dacron of the same strength. The smaller diameter would decrease wind drag and along with the lighter weight should allow a kite to operate at lower winds than with Dacron line.
Two drawbacks are increased cost and the loss of strength when knotted. This loss of strength is compensated for by placing a hollow braided line over the knotted ends. This is called sleeving. Kevlar's strength is improved from 60% to 98%, Spectra's strength is improved from 45% to 65%. If you do decide to use Spectra be sure to adjust for the 35% loss of strength. Spectra can be easily cut by being crossed by other kite lines.
One word of caution...
- Spectra and Kevlar under tension can cause severe cuts even while wearing leather gloves.
Speaking of safety while handling kite line, be sure to wear gloves when flying large kites no matter what type line you use. The kites used in KAP can create a lot of pull, and if the line slips through your hands you will receive serious burns and/or cuts.
WINDERS
HALOS
HalosHolding the halo with one hand you can easily let the line out as the kite lifts into the wind. They can even be laid on the ground and have the line spool off the side, however remember that side-spooling will twist your line. Even with a good swivel on the end of your line this twisting will not work itself out easily. Severely twisted line will twist around itself when laying on the ground and not under tension. If you pinch the line between your thumb and fore finger while rolling the line back on the spool, you will force much of the twist toward the swivel end.
One disadvantage of the halo is that its largest size is 9" and it will hold 1000' of 150 lb. Dacron. It will only hold about 800' of 250 lb. so you will have to cut about 200' off of a 1000' roll.
Courtesy of Into The Wind
Stratospool
The Stratospool comes in two sizes;
#16 holds up to 1000' of 150 lb. Dacron.
#24 holds up to 1000' of 250 lb. Dacron.
It comes with two crank handles, one for slower high leveraged retrieval large hard pulling kites(the one being used in the photo), and the other for faster retrieval of line with smaller kites or line on the ground. The Stratospool also has a brake and a strap to lock off the reel. The Stratospool and the Windbreaker are the only commercially available spools I'm aware of that will hold a full 1000 feet of 250 lb. Dacron.
Courtesy of Into The Wind
Windbraker
Holds 3000 ft. of 100 lb. Dacron or 500 ft. of 500 lb. Dacron.
Courtesy of Into The Wind>
Crankmaster
The Crankmaster holds 1000' of 150 lb. Dacron
Homemade Winches If you make your own winch or winder remember that retrieving line under tension can crush some hollow cores. Considerable pressure is also placed on the sides of the spool which can cause the sides to buckle or pop off if not constructed properly.