Page 1 of 6

The danger of leashes

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 6:33 pm
by Toby
I already heard that this can happen...but now I saw a photo.
This happened to Nigel Walker after an unhooked kiteloop, the bar got pulled out of his hands.
And somehow the leash got stuck in his arm. They had to ultrasound it to get it out and not hurt anything.

Manufacturers, please make it as safe as possible for us!

Re: The danger of leashes

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 7:24 pm
by BWD
So. 10 years ago a lot of leashes had snap hooks instead of carabiner hooks. They broke in bad crashes so no good when handle passes got popular. They switched to carabiner style instead of using larger, more expensive snap hooks.
New style is more convenient but also works as a meat hook.
It would be better to go back to snap hooks but stronger.
An alternative could be to larkshead all leash connections except the QR itself so if you needed to undo it quickly you would have to use the QR.
the topic comes up every year...

Re: The danger of leashes

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 7:36 pm
by NYKiter
WOW
I use this instead, much easier to clip in during solo launches...

Image

Re: The danger of leashes

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 7:41 pm
by tomatkins
The shackle was snapped onto the ring, and the ring was attached to: ?

Re: The danger of leashes

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 7:43 pm
by tomatkins
The trigger shap shackles like the one shown here were the ones that either broke or jammed open and this is why they went to the kind of shackles that can "fishhook" into hands, arms, etc.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2354084

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-10753.html

Which brand for new kite leash?

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2354084

Re: The danger of leashes

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 7:55 pm
by BWD
They switched to carabiner style instead of using larger, more expensive snap hooks.
Snap hooks as well as carabiners are available in many sizes.
Bigger or better metal would not break. But nothing's perfect.

Re: The danger of leashes

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 8:15 pm
by nikalaitzian
i saw Hadlow using this 6 years ago.since then i havent changed a shackle...a bit difficult to attach but super strong and safe...oh i forgot to mention that the "sausage" type leashes are the only ones that are safe..a co kiter lost his thump when the leash got it with an "under" the line knot :shake:

Re: The danger of leashes

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 8:36 pm
by boardjockey
ouch! that has got to hurt like hell. this can also happen in free climbing on rare occasions. i have heard stories of lead climbers left dangling by the achilles after a fall.

I like my Cabrinha leash… no carabiner

Re: The danger of leashes

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 10:05 pm
by matth
Norths leash has a rubber boot that you can slid up to cover snap hook. I will have to make a mental note to always slid into position.

Re: The danger of leashes

Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2014 5:57 am
by longwhitecloud
jeez... lock in that hook huh

i got a pic of me like that in similar position about to be stitched up after leash wrapped my arm and "peeled" off about 10cm2 of my arm skin and fat - just muscle showing bleeding everywhere..i dont advise it ..has cause long term problems....