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Build Your Own Bridle Lines

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foilonfoil
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Build Your Own Bridle Lines

Postby foilonfoil » Mon May 28, 2018 3:20 am

Hey!

I need to replace two bridle lines and want to do it myself... I have spools of various strength spectra hollow core fishing line and know my splices... To match an existing bridle line, do you recommend (1) stretching it first before cutting and splicing, or (2) shortening it by 1/4" - 1/8", or (3) matching it to the same length?

Thanks!

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jakemoore
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Re: Build Your Own Bridle Lines

Postby jakemoore » Mon May 28, 2018 4:33 am

I had a kite where the Z-main was replaced with an old kite line and it would stretch in a session and shrink after, resulting in changing flight character. Replacing both sides with new lines from the manufacturer made a huge difference.

Is the line a single braid or double braid? For double braid, I would replace from the manufacturer for sure.

For single braid I like to use as much of the old lines as possible using end-for end splices to put a new piece of spectra into the worn area. If you want to replace the whole line consider a pre-stretched line will shrink. A non-stretched line line like Jerry Brown One line will stretch. It will change.

For a whole new line I would match the opposite side. I would make a very long bury, maybe 20 cm. I would not lock the splice at first, fly the kite a few times. Then I would re-splice after the new line has stabilized. Lock the splice with a lock stitch or cyanoacrylate glue once it is very stable, matched, and you are happy with the flight.

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Re: Build Your Own Bridle Lines

Postby revhed » Mon May 28, 2018 7:33 am

jakemoore wrote:
Mon May 28, 2018 4:33 am
Then I would re-splice after the new line has stabilized. Lock the splice with a lock stitch or cyanoacrylate glue once it is very stable, matched,
Only because Super Glue, CA, and stiching, sewing are almost permanant, we used to do one end like this,BUT the other,
Just make a magic marker small black mark where the line exits the core, carefully cut just a little longer and melt a small ball to the mark.
This will of course leave a small bump in the line but will "lock" the loop but with the option to easy find end AND read adjust if needed. :idea:
R H

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sflinux
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Re: Build Your Own Bridle Lines

Postby sflinux » Mon May 28, 2018 4:01 pm

I agree with Jake to replace bridles in pairs. I don't prestretch bridle line, but measure them under load. I like to stitch one side and do a zacher knot (adjustable) on the other end. I agree that bridle lines shrink over time. Using a zacher knot gives some adjustment.
https://ericedttaylor.wordpress.com/201 ... -knot-htm/

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foilonfoil
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Re: Build Your Own Bridle Lines

Postby foilonfoil » Mon May 28, 2018 4:50 pm

Hmm... ;) Likely I will match them. Still need to play around a bit.

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Re: Build Your Own Bridle Lines

Postby cwood » Mon May 28, 2018 9:02 pm

foilonfoil wrote:
Mon May 28, 2018 4:50 pm
Hmm... ;) Likely I will match them. Still need to play around a bit.
Flysurfer told me to copy the other side with the new one for length. You are dealing with an entire bridle system that has changed from factory. This was using new DC60 line from Liros, the maker of the line that FS uses.

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foilonfoil
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Re: Build Your Own Bridle Lines

Postby foilonfoil » Sun Jun 03, 2018 7:26 am

cwood wrote:
Mon May 28, 2018 9:02 pm
foilonfoil wrote:
Mon May 28, 2018 4:50 pm
Hmm... ;) Likely I will match them. Still need to play around a bit.
Flysurfer told me to copy the other side with the new one for length. You are dealing with an entire bridle system that has changed from factory. This was using new DC60 line from Liros, the maker of the line that FS uses.
Thanks. I ordered various strength line from Liros.

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Re: Build Your Own Bridle Lines

Postby cwood » Sat Jun 16, 2018 1:34 pm

foilonfoil wrote:
Sun Jun 03, 2018 7:26 am
cwood wrote:
Mon May 28, 2018 9:02 pm
foilonfoil wrote:
Mon May 28, 2018 4:50 pm
Hmm... ;) Likely I will match them. Still need to play around a bit.
Flysurfer told me to copy the other side with the new one for length. You are dealing with an entire bridle system that has changed from factory. This was using new DC60 line from Liros, the maker of the line that FS uses.
Thanks. I ordered various strength line from Liros.
Good man. Its very liberating being able to make ones own. Dont be surprised if you end up helping some fellow kiters as well.

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foilonfoil
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Re: Build Your Own Bridle Lines

Postby foilonfoil » Tue Jun 19, 2018 8:46 pm

cwood wrote:
Sat Jun 16, 2018 1:34 pm

Good man. Its very liberating being able to make ones own. Dont be surprised if you end up helping some fellow kiters as well.
Happy to do so!


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