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!!! SAFETY with velcro fixing may FAIL !!!

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 7:12 am
by burny
In some cases the velcro which is meant for clipping together the SS rings of the power lines may not open.

There is a variety of possibilities to fix the velcro and at least one of them can set the safety system out of order. After pulling the safety release the velcro may get even tighter under load and therefore doesn`t release the safety line.

This happened some days ago under extreme load with a GAASTRA GXR 14 in 7bft on our local spot. Could have been any other type or brand with the mentioned velcro fixing. Only luck and immediate reaction of bystanders prevented an accident.

THIS FIXING IS NOT FOOLPROOF ! Use your brain when closing the velcro or better cut it off as it is not really necessary.

Fly safe,
burny

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2003 11:43 pm
by kiteboarder@pacbell.net
Anybody withOUT this Velcro should pay attention to this too: The purpose of the Velcro is to prevent the leashed line from pulling through the ring, allowing it to possibly tangle dangerously on other parts. It's likely unnecessary if you always attach the lines so the leashed line goes to the unsanded tip (the one that is free to flap away from you as you prepare to launch).

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2003 9:26 pm
by Ozone Kites AUS
G'day Mel
Which kite or safety system is this, we are talking about?


kiteboarder@pacbell.net wrote:Anybody withOUT this Velcro should pay attention to this too: The purpose of the Velcro is to prevent the leashed line from pulling through the ring, allowing it to possibly tangle dangerously on other parts. It's likely unnecessary if you always attach the lines so the leashed line goes to the unsanded tip (the one that is free to flap away from you as you prepare to launch).

pic of the velcro

Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2003 11:03 am
by burny
hi steve,
I´m talking about THIS velcro:

http://www.madefrom.com/kitezone/pics/g ... velcro.htm


pic is taken from the new gaastra bar, but there are some other brands on the market using this velcro fixing.

fly safe,
burny