Shorter lines = greater range

[local]

For the past month I have been using 17 m lines on my 13m Fuel. I originally shortened my lines to be able to handle more wind, however I found that it also dramatically improves the low end as i can now move the kite much faster trough the window. Went this morning and it was 10-23 kts, no prob.

[noody]

That is a very large wind range to ride in. Are you talking wind mean speed and gust speed on the day?

I started messing with line length two years ago but put it on the back burner because I needed to focus on staying on my board through thick and thin.

I have always been convinced that have a choice of line length like say for example, 25 and 15 meters would produce some interesting results.

Keep in touch, PM me if anything else comes up.

[DrLightWind]

For the past month I have been using 17 m lines on my 13m Fuel. I originally shortened my lines to be able to handle more wind, however I found that it also dramatically improves the low end as i can now move the kite much faster trough the window. Went this morning and it was 10-23 kts, no prob.

local,

I have all the experience with different line length but what I found,
only longer lines would dramatically improve low end for me.

It's true with shorter lines kite moves much faster trough the window what I like,
but it gives me only a better high end with diminish of the low.

I hope John Holtzall is reading this thread and comment on this issue,
because he is the expert on line lengths and the author of Secrets of Kiteboarding DVD.

Chers,

DrLightWind

[local]

The wind mentioned was the lulls and gusts, avg was prob 17 or so. All I know is that for me the high end AND the low end increased, but I 'work' the kite alot, so if it was just sitting in the window the low end would be worse rather than better. I also found that my jumps are better, prob also due to more responsive kite control with shorter lines.

[jasevinda]

Fuels work very well on short lines.

I use my 11m on 20m lines and pulley bar when the wind is light in the surf. you would be surprised how much fun can be had in ligh wind with short lines.

I may try 15m lines if i can get them.

[sq225917]

pulley bars do make a difference as they hold the power, and that teaches you to edge.

[Rocks]

I have all the experience with different line length but what I found,
only longer lines would dramatically improve low end for me.

It's true with shorter lines kite moves much faster trough the window what I like,
but it gives me only a better high end with diminish of the low

True!

[shawnwar4586]

hey check out the latest issue of kiteboarding mag (usa) they have a page on kite lines and lengths.

[local]

I don't have a pulley bar, thinking about getting 1, but wouldn't it have the same effect just to narrow the stoppers on a regular bar?

[hvyprq]

I had exactly the opposite experience. I tried using 23m lines. Went out in a 15-20kn day with a 14m kite and found i was underpowered esp. during the lulls. Went up to my 30m lines and had an awesome session fully powered.

I've tried the 23m a few times and have had the same experience each time. The kite does turn faster but you spend twice as much time turning the kite as the strokes are so short and you get nowhere near the power out of the kite when figure 8ing it.

I ended up replacing the 23m with 27m. I'd rather vary my power with smaller kites as reducing the line lengths makes the kite feel totally different and gives you a reduced ability to vary your power through moving the kite.