fun2kite wrote:Hi All,
Anybody can suggest how to find spare parts to build a custom bar. Bar/leash typically consists of :
leaders, QR release, rings, stopper balls, clit etc.
If I wanted to buy all those parts online. but not as already kitesurfing spare parts, but as original parts on a generic site. Where would I go?
most of the parts can be sourced directly from the manufacturers but are also normally sold as repair parts from all your normal kiteboarding shops. cheapest way is to source a used control bar and part it up this will also probably give you a set of lines. so go look for a used control bar, make sure it has the size of hole that you like where the chicken line passes through. You can also buy a used control bar by itself for about $20. I haven't seen a good way to get the control bar itself from any vendor except switch which runs $50 or so. Then you buy the swivel from whichever vendor you like that cost varies a lot, but I like the ozone megron that costs $80, and then source the quick release. Get the one you like. For instance the naish swivel costs $50. You can get a cheap quick release but if you are building a custom bar you probably want to get the one you like the best. Then sources the various parts you need o-rings cleats extra dyneema for leaders and the chicken line stuff like that will run you another $30 or so get them at your marine shop whichever one you prefer. total cost will be about $180 but if you end up having to also source a set of lines that will add another $80 and put the cost of the total build to around $260. Now you look at this and go online look at a brand new naish control bar from last year or the year before, like for instance the 2014 naish universal control bar sells for $240 you understand after you put in the labor and the time and shipping costs, what you really need to be sure of is that you are building a control bar exactly the way you like it. don't build a half ass bar just because it's cheaper, go look for last year's or the year before's control bar if you are just trying to do it cheap last year's control bar will be several hundred dollars cheaper than this year's model and is the best way to save money. so building your control bar should be about making it the way you like it not about money.
I don't like the switch components except for the control bar itself, that seems ok. don't like their V connector, don't like the quick release, but everyone is different figure out which components you like. That switch quick release is a lot cheaper only $25 or so compared to the $80 for the ozone but is that why you build a control bar so it's cheap?
I was following an ebay sale for a used 2014 naish race control bar just sold for $91 in perfect condition. Almost bought it but decided I had too many control bars already.