How critical is line length?

[raztec]

I'm looking to get a bar to use with multiple kites and I've come across one with 19m line length. From my understanding this is good for small kites 5-8m, but not for larger ones.

My main kites will be 8, 9.5, and 12m.

A couple questions:

1.Am I ok to use this bar with 19m lines with my multiple kites, or am I better off with one with 23 or 24m line length?
2. How reliable and hassle free are line extensions?

Thanks
A

[El_Norte_Adventures]

19m is on the shorter side but not overly so. You will have a slightly more responsive kite and a bit less time during your power stroke. I would pick up a set of 4 or 5m extensions to improve your low end on the 12m, however the 12 will fly fine without them. Maybe someone else here as a different opinion though?

I have never had a reliability issue with extensions. As far as hassle free I find if you go much over 5m threading them through becomes a bit of a pain unless you can use a larks head to attach them. Keep something in your bag to neatly wind them up with after use - prevents sorting out a tangly mess when you need them!

Length of the bar itself has an effect on steering as well, sometimes the bars with shorter lines are also shorter in length.

[NorCalNomad]

22-24 is what the majority of people and riding gets done on. Extensions are painless and handy to have for sure.