Hi all,
Just bought a kit which is a bit older (my first kite) and the de-power line (i think its called that), the bit of thicker rope that runs through the centre of the bar, is a bit frayed. It's not bad just a bit fuzzy if you like. Can you/Is it worth bothering to, replace this line? Or do you usually just replace the whole bar. Trying to get kiting on a super tight budget here.
Cheers,
Sean
Post a picture and you will get much more accurate advice.
You do want to replace depower lines before they break, and it's usually the first thing to replace on many bars that don't have protective tubing over the depower line. If you're a heavy rider kiting in strong winds, that line will wear off quicker but also break easier, so that's another factor to consider.
Depending on the age and model of your bar it can be hard to find the exact replacement part and also a bit of pain to replace it. Depower ropes usually retail for around $50, however you can make a custom one using 3 or 4mm Dyneema which you can buy by the meter.
A kite shop with experience could replace it for you, but it won't be cheap. takes at least 30 min, but most of time 1 hour
There are many videos that show how to do this, depending on the brand and year of your bar ?
You also need to re-tune your lines after replacing the depower rope as in most cases the length on the new rope will be different than the old one.
Christian
I'm at work so can't post pics. It's an old best kahuna, around 2009 I think. I've checked out the video and seen the kit on fleabay for 30 bucks. Looks pretty straight forward. I'll see what my kite instructor thinks of it tomorrow then make a call.
Yes it can be replaced !! but the kite is on the older side I would look at something 2013 onwards if I were you .
Were are you from ? if your in Sydney I can help you out .
Am in Brisbane. I am planning on replacing the safety line and the mainline loop that connects the chicken loop to the trim straps. Even when replaced however with this design there is no way the kite will flag, just depower somewhat. The length of the safety line to ring connection to the two front lines is only 2.6m.
