Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1993 05:09:25 -1000 From: tanaka_be@swam1.enet.dec.com Message-Id: <9307081508.AA09784@enet-gw.pa.dec.com> Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: Bridle material Bill Owens writes: >I have a SpinOff clone with a quad-line bridle that I'd like to be able >to fly two-line. I could probably readjust the bridle to let me do >that, but since the kite has quick-connects I'd rather have a second >bridle that I can swap on and off. However, I don't know what to use to >make it. I'd guess the bridle should be overdesigned for strength, so >something like 300# dacron would be a possibility, but I have to think >there's a better material (for one thing, my other SpinOff doesn't seem >to be bridled in dacron). Perhaps Skybond? What's a good source for >whatever is recommended? I've had poor results using Spectra or fly line type material for bridles. The line's pretty slick, and my adjustments slip in strong winds. Kevin Mayeshiro suggested putting surf board wax on the line in lieu of making up a whole new bridle, but I haven't tried that yet. Dacron seems to hold its place pretty good whether you're using a swivel, clip, or bridle loop system. Although you save a little weight using the smaller line, my klutzy fingers have a little bit easier time undoing knots and adjustments on the heavier line, especially in cold weather. Good Winds, Bert Tanaka Digital Equipment West Covina, Ca. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1993 08:33:31 -1000 From: sasaki@das.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki) Message-Id: <1993Jul8.183331.754@das.harvard.edu> Organization: Harvard University Subject: Re: Bridle material In article <9307081508.AA09784@enet-gw.pa.dec.com>, tanaka_be@swam1.enet.dec.com writes: >I've had poor results using Spectra or fly line type material for bridles. >The line's pretty slick, and my adjustments slip in strong winds. Kevin >Mayeshiro suggested putting surf board wax on the line in lieu of making >up a whole new bridle, but I haven't tried that yet. Dacron seems >to hold its place pretty good whether you're using a swivel, clip, or >bridle loop system. Although you save a little weight using the smaller >line, my klutzy fingers have a little bit easier time undoing knots and >adjustments on the heavier line, especially in cold weather. Let me second Bert's recommendation. I've had problems with Spectra slipping, especially while using loop system. For the Katana, which is a smallish kite (it's wingspan is 224 cm), I use 220 lb Dacron. It is much larger than necessary, but makes adjustments easier (ever try adjusting a bridle in -5 degrees C?). However when trying to get the ultimate performance in a light wind kite, I have used lightweight (100 pound) Spectra. Once the bridle was adjusted properly, I tied everything in place. -- Marty Sasaki Harvard University Sasaki Kite Fabrications sasaki@noc.harvard.edu Network Services Division 26 Green Street 617-496-4320 10 Ware Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Cambridge, MA 02138-4002 phone/fax: 617-522-8546 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1993 11:51:37 -1000 From: jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu (Jeffrey C. Burka) Message-Id: <21kp99$443@umd5.umd.edu> Organization: University of Maryland at College Park Subject: Re: Bridle material In article <1993Jul8.183331.754@das.harvard.edu> sasaki@netop3.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki) writes: >Let me second Bert's recommendation. I've had problems with Spectra >slipping, especially while using loop system. For what it's worth, I've got a Tracer with a 300# SpiderLine bridle. I never noticed any slippage, and the line was heavy enough to make adjustments possible (though admittedly not the easiest thing). I did, however, have problems with a bit of fraying of the main bridle line around the clip, so I borrowed yet another of Dean's ideas and glued a piece of sleeving in the center of the line. This doesn't slip and makes adjustment quite easy. My LiteFlite S has a bridle of 200# (main) and 150# (outhaul) spectra. The instructions suggest that after you find a good setting, put a drop of super glue on it. They say that a bit of flexing will crack off the glue making it re-tunable. I never got around to trying the superglue trick, but then I never had the bridle slip. >For the Katana, which is >a smallish kite (it's wingspan is 224 cm), I use 220 lb Dacron. It is >much larger than necessary, but makes adjustments easier My other full-size tracer has a an 80# dacron bridle. It's been flown in pretty high winds (ODSKC '93) with no signs of fraying anywhere. My only mistake was that I didn't think to prestretch it, and after its first real high wind jaunt, the bridle lines were all about an inch longer. >(ever try adjusting a bridle in -5 degrees C?). Well, no, but I've untangled a (badly plaited) set of Rev lines at about -3c. Does that count? ;-) (we won't discuss whether I came particularly close to frostbite or not. suffice to say that I knew that if I didn't finish untangling them, they'd probably get worse the point of needing to be replaced...) Jeff -- |Jeffrey C. Burka | "When I look in the mirror, I see a little clearer/ | |SAFH Lite [tm] | I am what I am and you are you too./ Do you like | |jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu | what you see? Do you like yourself?" --N. Cherry | = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =