FKA Kiteboarding Forums

FKA Kiteboarding Forums (http://www.fksa.org/index.php)
-   Let's Ride! (http://www.fksa.org/forumdisplay.php?f=46)
-   -   q line vs dyneema/spectra (http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?t=11406)

pursuit95 07-06-2012 08:50 AM

q line vs dyneema/spectra
 
Don't know if this is the right place to post this, and if not, I apologize.

Just had surgery and will not be able to kite for a while. Gonna put some new
lines on my bars while recovering and am wondering if anyone out there has ever used both Q line and spectra/dyneema and if you have an opinion about relative strengths and weaknesses? Also wondering if anyone has purchased spools of Q and tied/stretched their own?

Thanks.

Russky 07-06-2012 09:40 AM

Are you talking about mixing them (i.e. like front Q-Lines + back Dyneema)?
If yes - don't do it, they load-stretch differently, and they have different load specs.

It's ok to go all Q-Lines or all Dynema.
Q-Line is weird in my taste as it feels almost like a wire. Other than that it's super reliable.

If you take into consideration all the time spent on measuring/cutting/tunning/etc - it is better to just buy a new set of lines.

ricki 07-06-2012 10:29 AM

I used to change out factor supplied spectra lines with Q line when it wore out. Q line works very well with the added advantage that you don't need to sew sleeves over the loops as with spectra lines. You do need to prestretch Q line, then cut it to length and simply tie loops with figure 8 knots and you're good to go. Bulk rolls of Q line used to be less costly than buying specta line sets, not sure if it still is.

Kiteboarding Tampa Bay 07-07-2012 06:07 PM

Q-Line is just as Russky described- like a wire, and feels weird. If your line lengths are off even a tiny bit, you will feel it. While I liked the line itself, I found them to be a serious pain to unwind and was glad to go back to regular lines.

The best thing about them is the high pitched singing sound they make when flying.
People are less likely to cut you off if you sound like an airplane going by.;)

www.kiteboardingtampabay.com

pursuit95 07-08-2012 08:03 AM

Thanks all.

Russky, no, I am not going to mix them. One type all around.

Rick, you mentioned that you "used" to use Q. Do you not use it anymore?

Again, I appreciate it.

ricki 07-09-2012 06:38 AM

I try to change out kites, bars and lines annually these days. In the past I might use a bar and lines for a few years. The manufactured supplied lines would wear out after a year or so, I would always change it out for Q line. As long as you prestretched the lines, I didn't have any problems with them.

pursuit95 07-09-2012 09:41 AM

Thanks for your time Rick. Just one last question if you don't mind:

What method do you use to prestretch your lines?

Take it easy.

Tim

ricki 07-09-2012 10:27 AM

Tim,

I cut all four lines to equal lengths and then tie loops in both ends of all the lines. I run the loops off all four lines through a rope tied to something that won't move, a tree, car, etc.. I slip all the loops of the other end over something that won't break, steel pipe, spreader bar hook. Then I pull and hold the pipe/spreader bar for ten or so seconds as hard as I can. I will do this several times. If you have excessive stretching in some lines, you may need to do this with one line at a time, perhaps two lines. Once everything is well stretched out, I cut them all to equal length and tie new loops using figure eight knots. Check the lines to make sure they are of equal length and you're good to go.

pursuit95 07-09-2012 10:45 AM

Sounds like a plan. Really appreciate it

btw, where do you purchase your Qline? Kiting.com has best price I have found for 500ft spool ($119-free ship)

ricki 07-09-2012 01:42 PM

It has been a while since I have had to buy any. That price sounds quite good particularly with free shipping.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:07 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.

Do not advertise outside of [COM] Forums.
Do not show disrespect for others in your postings.
Users can be denied access to this Site without warning.
FKA, Inc., it’s officers and moderators are not responsible
for the content of the postings and any links or pictures posted.

Report Problems by PM to “administrator” or via email to flkitesurfer@hotmail.com

Copyright FKA, Inc. 2004, All Rights Reserved.