q line vs dyneema/spectra

[pursuit95]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Russky]

Just in case - here is how to make loops with Q-Powerlines (and that's the beauty of this solution - no headache with sleeving, stitching, etc):



http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=10803


[I, personally, used to do two such knots on each loop... just to make sure they wouldn't slip.]