American Kitefliers Association

Hi Sncflyer , the most common fly line single line kite fliers use is braided dacron. The strength used is determined by the type of kite and it's sail size. The selection of winders is a personal choice ,, those who travel to events like small ,packable light winders, some like hoops some like flat wood winders. My suggestion is to attend festivals see what's being used and ask the fliers why they prefer what they use.  I remember seeing a lot of posting about winder choice on a web site forum called    kitebuilder.com.  You may want to wander over there and check it out. Let us know what winder seems best for you

CLIFF.

Hi sncflyer,

I'm a little puzzled, because in another post you said you had acquired a whole lot of kites, and presumably you have been flying them, so I guess you would have already sorted out some ideas about line.  My own rule is to have various strengths of line - all braided dacron - whenever I fly, even if I take only one kite.  In light winds, you might find a kite will only leave the ground if you use a lighter line than recommended, and in strong winds you might need something stronger than recommended just to be sure.  There are no rules!  But of course it's always important to feel confident that the line you are using is up to the job.  If not, get the kite down and replace the line with a stronger one.

I use hoop spools in various sizes for all my line, so can't give an opinion about any other types, but as Cliff says, the best thing is to ask experienced fliers for advice.  I don't have that opportunity here, where such people are almost impossible to find, but if you have the chance to meet other enthusiasts that is surely the best way to go.

I like the parrot, by the way!

Jim

Hi ncflyer, one point I'll add is I try to use the heaviest line possible which can be strength far beyond what the kite requires, reason,,, thicker line is easier on my fingers and  I'm less apt to get string burn.  Wearing gloves ?  some do some don't ,a personal choice.

CLIFF

Everyone, thanks for the info. True, I have many kites, but that does not mean I know what I am doing. I have purchased different weights of line during my kite acquisitions. I currently have 8lb up to 600 lb. I have also purchased many different line winders. I found it necessary to acquire a wide selection due to a lack of direction. I have tried Yo-yos, reels and figure eight line holders. Many times I have launched to either find the line sags or I get a brush of fear when the kite pulls hard and I wonder if my line will hold as well as myself. I have been regularly using 220 lb. line for most of my flying. It seems to be a good general usage weight. My main selection of kites when I fly are Dyna kites, Cody War kite (10' wingspan), 16' delta, Aloha Skybird and recently added a Hargrave 12' box.  I am very cautious when flying and don't take chances or "hot dog" around crowds. Crashed my first GFAK Storm stunt enough to know what the wind can do and how to assess the "window".

I have come to appreciate the advantage of winding the line in a figure eight to minimize line twisting. Retrieving a large lifter or sled is a challenge when it comes to line management. I have also fallen in love with carabiners for line laundry. Easy to attach and doesn't damage the line. As you may realize by now, I want to try all of the ways to experience the thrill of kite flying.  I am also attempting to make (build) a copy of the original Cody War kite. Trying to be a purist... Muslin cloth, hemp cord, bamboo spars. The whole nine yards. Need input on sewing cloth, silk, satin and rip stop. I know, I know, lots of questions. I can't get enough kite time to satisfy my thirst. Will close for now... the wind is blowing.

sncflyer

With single line kites a bit of stretch is a good thing hence the braided dacron. For dual or multi-line kites however, the opposite is true and Spectra rules.