Attaching leader lines

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[JeffD]

Haven't gone through all my kites but I've found I prefer leader lines on the individual kite rather than the lines.

What works nice I believe is to remove the pigtail and use a double sheet bend knot to attach the line where the pigtail went.

Removes the usually doubled over pigtail line and its big knot. Cleaner application.

You can search animated knots. Double sb can be moved but won't slip.

I fold kite as normal but have the leaders come out the top or side and wrap them around kite.

Twist the kite while putting it into the bag and its no problem. Goes in, comes out, unwraps just fine.

[DaveH]

I also prefer individual leaders for each kite.  Nice tip. I'll give it a try

[cids]

What is the weight of your 'leader line' ?

I assumed the leader line is the same as 'bridle line'.

Is there any advantage to use the 'leader line' ? Less wear on the LE/TE ? Less wear on the flying lines ?

[mikenchico]

Is there any advantage to use the 'leader line' ? Less wear on the LE/TE ? Less wear on the flying lines ?

Exactly and a couple of other benifits I've heard.

Some people feel the heavier line falls out of the way quicker giving less chance of tip wraps.

Some of us vision impaired folks find the heavier and bright colored line easier to see at a distance for unwrapping those tip wraps that didn't happen because we had the heavier line    no really it's much easier to see what your lines are doing near the kite at a distance

[kiten00b]

flying line is thin and can act like a knife edge against your sail
leader line is thicker and is more U-shaped than V-shaped when pressing against the sail
it's often stiffer than flying lines and doesn't auto-tangle around snag points on your kite

[UPNET]

How long do you make the leader lines?? Have a picture of it?

[mikenchico]

I think Steve cut mine at 4 foot, enough for a single roll up. Just tie a loop on the kite end the same as on your flying lines, at the other end a single French knot, that's just a half hitch that you loop through twice to add more bulk to connect your flying lines to.

If your ordering anything from GWTW ask Steve to send you a set, he usually has a few color choices in stock & even a couple weights if you need lighter ones. Plus it gives him a break from taping boxes for a few minutes too.

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