Parts of the Kite System

It doesn’t really matter what type of kite you are flying, they all have the same basic parts.  For this discussion, we will start at the top of the kite and move down to the pilot.   

Every kite has a leading edge and a trailing edge.  The leading edge is the front of the kite.  The trailing edge is the back of the kite.  The ends of the kite are the wing tips.    

HQ Montana V w/ Parts Labeled

The actual parts that make up the kite depend on the type of kite you are looking at (LEI or foil).  A foil kite is made of a top sheet and a bottom sheet.  These are often (but not always) made of a rip-stop type of material.  Between these two layers are ribs also made of fabric.  These ribs run from the leading edge to the trailing edge.  These ribs divide the kite into cells.  In the picture above,   you can see the individual cells separated by the ribs.  As the wind fills the cells, the kite takes shape and generates power.   

LEI kites have a very different construction.  Instead of cells that fill with air, the kite is given its shape by bladders that are manually filled with air. There are two types of bladders.  The bladder on the front is the leading edge bladder.  The bladders running from the leading edge to the trailing edge are called the struts.  These bladders are filled with either manual or electric pumps.  In some kites, the bladders have to be filled with individually.  In other kites, the bladders can be filled via one single valve.      

Here you can see the leading edge bladder across the top and the struts running from the leading edge to the trailing eduge

It doesn’t matter what kite of kite you have, it needs to connect to the kite lines.  In the case of a C-Kite, the lines connect directly to the kite.  With every other type of kite there is a bridle system that connects the kite to the lines.  A bridle for a foil kite has anywhere from 2 to 5 lines.  Trainer kites usually have either 2 or 3 lines.  Traction kites and kites controlled with handles are usually 4 line kites.  De-power kites come in either 4 line or 5 line flavors.  The picture below is a simple 3 line trainer.  The 2 lines that allow the pilot to control the kite are connected in multiple places across the kite.  The third line works as a safety that causes the kite to lose its power when pulled.    

This kite has three lines. Notice how the bridle connects to the kite in multiple places.

LEI kites are a little different.  A C-Kite (not pictured) connects to the kite lines directly at the wing tips.  Any other LEI connects to the kite lines via a bridle system.  In the picture below, you can see the bridle system and how it attaches to the kite.  Not all LEI kites have the same bridle system.  This picture just gives you a basic idea of how it works.   

This kite has 4 lines. Two go to the back of the kite (the break lines) and two come off the front of the kite.

The kite lines themselves are simple.  Most are made of high strength, light weight material called Dyneema.  These lines will stretch a little, but not very much.  It is not necessary to go into the design and manufacture of the kite lines.  Let’s just say that they connect the kite to the control system.     

Kite controls come in one of three flavors: the bar, the straps, or the handles.  Of the three types of controls, the straps are least popular and are generally reserved for smaller kites.    

Straps are usually used for smaller 2 line kites

Handles are popular with traction kites such as the HQ Beamer IV.  Those who ride the buggies really like the handles because of the incredible control that they give over the kite.  Handles are almost always used on 4 line foil kites.  The top lines go to the bridle while the break lines go to the back of the kite.   

The handles are used to control 4 line kites and are popular with buggiers

By far, the most popular type of control system is the bar.  There are many types of bars ranging from a simple 2 line bar to a bar that will handle 5 lines.  Trainer kites use either a 2 or 3 line system while depower kites use either a 4 or 5 line system.  Often, bars can be swapped between manufacturers.  This allows the pilot to use the bar from one manufacturer with the kites of another manufacturer. Below is a simple 3 line control bar.  The two outer lines control the kite while the third center line is used as a break or a safety.    

This is a simple 3 line bar. The two outer lines control the kite while the center line acts as a safety.

Below is a photo of the HQ Montana V bar.  This bar can be used with almost any 4 line de-power kite on the market today.  The use of this type of bar will be covered under the section, “Controlling the Kite.”  For now, just take a look at the bar and notice the difference between it and the 3 line bar.  Also, take a look at the lines directly connected to the bar.  These lines are called leader lines.     

Notice how this bar has multiple lines. The use of this bar will be discussed in “Controling the Kite”

In the picture above, notice that there is a loop on the bottom of the bar.  This loop is called the chicken loop.  It is connected to harness so that the pilot does not have to use brute strength to hang onto the kite.    

Last, but not least, notice that all the control systems have both a red side and (in these pictures) a blue side.  The red side is an industry standard and is to be connected to the left side of the kite.  The other side can be any other color (blue, green, and black are currently popular).    

There are two types of harnesses, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.  The type of harness chosen is usually one of personal choice.  Bringing up the question of “Which type of harness is better?” is an emotion charged topic that is best left to glossy magazines.  It is best to try each yourself and make your own decision.  Below are examples of the two types of harnesses.  The waist harness sits slightly above the hips. It allows for free movement and is less restricting than the seat harness.   

The waist harness sits slightly above the hips. It allows for free movement and is less restricting than the seat harness.

The other type of harness is called a seat harness.  A seat harness fits around your waist like a pair of shorts.  In fact, there are harnesses out on the market that in integrated into the shorts themselves.  Below is a picture of a seat harness from HQ Powerkites.