So my Torch 2010 has additional knots for the trailing edge, which allows one to effectively shorten the trailing edge lines by a bit over an inch.

I'm just curious about what specifically this achieves. I mean, by my understanding this will shorten the trailing lines, which increases the angle of attack, which should make the kite more powered.

Ok. But then you can adjust the trim, which shortens the leading lines.

So is the trim and low/high trailing knot configuration effectively adjusting the same thing (aoa?)? Am I right in thinking then that if I configure for low wind, I can effectively trim it in to the point where it would be identical to the regular configuration? I mean this makes sense to me, but I having not bothered to study kiting aerodynamics I'm not prepared to discount the possibility that this changes the relative angle or something else.

I'm curious because I've gone out so many times and found myself underpowered, but I've never tried the low wind config because I've been afraid it'd be too much. However I figured if I can compensate for the low-wind-knot by trimming it in, then it'd be worth having a go.

Let's simplify things and pretend we have a c kite (just because that's the only relevant picture I could find)

Besides the same principals apply to all inflatable kites (and foils too)



Front lines:

Different knot, same pigtail: Lengthens / shortens the front line. Nothing more, nothing less. Used to get the bar in a comfortable position for riding. On strong days you might want to use a knot closer to the kite to shorten the front lines and ride a little more depowered - this is the same as pulling on the trim strap.

Same knot, different pigtail: Changes pivot point for wing of the kite. Used to make a kite more or less "gruntier". Moving closer to the trailing edge makes the kite gruntier (less depower for the same bar inputs), moving away from the leading edge gives it more depower.

Back lines:

Different knot, same pigtail: Lengthens / shortens the back line. Nothing more, nothing less. Used to get the bar in a comfortable position for riding. On strong days you might want to use a knot further away from the kite to lengthen the back lines and ride a little more depowered - this is the same as pulling on the trim strap.

Same knot, different pigtail: Changes the amount of pivot in the kite from the back line inputs. Used for changing the turning speed and force (it changes both). Moving closer to the leading edge makes the kite turn slower for the same back line input AND also makes the bar heavier.


So what does it all mean for light winds? Depending on the kite you may be better off with a gruntier setting as that tends to be more stable. Having said that it is far more important to not choke the kite too much by pulling in the bar too hard - let the kite fly.

thanks for the info guys. Will give it a go next time I'm out.