Forums > Kitesurfing Gear Reviews

Bar for LF and switch kites

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Created by elVC > 9 months ago, 28 Jan 2018
elVC
VIC, 22 posts
28 Jan 2018 6:53PM
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Hi guys,

Looking for your advice here. Have a LF kite nv 2014 10.5m and getting some switch element in the coming weeks. I am looking to buy me a brand new bar to use with these kites but I am not completely ure which one.

First, can the same bar be used with these two brands of kites? LF kite (note I am talking about the kite here, no bar) has knots in the back and loops in front lines.

I am thinking about getting a mission bar (LF) to use with my kites. Would that be compatible?

Switch controller 4 looks ok but two guys in my loval spot have had problems with the safety systems similar to what is reported here:www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Review/The-New-Switch-kitebar-gets-it-right--?page=1 kites,however, seems to be excellent.

Advice is welcome!!!

Ps. Currently using a cpr bar 2014 (LF)

toppleover
QLD, 2033 posts
28 Jan 2018 6:32PM
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I'm not sure about the LF but any bar with all lines of equal lenght will work on Switch kites.

shi thouse
WA, 1129 posts
28 Jan 2018 8:11PM
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I fly all Nitro's and use the Cabrinha 1X with Trimlite (not the Overdrive version). Nice simple bar and works well. I personally do not like Switch bars, tried Controller 3 and sent it back due to safety issues, and have heard about similar issues with version 4. I don't get why Switch cannot iron these issues out.

That said, as toppleover stated, any bar with equal length lines will work.

blueprint
WA, 321 posts
29 Jan 2018 6:19AM
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I use a LF CPR bar with my Switch Elements (V2) I assume switch still set their bridles up the same. the LF bar should work fine but you'll have to grab some pigtails as the knots and loops on the bar are backwards to the bridle.

elVC
VIC, 22 posts
29 Jan 2018 10:24AM
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Select to expand quote
shi thouse said..
I fly all Nitro's and use the Cabrinha 1X with Trimlite (not the Overdrive version). Nice simple bar and works well. I personally do not like Switch bars, tried Controller 3 and sent it back due to safety issues, and have heard about similar issues with version 4. I don't get why Switch cannot iron these issues out.

That said, as toppleover stated, any bar with equal length lines will work.


Hi Shi ,
thanks for replying.Here I am a bit confused based on what you say and blueprint said in his post (thanks for replying blueprint):
Select to expand quote
blueprint said..
I use a LF CPR bar with my Switch Elements (V2) I assume switch still set their bridles up the same. the LF bar should work fine but you'll have to grab some pigtails as the knots and loops on the bar are backwards to the bridle.



Could you Shi tell me how the bridles are set up in the new nitros?? - my liquid force envy has knots in the back bridles and loops in the front ones. By looking the videos on switchkites.com it seems that the new element kites have the same set up as liquid force, but it would be great to confirm.I am also a bit concerned with the new switch bar (c4x), that's why I am looking into liquid force mission bar. More expensive, but seems flawless in terms of safety. It also seems a good performer.

blueprint
WA, 321 posts
29 Jan 2018 8:43AM
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Quite possible I'm wrong, my gear is all 2013 so may have changed since then and reading your post suggests I am, switch kites have knots on back and loops on front.

shi thouse
WA, 1129 posts
29 Jan 2018 5:59PM
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Hey Juan

Not a problem with your loops and bridles having the knots and loops back to front. Just change them over. When you get your new bar you will see that you can swap them over in seconds. Just undo the loops and put them on the knots and vice-versa, have a look at your current lines and you will see what I mean.

Check out the attached video and you will see what I mean.



The LF bar looks nice, I like below the bar swivels however, would not want adjustable bar lengths.

For me the simplicity and functionality of the Cab bar is what makes it so good.

Good luck

elVC
VIC, 22 posts
2 Feb 2018 10:46AM
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Select to expand quote
shi thouse said..
Hey Juan

Not a problem with your loops and bridles having the knots and loops back to front. Just change them over. When you get your new bar you will see that you can swap them over in seconds. Just undo the loops and put them on the knots and vice-versa, have a look at your current lines and you will see what I mean.

Check out the attached video and you will see what I mean.



The LF bar looks nice, I like below the bar swivels however, would not want adjustable bar lengths.

For me the simplicity and functionality of the Cab bar is what makes it so good.

Good luck


Thanks for this detailed answer! (I don't know why I did not see it before)May I ask one last question? - when the time comes to replace the lines, may I also use other brands' spares? for instance, switch lines in a liquid force bar? - the question arises due to the difference in price of the spares...All the best!

Puetz
NT, 2172 posts
2 Feb 2018 10:25AM
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Select to expand quote
JuanPablo said..
Hi guys,

Looking for your advice here. Have a LF kite nv 2014 10.5m and getting some switch element in the coming weeks. I am looking to buy me a brand new bar to use with these kites but I am not completely ure which one.

First, can the same bar be used with these two brands of kites? LF kite (note I am talking about the kite here, no bar) has knots in the back and loops in front lines.

I am thinking about getting a mission bar (LF) to use with my kites. Would that be compatible?

Switch controller 4 looks ok but two guys in my loval spot have had problems with the safety systems similar to what is reported here:www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Review/The-New-Switch-kitebar-gets-it-right--?page=1 kites,however, seems to be excellent.

Advice is welcome!!!

Ps. Currently using a cpr bar 2014 (LF)


... just to add one more point, make sure the Y point distance on any new bar you are considering is the same as the original kite needs.

The Y point height of the front lines affects the geometry so will affect the kites performance. The most obvious effect is the trim is out so kites can over flare or feel worse in the turning behaviour. The kites upwind abilities are also affected.

So long as the bar mirrors the bar the kite was designed with then all good.

Cheers,

Robbie

blueprint
WA, 321 posts
8 Feb 2018 6:00AM
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Select to expand quote
Puetz said..

JuanPablo said..
Hi guys,

Looking for your advice here. Have a LF kite nv 2014 10.5m and getting some switch element in the coming weeks. I am looking to buy me a brand new bar to use with these kites but I am not completely ure which one.

First, can the same bar be used with these two brands of kites? LF kite (note I am talking about the kite here, no bar) has knots in the back and loops in front lines.

I am thinking about getting a mission bar (LF) to use with my kites. Would that be compatible?

Switch controller 4 looks ok but two guys in my loval spot have had problems with the safety systems similar to what is reported here:www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Review/The-New-Switch-kitebar-gets-it-right--?page=1 kites,however, seems to be excellent.

Advice is welcome!!!

Ps. Currently using a cpr bar 2014 (LF)



... just to add one more point, make sure the Y point distance on any new bar you are considering is the same as the original kite needs.

The Y point height of the front lines affects the geometry so will affect the kites performance. The most obvious effect is the trim is out so kites can over flare or feel worse in the turning behaviour. The kites upwind abilities are also affected.

So long as the bar mirrors the bar the kite was designed with then all good.

Cheers,

Robbie


They are.

Swapping line brands should also be fine also

Tommyk
QLD, 2 posts
22 Feb 2018 7:47PM
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Hi Juan,

I am a big fan of switch kites but not so much of there bars. I have a 9m element and 12m nitro. I use an ozone bar with these kites and i get the best of both worlds good kites with a good bar. You will have to use pigtails adaptors in order for them to attach. Super important you tweek your lines to what feels good for you. Its actually quite amazing how much little adjustments can affect the performance of your kites ability to get upwind. or how well it will turn or quickly it will come through a loop for you.

Tommy



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"Bar for LF and switch kites" started by elVC