Rider: 82kg advanced
Style: Surf, freeriding
Weather: ?-? knots
Build Quality: ?/10
Satisfaction: ?/10
Disclosure: i have a serious kiting addiction..........

New to the forum but have been reading them for a while, great resource!! Might be posting this in the wrong location but........?

I'm purchasing my first light wind kite an 18m North Juice and am wondering what peoples thoughts/experiences are with line length?
I currently ride strapless in the surf with North Dice 7,10 and 13m using 19 or 22m quad lines. I'll may need to purchase longer lines.
I've bought the kite for getting out in the 10-15knot range with a higher volume board when the winds are light and the surf is good.

North recommend 27m but I've heard 24m is good? and more responsive?
Would i get away with 22m or am i pushing it a bit?
I realize there is a trade off between bottom end power and turning speed here.

Cheers for any thoughts.

If you can get away with the 19m or 22m lines on the Juice in the surf, you will be able to turn quite quickly. A big kite and long lines puts everything into slow motion.

Red thumb away - but its a north kite ...... the longer the lines the better I say !!!!meaning the further away it is!! why would a kite Co stick with 5 lines these days ?? Maybe the Juice is a 4 line?? Ive no idea or interest . My mate flies North and the dice has weird turned in wingtips - I just don't like nor would never by a north - peace and love to those that enjoy the North Karma !!

Lambie said...
why would a kite Co stick with 5 lines these days ?? Maybe the Juice is a 4 line??

Because the Rebel and Vegas are loaded fith line kites. All the other kites in the range are designed to fly on 4 lines but can be flown on a fith line bar but are an unloaded fith that only has any use once the quick release has been pulled

All good thoughts thanks.

The 19m bar set up is too narrow to use extensions but i will try the 22m as is, then with extensions and report back.

I'm thinking 2m extensions to make a 24m set up will be the cost effective answer........but we shall see how she flies!!

Lambie said..
Ive no idea

I agree

Not an expert at all, and 120KG's
but my experience is the longer lines on this and the Naish fly
advantage longer drive when launching, if the wind is very light this might mean you actually get going
dis advantage - every action you do is in slow motion.

If you want a long glide on a low wind day longer lines, but if you want to play and there plenty of wind ...

PS I dont use the extensions

I have an 18 meter Juice that I fly on 24m lines and is perfect.

22m lines shouldn't make much difference except the bar is probably shorter so may slow the kite down.

Elvie, take into account that longer lines using extensions essentially brings the Y closer to you relative to the kite. 5m extensions, just take note that the kite isn't being flaired out at the wing tips and adjust trim accordingly. Not such a huge issue on the quad bar, but still there. Have fun.