Newb here. I reckon the control systems probably vary a lot. For a newb to work out the pros and cons of the systems offered by the major players is almost impossible. You would have to have experience with them all.
Does one control system really stand out at the moment as being the most ergonomic and safe? Are there a few that stand out?
Hi enuenu.
I have been looking at a fair few diff bar and line set ups as i think i could do a bit better than what i currently have.
Most new systems wil have a fairly simmilar degree of safety, activate the quick release (most are push away activated) the kite will fully depower and fall to the water/ground.
Some brands use single front line flaging, some use both front lines and i think i have herd of rear line flag out so take this into consideration if you use diff brand bar and kite combo.
Try a few systems to find out how easy they are to re-engage once the QR is activated.
You should try the 3 types of depower system to find what you like.
Above bar straps: are dead easy to adjust on the go but can jam up if the straps twist.
Above the bar cleat: (north, switch) nice clean simple design but can be hard to free the rope from the cleat to adjust trim.
Below the bar cleat: (bws, slingshot) gives nice clear lines above the bar and allows for the most depower but imo is the hardest to adjust while riding.
All 3 will have ropes/straps flapping around when depowered.
The only other system i know of is the zeeko uds bar, i have been told it works great but to me the build quality of the bar and chicken loop just doesnt look as good as other brands.
One of the main things i have been looking at is the build quality of the QR system.
I recently had mine break when some tool rode accros my lines while i was trying to relaunch.
Brands like north and bws have rock solid construction for thier QR that i could not see breaking ever, but some brands just look a bit cheap and nasty to me.
I would firstly figure out the depower system that suits you and go from there.
Hope this helps
Thanks a lot for the comprehensive response. I'm going to have to jump in at some point. Paralysis by analysis! However if one control system stood out as the ducks nuts I would go for it. How ell the control system works must a big bearing on the fun factor.
Looking at a Slingshot system possibly and from what you say this system seems OK. Is their quality up with the the North and BWS gear? Never heard of BWS, will investigate. BWS seems very well priced compared to ther brands. $1k for a BWS 10m Noise sounds too good to be true with other kites approaching $2k. Cabrinha & Ozone seem to be other big brands.
BWS low price has nothing to do with lack of quality.
Build quality is up there with the best of brands.
IMO all major brand kites are over built for their effective life. Apart from quirky little oversights here & there any major brand kite will be well past its best performance use-by-date long before build quality will let you down.
As far as bars go - same as for kites - you will learn to love what you learn on. The Straps, above-the-bar (ATB) & the below-the-bar (BTB) systems all have advantages & disadvantages so again dont loose too much sleep over that one either.
Most brands now run 'equal length lines' so its possible to buy Kite brand X and Bar brand Y but as a beginner Id be sticking with the bar on offer by the kite you select.
And, by-the-way, BWS have both ATB & BTB as options. Both cleat systems - no straps.
Some cheaper kites use an above the bar flagging line, so when you attach your leash to the flagging line it will be above the bar and in your way if your pulling tricks
ive moved from cab to airrush and thw air rush abtb system with "more power" "less power" seems to work well
