Best Waroo 2008.
The chicken loop rope tends to weaken after a lot of use and eventually snaps under strain.
This has happened twice to me now. Yes, I know sand causes a lot of the problems.
All the other parts are fine. To save spending $50 at a kite shop on what appears to be just a simple piece of rope, can you purchase the same or simialar rope at a hardware store? It would undoubtedly be a fraction of the cost of the 'Best' brand rope.
If anyone has done this, what type and size works properly and safely?
I use 7mm kernmantel ropes (rock climbing ropes) SWL of over 1 tonne and far more robust. If you go for this option just get one that will fit the cleats on your kite (7mm does on mine obviously) About $5-7 per metre.
Thanks.
This is called the centre line right?
A couple of kite shops sell 6mm Amsteel 'Spectra Core' Rope. Will it work for this kite?
Also, I would have to use a knot to anchor it to the ring. Would this weaken the set-up too much?
Yes, the centre rope that runs through the bar and attaches to the CL.
I'm not familiar with 'spectra core' but it sounds like the same stuff. Kernmantel ropes are the type of ropes. 'Spectra Core' may be Amsteels name they give to this type of rope. (Don't quote me on that however)
I can't tell you whether or not 6mm will work with that kite as I'm not familiar with the diameter of existing ropes on Best kites. I would suggest for the price you can pick this line up that you just buy some and do a little trial by error if need be.
As for tying knots in the rope it won't weaken the setup, so long as you know how to tie ropes properly and not some grandma knot in the end. I use figure 8's as stoppers and if attaching to anything I would recommend a bowline or perhaps figure 8 trace.
The typical chicken loop line is grey "amsteel" spectra. It doesn't take long for it wear, as you've found out.
You can buy stuff called "Beal" line, through kitepower I believe it's about $12/metre, I've been using it for about a year, so far no noticeable wear. Great stuff.
only problem with cored rops is that the core wears out first and the sleeve 2nd.. sometimes the rope can be weak as piss without you knowing as cosmetically it still looks good. if you're going to use cored ropes you have to feel them over every couple weeks to feel for flat spots, these flat spots are where the core's breaking.
I've been using 6mm Spectra cored chicken loops on Sligshot bars for some time. They have been much better than the original (which first go a bit fluffy, and then completely fail unexpectedly).
The only problem I've had is once only the outer sheath grabbed on the cleat and the core was free to slide inside. This put all the force on the sheath, and it failed without warning. The core was still fine however, so could keep sailing for the rest of the session. I'm now more careful with making sure the rope is properly in the cleat, and it hasn't happened again.
A well used chicken loop...
