----- Original Message ----- From: "James" <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm> To: "firefly" <firefly_at_eatel.net>; <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net> Sent: Monday, March 10, 2003 12:25 PM Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Tow lines > Spectra is used a lot by ultra light backpackers. I have only used it > sparingly, but others say it is substantially abrasive > > > An easy way to cut Spectra is to stretch it very tight and saw at it with > another hunk of Spectra. It really IS abrasive! I believe you might be mistaken. I have flown large, multi-line sport kites for years and since Spectra lines became available, they have been the lines of choice for serious kiters. This is because of the characteristics of low diameter to strength, very, low stretch and extremely slick surface. Multi-lines made of Spectra can be twisted upon themselves many more times than any other lines and still be easily controlled because they are so slick. These wrapped Spectra lines, on large kites, and with high winds, are under extreme tension and certainly don't cut themselves. Actually, if crossed with other common kite lines made from Dacron or Kevlar, the Spectra lines are easily cut by the other lines because of Spectra's very low melting point. Kevlar, on the other hand, is very abrasive. Are you sure you are not thinking about lines made from it? Because of the properties already mentioned, plus the fact that Spectra doesn't absorb water and is very buoyant, I would think it would make an excellent tow line. Harry Jiles *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On Mon, 10 Mar 2003 17:38:10 -0600, "harryo" <harryo_at_dtnspeed.net> I believe you might be mistaken. I have flown large, multi-line sport kites for years and since Spectra lines became available, they have been the lines of choice for serious kiters. Thank you, Harry, you are correct. I was thinking of a demonstration of Kevlar line and my befuddled brain put in Spectra. Appreciate the correction. I use Spectra line in my "pin and entrapment" kit, but never thought to use it for towing. Or kite flying! Cheers, Jim Tibensky *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:33 PDT