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The Ultimate Guide to Kite Control Bars

by Gabby C

The Ultimate Guide to Kite Control Bars

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about kite control bars, including high V VS low V, compatibility between brands, line length, and bar width. 

The Importance of Kite Control Bars

The control bar is a very important part of kiteboarding gear as it connects the rider to the kite. Most modern control bars have 4 lines so we will focus on those; however, If you have a 5th line do not worry, your bar is still good and this guide still applies. If your bar is older than 2016, it may lack the safety features and user friendliness of today's bars. 

V (or Y) Height and Its Impact?

The V height refers to the position where the front lines split on your kite, significantly influencing performance, including:

  • Power distribution
  • Turning characteristics
  • Bar feel and responsiveness
  • Stability in various wind conditions

High V (or Y) Configuration: Playful and Forgiving

  • Playful feel - Perfect for freestyle and wave riding
  • Quick, tight turns - Better maneuverability
  • Forgiving - Great for beginners or perfecting new tricks
  • Light bar pressure - Reduces arm fatigue
  • Consistent performance - Maintains steering capabilities even when fully depowered
  • Ideal for - Freeride, Big Air, Wave Riding, and Foiling

Low V Configuration: Stable and Powerful

  • Stable flight - Excellent for challenging wind conditions
  • Powerful turns - Generates more speed and power through turns
  • Precise control - Offers better feedback and exponential bar response
  • Wider arc - Potentially increases hang time
  • Better slack - For unhooked tricks
  • Ideal for - Unhooked Freestyle, Big Air, and Old School Maneuvers

Fine-Tuning Your Setup

Changing your V height isn't a "set it and forget it" deal, consider:

  1. Adjust your trim - Depower a bit when moving from high to low V?  Add a touch more power when switching from low to high V.
  2. Line length matters -  Shorter lines (20m or less) may benefit from a low V bar to maintain the kite's original characteristics.
  3. Safety first - Ensure your safety system remains compatible.
  4. Bridle considerations - Fixed bridle kites may need longer power lines for proper flagging out.

Potential Drawbacks

  • High V: Excessive arc closure can impact power and lift
  • Low V: Over-opening may cause back stall or instability in strong winds

Choosing the Right V Height

The ideal V height depends on your riding style, preferences, and conditions. Always prioritize safety and consult with experienced kiters or instructors when making changes to your setup.

Kite Control Bar Compatibility: Can I Mix and Match Brands?

  • While kite control bars are generally compatible with kites from the same brand, compatibility between brands can be limited. Consider:
  • Line Connectors (pig tails) - You might need to flip your pig tails or get a conversion kit.
  • Bar Width - Most control bars are adjustable for width; wider bars provide more leverage for bigger kites, while narrower bars reduce leverage for smaller kites.
  • Line Length - Line length can vary between brands, and some kites may require specific line lengths to function properly.

Please refer to our compatibility chart here: https://greenhatkiteboarding.com/pages/gear-stats-size-weights

Kite Control Bar Width: How Wide Should My Bar Be?

Bar width affects leverage when steering. A wider bar gives the extra leverage you need to turn a bigger kite whereas the shorter bar decreases the chance of oversteering smaller  kites. General guideline: use a shorter bar for kites sizes 4m² to 10m² and a wider bar for 11m² to 19m².

  • Standard Bar Widths - Most kite control bars come in standard widths of 50-57 cm.
  • Wide Bars - Some brands offer wider bars, which provide more power and stability at 58-63cm.
  • Narrow Bars - Some brands offer narrower bars, which provide more depower and easier handling at 43-49cm.

Kite Control bar Line Length: How Long Should My Lines Be?

Line length  radically changes kite behavior. Lines usually come in 19m, 22m, 24m, and 27m.The general rule is that shorter lines increase kite responsiveness, while longer lines increase the amount of power.

  • Standard Line Lengths: Most kite control bars come with line lengths of 20-25 meters (66-82 feet).
  • Line Extensions: Some bars may offer line extensions, which can increase the line length to 26-30 meters (89-98 feet) or more.
  • Custom Line Lengths: Pro riders often use custom lines to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Loop Attachments: What's the Difference?

Kite control bars often come with a standard loop but offer different loop attachments, to satisfy personal preference and optimize performance in various disciplines. 

  • Short Freeride Loop - Surf / Freeride.
    • Brings the bar closer to the rider which is great for smaller people and shorter arm lengths. It does make it harder to do unhooked maneuvers.
    • Fixed point, and direct feel.
  • Standard Freeride Loop - All Terrain / Freeride/ Big Air / Freestyle 
    • Most popular option. Big enough to unhook.
    • Fixed point, and direct feel.
  • Long Freestyle Loop - Unhooked / Wakestyle.
    • Designed for unhooking
  • Slide Surf Loop - Surf / Foil
    • Allows for more rotational freedom of the body
    • Creates slack and an indirect point of contact with the kite (loss of leverage).

Conclusion

Choosing the right kite control bar can make all the difference in your kiteboarding experience. By understanding the basics of high V vs. low V, compatibility between brands, line length, bar width, and loop attachments, you can make an informed decision and take your riding to the next level.

by Gabby C