Kite line is an important asset for every kite, especially performance stunt kites. Not all line is created equal! The old adage "You get what you pay for" is true with kite line.
For example, there is a big difference between generic spectra line and Shanti. Shanti is a premium quality because of the fibre quality, braiding and fibre treatment which reduces drag and friction! This means longer kite line life and better kite performance.
Since 1974, Shanti has led the world in the development of kite lines, spools and Winders. In 1985, Shanti invented Speed-line, the worlds first spectra kite line. Speed line has been copied by nearly every kite company in the world and it has been widely used in the sport fishing industry.
To make Spectra suitable for fishing line, companies began coating the line to make it
easier to handle, but ironically for the kite flyer coating the line actually increased friction! In past 10 years kiteflyers have grown accustom to coated flying lines and some prefer the feel. During this time the quality of coating has improved significantly and in 2009, Shanti began working with engineers to produce a coating that was specifically designed for kite flying not fishing. This new neon yellow coating uses a polymer-alloy which bonds to the fibres and protects them from damage while remaining slippery.
The new coating allows Shanti to work with some new high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) fibres. “High modulus” is a comparative term which simply refers to the fibres strength to weight ratio. High modulus fibre is stronger and lighter than low modulus fibre.
The new line from Shanti - Skybond - has the highest modulus rating of any kite line they have tested. They explain a 100lb/test Skybond line is thinner than 90 lb/test Spectra, but is 10% stronger, costs almost the same! Bonus!
Is Skybond better than Shanti’s Speedline? Nope. This is the classic oranges versus apples question. Speedline has a soft finish. It is more slippery, has less stretch and wears 3 to 5 times longer than other high performance lines. But for flyers who like coated lines, the new Skybond is as revolutionary as the original was 32 years ago. Skybond is also made in the USA.
Info: courtesy of Shanti Kite Company
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