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Flying Line, Anchors and Hardware If you fly a lot of kites, chances are you already have line, swivels and anchor hardware. But if you don't, or if you need something new, here is what we use. |
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Anchors: Straps | Sand Anchors Flying Line: Heavy Line | Line Spools | Light Line | Line Winders Bags: Scramble Bags | Stuff Sacks | Long Kite Bags | Stunt and Fighter Bag Display: Banners | Pole Sleeves Flying Tips: Laundry Attachments | The Larkshead Knot | Line on Rings | Anchor Spikes Frequently Asked Questions  Click here for information on how to place an order.
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Flying Line for Larger Kites:
Quality flying line can seem expensive. But when you consider the cost of quality kites, paying a few dollars for the right equipment to fly them is a small and worthwhile investment. |
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Lighter Flying Line: For what most people call "normal" kites -- ones that require 500 pound line or less -- we use a black dacron line. The lightly waxed finish is easier to handle and the hollow braid can easily be spliced back together in the case of a cut or break.
We prefer the dark color because it repels dirt, is easier to see in the sky, and because, well, because we like it... |
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| Strength | 500 feet | 1000 feet |
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100 lbs |
$17 |
$34 |
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200 lbs |
no longer available |
$55 |
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300 lbs |
$30 |
$60 |
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500 lbs |
$45 |
$102 |
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Premium Wooden Line Winders: You can use all kinds of things to wind up your flying line. We use these handsome Hardwood Handles, individually crafted here in the USA.
GKPI Wooden winders are made from laminated hardwood. They have a natural finish that you can write on -- if you are inclined to label your line. You can also stain or varnish them to really bring out the grain. |
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There are two sizes - the standard 12 inch for $9 and the large 18 inch for $12. Click on the image to see how we recommend you wind line in a figure-eight pattern to eliminatge twists. |
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Why we don't use Halos for larger kites: Lots of people use "Halo" Winders for larger kites. And we can see why. They are simple, easy, and work well.
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Heavy Line for Big Kites: For larger kites, we like a line we can put our hands on. The diameter may be a bit thicker, but big kites can usually lift it and overcome any drag without a problem. This line also has a little stretch. Normally, that's not what you want. But with big kites, a bit of flexibility will keep a gust from pulling your anchor out.
Our heavy line has a twisted nylon core and a black polyester cover. It is tough, wear-resistant, attractive, and economical. |
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Rather then pack hard line winders, we store and transport our heavier lines in fabric bags. Stuff it in after a day of flying and you'll be surprised how easily it comes out next time. Plus, these stuff sacks pack into the same soft bags as our kites without any problem. Line comes in 300 foot spools. |
| Strength | Diameter | Lbs per 100 ft | Price |
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750 lbs |
4mm |
.77 |
$65 |
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1200 lbs |
5mm |
1.23 |
$90 |
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1800 lbs |
6mm |
2.02 |
$130 |
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2500 lbs |
7mm |
2.62 |
$160 |
| Longer lengths are available on a special order basis, although we don't really recommend flying large kites highter than 300 feet. |
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Looking for a quick and effective way to attach the flying line to the kite? Use a larkshead! Just tie a loop in the end of the flying line. Double the loop over itself, slide that over a knot at the end of the kite's bridle, and snug it down. Line tension will keep the larkshead tight until you are ready to remove it. |
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Once you get the hang of this simple knot, you'll find it indispensable for connecting your flying line, attaching laundry to "pigtails" and anchoring. For more photos and information, click here. |
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Anchors and Hardware:
A good strap and a strong carabiner are essential accessories for every large kite. You can easily tie off to trees, bumpers, fences, or ground stakes. And if you are forced to move, holding the strap is much easier then hanging onto the flying line. |
| Anchor Straps: When we anchor, GKPI uses an eight foot length of tubular climbing webbing with loops power-stitched into each end. We combine this with an Omega oval carabiner rated at over 4000 pounds. Then we attach a small piece of bungee to the strap so we can wrap the whole thing up neatly. If you need a similar set-up, we'll sell you the strap and biner for $20. |
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Assembled locally by Oregonians with barriers.
Click here for information on how to place an order.
| Mini Carabiners: To attach tubes, pillows. spinsocks, and flags, we twist small "pearabiners" into the line. We used to buy them at climbing stores for $4.50 each, but have now found a way to buy in bulk and save a few dollars. We'll sell them for $3 each. Note: Although ideal for attaching accessories, these smaller carabiners are not designed to handle the stress of anchoring larger kites. |
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Large Carabiners: We also have the larger biners. Omega oval carabiner are rated at over 4000 pounds. Use them with sand anchors or other hardware. $10.00 each. These are the same biners we include with our anchor straps. |
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We've seen all kinds of tricks used to attach laundry to a flying line. Most involve knots which cause abrasion and weaken line strength. Our approach is a lot more simple. |
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We wrap small carabiners into the main flying line. Normally, three twists work just fine. When the line is slack, you can slide the "biner" anywhere you want. But when the kite goes up and tension builds on the line, the "biner" is locked in place. It's quick, easy, and doesn't reduce line strength. |
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| Swivels: If something turns or spins, it needs a swivel. If it doesn't, then don't bother with extra hardware. |
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For fast turning pieces like Parachutes and Spiked Bols or Baskets, we recommend Sampo Ballbearing Swivels. They are smooth, tough, and don't wear out. We use the double-ring style which we find stronger than the wire snap. The rings are just the right size for Mini Carabiners. Sampo are a bit more expensive, but will pay for themselves over a long working lifespan. Your cost is $6.50 on the 500 pound and $4.00 on the 300 pound. |
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For larger jobs, you need bigger hardware. We now have a bigger, stronger aluminum swivel designed for large Spinsocks and Bols. For very serious workloads, the best swivel we have found is rated to 5000 pounds. These are big pieces of hardware and priced at $60 each. |
| Micro Pulley: Here's how it works: The pulley slides over your flying line, and then you snap a caribiner and strap through the holes and walk the line down. Sure you can do the same thing with your bare hands. But why bother?? |
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Our pulley handles line of up to 1/2 thickness. Sideplates are anodized aluminum with a steel axle and aluminum sheave. Each pulley is rated to 5,000 pounds. We sell them for $15 each. |
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Figure 8 Rings: You can lock your line into the carabiner at the end of the strap with a simple larkshead. Or you can put a few twists of line around the oval and slowly let line out. It works fine. But it works better with a Figure 8 Ring.
These rings are designed for smooth, controlled line adjustments. Anchor the small end to the ground with a strap, and then wrap the line around the larger "O". With one wrap, you can slowly let line out. With a second wrap, you can lock the line in place. |
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They are a bit spendy at $16 each, but it's worth having one around. Besides, they never fail to impress the amateurs... |
Click here for information on how to place an order.
| Sand Anchors: You arrive on the beach ready to fly, look around, and there isn't anything in sight to tie off to. What to do?? |
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Simple. Just pull one of our sand anchors out of your bag. This ingenious Australian design is a square of fabric with straps sewn into it. You dig a hole in the sand, lay the fabric in the hole, fill the sand back in, and then connect your kite to the straps with a carabiner. We sell two sizes of anchors. Or you can make your own. Use different size "biners" depending on the size of your kites.
Click here for more instructions on how to use sand anchors. Smaller anchors will hold kites that pull up to 100 pounds. Larger anchors will hold larger kites, up to and including the giants if you follow the instructions we've included. |
Click on the photo for a schematic. |
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For hard ground, use solid metal stakes. Check your hardware store for re-bar or construction spikes. |
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Make sure you set your anchor spikes deep into the ground. And remember to tie-off low on the spike. Otherwise the kite will pull your spike loose and create a dangerous situation. |
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Storage and Travel Bags:
Big kites need big bags. But you don't want to spend a bunch of money on bags so check this out. |
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Stuff Sacks: Use them for kites, cram them full of laundry, or store your line in them for easy transport and access -- our stuff sacks are simple and indispensable Bags are in tough nylon fabric with a round bottom. They include a drawstring and plastic toggle-lock. We also have longer bags, which are great for poles, spars, or longer kites. |
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Giant "Scramble" Bags: You look over your shoulder and suddenly realize that a rain storm is bearing down on you and there are still big kites strewn over the field. You need to scramble! And to do that, you need a scramble bag!!
Our "Scrambles" are a huge 60 by 42 inches and designed to stuff loose foils or a big Peter Lynn away fast. We sell them for $25. If you are lucky, you'll never need one. But when you need one, you'll find it money well spent. |
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Click here for information on how to place an order.
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5 and 6 Foot Kite Storage and Transport Bag:
A very excellent kite bag! Long enough to hold most sticked kites. Round enough to hold a lot of them!
Special features include a heavy-duty zipper that runs the length of the bag and around the ends, a large pocket with interior zipped sections, tension straps to help you close it when kites are bulging, and a comfortable shoulder strap. Choose the 5 foot bag for $45 or the 6 foot for $59. Bags are black. Choose red, beige, or black pockets. |
Click here for information on how to place an order.
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Stunt and Fighter Bags:
The perfect bag for a stack of our Stunters, all assembled and trained and ready to just pull out and fly! Don't do dual-line? This is a great bag for your fighters too! Each bag is about 34 x 34 inches, zippered on two sides for easy opening, and includes a shoulder strap. Yoiu can have your choice of black or black for $25. |
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Choose the colorful Rainbow for $40. Economical Basic banners are one solid color for just $30. They come in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple. Or advertise your store, garage sale, or event with our Open banners which come in rainbow, warm, or cool for $40. Feathers are designed for use with our Ultra 10 banner pole. Alternatively, they work well with inexpensive PVC pipe for a pole and rebar stakes for an anchor. (Purchase separately.) Click here for assembly instructions. |
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Pole Sleeeve: Why hang just one windsock from a pole when you can attach four or five?? Pole Sleeves are designed to work with banner poles. They have grommets placed along the fabric edge so you can display up to five decorations. Set up several poles and you get a managerie of color. 16 foot: $15. |
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Click here for information on how to place an order.
