SA
601 posts
My two cents worth. Most of my kites are North, and the above bar depower cleat is very easy to use, and easy to reach. I also have a Genetrix 14m Hydra for light winds, and the double strap depower was so bad, I removed it and fitted a North system! Works perfectly.
WA
54 posts
interesting discussion - I've ridden slingshot, cabs, core, ocean rodeo, and best kites over 4 years - for me the below the bar systems are wholly unsatisfactory and unworkable - cleats add complexity which is unnecessary and damage lines. The stock standard above the bar strap is my preference, grabbing the thing might require a momentry glance and millisecond reach but I've depowered many times in manic situations massivley overpowered and a long way out with no problem at all - it's simple, gives you heaps of leverage and just works every single time.
Love Brady's story about the slingy - exactly the same thing has happened to me.
Still - each to his/her own, read all this stuff and make you're own call.
WA
303 posts
The main advantage of a below the bar depower is that it means that you can have a longer throw on the bar for more bar travel. If there is a sudden much stronger gust you can just let the bar out further rather than having to pull the depower strap.
