Kiteboarding Control Bar: Size & Tuning your Kite

The first step in tuning your kite is choosing the right size control bar.

The standard pairing is
- 43 - 47 cm for 5m to 10m kites
- 50 - 55 cm bars for 11 - 13m kites
- 58 to 63cm bars for 14m - 19m kites
These are just guidelines of course. You can pair any size bar with any kite but you will change how it flies.

If you put a small bar on a large kite, you will slow it down significantly. If you put a large bar on a small kite, you will speed it up greatly.

If you are using a larger kite, it’s a good idea to use a bigger bar. If you are the kind of rider who prefers smaller kites like 10 and under, try using a large bar on your 12m kite. It will speed the kite up dramatically making your tricks feel similar to when riding a 10.

If you are trying new tricks, it might be a good idea to use a small bar. Some of my favorite sessions have been on 15m kites paired with a small bar. This is especially beneficial for unhooked kiteboarding tricks or handle passing. It’s also nice when riding in gusty winds or on small kites. A slow predictable kite is very helpful.

If you’re new, stick to the guidelines. If you want to change your ride, get a couple different size bars and use them according to your preferences.

Settings on the Steering lines
To take this a step further, most kites have three settings on the steering lines. The setting closest to the wingtip will speed up the kite and decrease the bar pressure. Setting closest to the center of the kite will slow the kite down and add bar pressure. The middle setting splits the difference.

You can use different size control bars with different settings to achieve different effects. So if you want to make your big slow kite very fast, pair a large bar with the knot closest to the wing tip. You can really double down on everything we covered on control bar size.

Line lengths.
Something I left out of the video is the line lengths. Each size bar will come with standard line lengths for each size. Usually the smaller the bar, the shorter the lines. Many brands come with built-in extensions that can be removed. Alternatively you can order up extra sets of extensions to modify further if you wish.

Short lines
Short lines will make for a faster, more direct feeling kite. They will also reduce the wind window taking some of the low end power out of the kite. They are perfect for teaching and exciting for kiteloops.

Long lines
Longer lines, make your wind window larger. This will improve the efficacy of your power stroke and give an extra knot or so of power. It will also slow the kite down.

Bridal settings
This is where things are going to change kite to kite. Not all but many kites do have adjustments that can be made on the kite. I’ll break down a few that I am aware of.
Read more here:

[Cor.niel.ius_za]

Exactly what i was looking for! Thanks so much!

[tonnyvanleeuwen]

Great video ! Question about the bridle setting on the leading edge on the Cab FX. On the 2018 model, the knot closest to the wing tip was the freeride setting. since 2019 and also 2020 that has been reversed. The closest knot to the wingtip is the Freestyle setting now. As you say in the guide. Can you explain how this is possible ?

[hbspecial]

Loving your vids thanks! Very helpful to a newbie kitesurfer 👌

[muraterkin]

Hi Great video thanks.Question about the can i use my 14 m2 kite with 42 cm bar?Will it be problems just for the turnings?Thanks for the answer.

[none]

i tend to use the longues knot when the kite is light to avoid backstall. Most of times beginner tend to pull to much on the bar in lightwind condition leading to backstall

[noelbird]

Great video and content, Rygo! Thanks for posting. Would love to see you do a video on use of the trim/depower strap and maybe tuning your bars. Always enjoy your videos. Keep em coming.

[jensstalo]

Great video. Question about Slingshot turbine. This kite have 3 knots on the pigtails for the centerlines. With knot should I choose ?

[sergemann]

Another informative vid! What pressure do you pump your RPM to?

[tommybroad]

So the kites are in metres and the bars in inches??? Come on guys, metric system please!

[tonyrusi]

Dude Kitesurfing needs a little compressed air cylinder and mini compressor.

[jakke]

I kinda like your style but I don't get why you'd teach a rhyme to newbies for where to tie there lines. Make them understand the angle of attack of the wing (kite) and that wind speed over the kite creates the lift or force. This is the basis for 90% of what kiteboarding is about.
Those people won't be mistaken because of a rhyme ... was it front or back lines or ... ??? It is so easy to figure it out if you understand the concepts of how a kite works. A good basis will make students learn faster and be more confident and make fewer mistakes.