Sometimes when launching my hydra 350 it wants to pull to one side and is next to impossible to launch. I've walked up towards the kite and there aren't any tangles or anything like that. I feel like one side of the kite might be scrunched up with the 3rd line more than the others. Anyone run into something like this or know what it could be?

Thanks

Try adding a bit of length to your 3rd line ( or shorten front lines equally ) using the knots.

Your 3rd line should hang a little loose and not influence the kite while holding the bar.

Are you SURE your fly lines and leader lines are all equal in length? Knots matching left and right?

Make sure your bridle is free of twists as well as tangles. You are on the right track thinking brake input is the problem. Removing the 3rd line all together is another test . Proving the brakes are or are not the problem.

The thing is it will fly fine one minute, then if I put it down, or crash it, sometimes the relaunch is difficult. I do connect my 3rd line to be as short as possible usually. I was under the impression that a shorter 3rd line would give more power. (assuming it pulls the trailing edge so that the kite catches more wind). Also, letting go off the bar would essentially shorten the third line a ton, in that case braking the kite. I'm not positive but I think if I were to walk up to the kite and stretch it out it would fly well. Just a little tricky to do out on the frozen lake with ice skates and wind though.

The fly lines are the same length. This is an intermittent issue. Happens once or twice per outing after a crash. Good thought on removing the brake all together as well. That might be difficult to do since the issue is intermittent. Having a second set of hands sure could help.

Sometimes a single line on one of the bridles gets snagged on the larkshead connection of the fly lines. I've had that happen and is hard to tell without it right in front of you. Sounds like that may be what's happening if its intermittent and happens after a crash or relaunch. Although I've never flown that kite so my information is general.

Quote: Originally posted by dcel22

The thing is it will fly fine one minute, then if I put it down, or crash it, sometimes the relaunch is difficult..

I've got the same kite. Don't recall ever seeing that happen, but you mention you crash then relaunch is difficult. Since the kite inflates and has a way of keeping air inside of the foil through internal baffles (which is what I think they call it) I am wondering if you are deflating one side of the kites as compared to the other which is making it lopsided. Maybe after crashing it you should go up and make sure you have both sides well inflated before trying to relaunch.

Quote: Originally posted by dcel22

I do connect my 3rd line to be as short as possible usually. I was under the impression that a shorter 3rd line would give more power.

I think this hits on your problem ?

Your Hydra on 3 lines is designed to fly with NO input at all from the 3rd line while flying. Trying to use it to add brake input will cause troubles. Loosen it up a bit!

The 3rd line is only used to back the kite down if you let go of the bar or to relaunch from nose down. You are basically flying a 2 line kite with a 3rd line safety. If you want active brake control you need to go to handles or a turbo style bar.

Are your dirt outs closed on both wing tips?

Giving the kite a shake can straighten things out on their own in many occasion?

I second the flying the hydra with maximum slack on the safety line (3rd line) while many bar based trainer kites do work with some brake input the hydra is different. Most brake systems engage the tail of the Kite almost like a airplane engages landing flaps, slowing the Kite down but increasing lift. The hydras safety system works by pulling the wingtips into the center, not good in any scenario. It's possible that on relaunch the line is not feeding back out properly cause the issue described above. This would only be further hindered by line pressure.

All really good points! I'll try slacking that third line from now and see if the problem comes back. Also, curious on the thoughts on whether or not certain cells have emptied. Thanks guys!

Quote: Originally posted by dcel22

Also, curious on the thoughts on whether or not certain cells have emptied. Thanks guys!

This is why I asked if you had checked your dirt outs on the wing tips. There is a slight chance the one on the trouble side could be open?