Fixed Hook or Sliding Rope – Which spreader bar is right for you?

Choosing what type of spreader bar to use can be a factor in how you ride.

A fixed hook is the traditional spreader bar setup and is what most riders opt for, however, for certain types of riders there are distinct advantages to using a rope slider spreader bar.

Fixed Hook:

Gives you a solid, direct connection to the harness that translates to a direct feel to the kite.

• Able to apply leverage against the kite that can help keep control in shaky landings of jumps.

• Can quickly unhook for unhooked tricks.

• Durable metal construction that,with proper care,will last a lifetime.

Best Suited For:

• Big Air riders.

• Freeriders wanting the most direct feel from the kite• Hydrofoil riders that want to have the ability to leverage against the hook.

• Beginner riders.

Challenges:

• Can be hard to efficiently ride toeside since the Fixed Hook limits the chicken loop’s ability to slide withthe kite across your body.

• There is a possibility that you can come unhooked when you don’t want to.

Slider Rope:

Completely free motion of the chicken loop makes riding toeside and upwind body dragging much more efficient.

• Board direction changes are easier in surf due to the chicken loop’s ability to move across the body.

• When combined with a smaller chicken loop,the throw of the bar is much closer, which is great for:

A) Kitesurfers wanting to achieve more depower on the sheeting out.

B) Short-armed riders who want to be able to easily reach above-the-bar trim systems.

Best Suited For:

• Kitesurfers wanting the closest-to-surfing feel

• Freeride hydrofoilers.

• Riders using a directional board.

• Freeriders that love to ride toeside.

Challenges:

• The kite feels looser and not as connected to the rider.

• Challenging to use when self-launching and self-landing off a fixed point.

• The rope will wear out with time/use.