As a kitesurfer, you are probably interested in what types of control bars and bar modifications are available for your use. There are several different styles of control bars and bar modifications that are available on the market.
However, before you select a specific setup and one of the bar modifications, you should check to make sure that the control bar has a wrist strap, sturdy harness line and a safety release system.
One of the bar modifications is available because of the different sizes available. Different companies offer control bars in several various sizes: 65 centimeters, 85 centimeters or 95 centimeters, for example. The size that you will choose depends mostly on your likes and dislikes. However, a larger kite will usually require bar modifications which offer a longer control bar to provide you with more control. Another one of the bar modifications is available because control bars can be made of different materials. As an example of bar modifications, control bars are made of aluminum and carbon. Aluminum bar modifications are usually less expensive and heavier. Carbon bar modifications are lighter, stronger, and are better for single attachment point harness lines.
Different bar modifications offer different safety systems. However, a safety release system should be mandatory for kitesurfers, no matter what is the skill level they have. Some bar modifications offer systems with emergency pins. Other bar modifications have wrist leashes connected and offer you the ability to simply let go of the bar. Whichever one of the bar modifications you select, the safety system should allow you to immediately de-power the kite. Using a front line safety system decreases possible complications.
Use of a snapshackle in different bar modifications is not advised for beginners. When putting a snapshackle into operation, you should always hang-test the release of the shackle. The snapshackle can be connected to the end of the trim rope, or attached straight to the spreader bar. Again, the shackle should let go with minimal attempt when under serious weight. The pin-release shackle can be used in different bar modifications but is somewhat more expensive, however.
