Kite/Balloon Spool & Spindle

[davidfrank]

Kite/Balloon Spool & Spindle
3 Sizes of Line @ 3000'
Choose Configuration http://www.westernsporting.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/HRFE3012A.jpg Quantity in Basket: None
Code: FE3012A
Price: $47.95
Shipping Weight: 2.70 pounds



Western Sporting's Exclusive Kite & Balloon Spindle / Spool

We have contracted the best spool available. The shaft, side plate and acorn nut are stainless steel with a nice brushed finish. The spool is a very hard black nylon and three different types of line are offered depending on budget and use.

Our spools contain 3000 foot of line. Over time pieces of line will be removed as the line near the kite or balloon wears. The extra line on our spools guarantees that there will always be plenty available. The falconer should keep in mind that the flight angle of the kite and balloon are affected to a large degree by how much weight they are carrying. The load placed on the balloon and kite should be kept to a minimum. As an example, a 5.5 x 5.5 round sphere will lift 3 pounds at sea level. Obviously, the weight a kite can carry in a stronger wind will be much greater.

1) Spool & Spindle with 3000' of 80# Dacron (actual line wt = 1.3 lbs)

2) Spool & Spindle with 3000' of 100# Dacron (actual line wt = 1.8 lbs)

3) Spool & Spindle with 3000' of 100# Spectra (actual line wt = .4 lbs)

4) Western Sporting Spool & Spindle without line

Sometimes the wind can make the line quite taught. As a precaution, we suggest the user always has a comfortable pair of work gloves handy for handling the line to prevent cuts on the hands.

[GONEHAWKN]

is there a locking mechanism on that spool to keep the line from just spooling out at will? what about anchor points to secure the spool to the ground?

[davidfrank]

Hi,

Yes, it comes with a bungy cord that simply snaps around the handle and stops the line from coming off (not shown in picture). I should have included it in the picture. What is really interesting is the difference in the weight of the line when comparing dacron and specra! Kites fly at a higher angle and balloons fly higher with the lighter line due to less air resistence and less weight. Look at the specs.

It is very sturdy and will take the abuse.

David Frank
Western Sporting

[GONEHAWKN]

here is what i have been using for years. other than the cheap spool, it's a real nice piece. not trying to steal your thunder here David as i am a HUGE FAN of WSP. i would like to see some anchor points on that real, and a handle to wind in line in case of a drill failure(yes it has happend to me). other than the abs reel, i have been really happy with an electric fence reel like this one.

http://www.valleyfarmsupply.net/proddetail.php?prod=G616004

all i did for use with a drill is square off the other end that has that black cap on it so the drill chuck would lock down on it......

[davidfrank]

Hi Bill,

Your not taking my thunder. The link goes to something that is not for the same use. I don't know many falconers that would be happy to hand crank the kite or balloon up and down 2000 ft each day for training. Yes, drills or batteries can die and I've seen people simply put a glove on and walk the line down, untie the balloon or kite, and then wind up the line by hand. I originally looked at the product you are showing us and it just seemed way to flimsy to me. Ours is not quite twice as much in terms of cost but it will last forever.

We will be working on a version next that slips into a cradle that can be hooked into your trailer hitch.

Thanks for being a fan of Western Sporting.

David Frank
Western Sporting

[California Native]

Hi Bill,

Your not taking my thunder. The link goes to something that is not for the same use. I don't know many falconers that would be happy to hand crank the kite or balloon up and down 2000 ft each day for training. Yes, drills or batteries can die and I've seen people simply put a glove on and walk the line down, untie the balloon or kite, and then wind up the line by hand. I originally looked at the product you are showing us and it just seemed way to flimsy to me. Ours is not quite twice as much in terms of cost but it will last forever.

We will be working on a version next that slips into a cradle that can be hooked into your trailer hitch.

Thanks for being a fan of Western Sporting.

David Frank
Western Sporting

David,
I designed and built a spool holder five years ago, that is mounted into the 2 inch square reciever hitch. It extends out from the back of the truck far enough to clear the tailgate of the truck when it is down. Then it elbows up at a 90 degree to a working level just above the tailgate. The spool is mounted in a yoke that will pivot in any direction you want it, to adjust to wind direction changes. The spool is mounted onto a steel rod, the end of the rod long enough to easily clear the yoke frame. On the end of this rod, has a small rod centered and welded onto it. That fits into the drill chuck. I use two drills, one as a backup. My main drill is 18 volts and the back up is 9 volts. Anyway, this works well for kites or balloon. I even slip it into the 2 inch reciever on my ATV and use it there when I want to get way out in the field away from places with trees or other hazzards.
Once the amount of line is out I anchor the spool by a rod pushed through a hole in the yoke frame and through a hole in the spool side. My spool is a very thick heavy spool used to hold deep sea fishing monofilament or Dacron line. I have three thousand feet of spectra type line on it and it would hold more than twice that amount. Since the spool is very thick ( 1/4 inch ), it does not collaspe under the pressure of the line if rolled up when the kite is flying. But I always walk my line down and roll without pressure on the line or spool. Maybe you can picture that.

Dan