Ok here's the thing ive got 2011 f-one B4 kites but i really dont like the bars, the lines are about due for replacing and the bar is corroding and has seen better days, I can upgrade to the new 2013 monolith bar and lines but again it comes with it's good and bad features, SOOO my Question is why can't I just go and buy a new bar and lines from another brand like north 4 line ironheart system I mean they make one bar that is used for nearly there entire range of kites, or even other brands that have delta kites as far as I can see all kites run on equal line lengths they all have chicken loops, donkey dicks, depower pulleys and so on, So tell me whats the big deal???

Where the front lines v from will change the way your kite flies, and whether they are both twin frontline safety's would be the only concerns.

There are many brands of kites and bars that are interchangeable - but not all.
I am not fully conversant with the brands you mentioned but I have heard that F One is one brand that doesnt mix & match.
Unless you are fully aware of ALL the variables Id suggest you dont try anything without some expert advice.
Posting here was a good idea. Hope some informed feedback results.

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shane75 said...

Ok here's the thing ive got 2011 f-one B4 kites but i really dont like the bars, the lines are about due for replacing and the bar is corroding and has seen better days, I can upgrade to the new 2013 monolith bar and lines but again it comes with it's good and bad features, SOOO my Question is why can't I just go and buy a new bar and lines from another brand like north 4 line ironheart system I mean they make one bar that is used for nearly there entire range of kites, or even other brands that have delta kites as far as I can see all kites run on equal line lengths they all have chicken loops, donkey dicks, depower pulleys and so on, So tell me whats the big deal???

There's no big deal. Some kite companies sell canopy only for this reason. As long as its the relatively the same configuration an has the same type of safety system release, youve answered your own question.

As Nick T said The North range generally have 1 centre line that splits into 2 lines and changes the angle of the pull from the front lines. Not the same configuration. Make sure you check your line lengths on your old bar and lines with what you are considering, throw, etc before making a purchase.

It used to be easy you got a 4 liner or a 5 liner, but now with IDS, above or below depower soft and hard bar ends, Y front lines, if youre not in the know a shop will give you some free advice

Thanks for your responses fellow kiters, the next time i'm in my local shop I'll ask them and utube new bar and line sets to see if there's another brand that looks exactly the same design/configuration.

Don't get the North bar. It looks amazing but it has flaws that other bars dont (eg Cabrinha bar)


Depower rope will be changed every a season if you are a heavy kiter. Costs $40 and the time involved is pretty hideous depending on whether you have changed it before and how fused parts are.

It's annoying the depower rope isn't simply covered in rubber like cabrinha bars. Or why they don't use a plasticised rope.