KITE LINES - what are ‘Spectra’ and ‘Dyneema’ : eBay Guides

This guide aims to answer the question "is it worth paying extra for Dyneema or Spectra kite flying lines?

Both these materials are widely regarded as the best materials for Kite flying lines due to their:

• high strength
• low weight
• high abrasion resistance
• and most importantly low stretch

They are superstrong polyethylene fibres produced using a patented gel spinning process. These remarkable fibres are up to 15 times stronger than steel and, weight-for-weight, is 40% stronger than competing fibers. They have high energy absorption and minimum stretching and are extremely resistant to abrasion, moisture, UV rays and chemicals. As a result they provide maximum strength and security for minimum weight.

So what does this mean for the kite?

The low stretch gives both more responsiveness and feeback from the kite.  You can feel directly the slightest effect of the wind down the lines.

While the small cross section of the lines reduces drag and "line sag", and hence increases kite speed and all round performance.

Whats the difference between Spectra and Dyneema?

Both ‘Spectra’ and ‘Dyneema’ are HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) fibres. However, Dyneema (Manufactured in Europe and Asia), is generally thought as being of a slightly ‘lower quality’ than the American version "Spectra".  The individual filaments that make up a Dyneema yarn are smaller than individual fibres in a spectra yarn; this translates to better abrasion resistance for Spectra.