Bar or handles

From KiteWiki

This is not an easy question to answer, as it depends what you want to use your kite for.

Handles

Pros of using handles:

• allows you to keep pressure on all four lines of the kite, which improves the kites aerodyamics, and makes the kite pull you more.

• allow you more control over the kite, to make faster turns

• are easier when solo relaunching the kite

• allows you to control the kite more aggressively so the kite pulls you more

Cons of using handles:

• when progressing into jumping it is more difficult to hold on to the handles, whilst controling where the kite goes

• it is more difficult concept of controlling the kite than a bar, so beginners might struggle at first learning how to use it

Bar

Pros of using bar:

• easier to learn on, as it is more simplistic

• easier to progress with jumping on

• some kites with bars have an auto-zenith feature which basically means if you don't have your hands on the bar the kite automatically goes to the top of the kite window (good for when you fall off or when you want to tie your shoe lace ect.)

Cons of using a bar:

• difficult to solo relaunch

• less control over the kite