Do I really need "Oh Sh*t" handles on my bar?

[mdh01]

I'm thinking of removing the "oh Sh*t" handles from my slingshot bars (Rally kites) and direct attaching the outside lines...Can't think of a time I've used the grab handles in the past 5 years...since the safety leash connects to the middle line to flag the kite, when would I use the handles on the outside lines? My early Best kites flagged to the outside lines, which usually just put the kite into a death spiral.

My preference is for a cleaner bar with less stuff to get in the way, but I don't want to compromise safety if I'm missing something here...

Mark

[JRN]

CONSIDER THE OSH's as a redundant safety system for your other safety leash in case it fails. If your center line safety leash gets tangled, you still have the option of pulling the chicken loop release, jettison the leash & grab the OSH to retain control of the kite, & not watch it blow away. I have a bar that I no longer use, due to the lack of same. Only personal experience has shown to me the value of this feature.

[Denis]

Hey Mark,

Yeah, I'd agree with Jim about keeping the the OSH on. I haven't used mine yet, but there was a session where I wished I had them. I snapped my 2 right lines (including the one connected to the safety) on an old Fuel, the hook fell out and the kite flew away. If I had an OSH, I wouldn't have had to swim that much.

If they are not in the way, getting lines tangled, I'd leave them on. You never know.

[skico]

I would keep the OSH on the bar and clip into it at that point. If the steer lines do multiple loops before you want to eject the kite they might not flag the kite to one side. The newer kites have center swivels attached at the bridle lines that help the center lines pass clean. Though I have seen those stick to on looped kite lines too.