An incredible material

The production of a kite line almost always starts at the same place: namely, where the raw material is produced: the Dyneema fibre. The Dutch chemical company DSM has developed and patented the process for manufacturing this material and is thus a supplier for virtually all kite line manufacturers. Behind the protected term Dyneema is a polyethylene that is processed into a fibre by a special spinning process. DSM did not want to give us more precise information about this process. In any case, the processing gives the material special properties. The fibre is very smooth and abrasion-resistant. The density is slightly lower than that of water, which is why the material floats. It also does not soak up water, which is definitely an advantage for us as kiters.

Meanwhile, there are even two different types of Dyneema used in lines. The new SK99 fibre enables an even higher breaking load with the same diameter, in addition to the already unbelievable breaking load. This is an advantage especially for racers and for those who want even stronger lines. 

Quick Facts Dyneema

Breaking strength 3000-4000 N/mm2
Melting point 144-152 °C
Minimum temperature for use -150 °C
Available colours white and black
Applications Aircraft construction, archery, protective waistcoats, trousers, ship ropes, mountain sports, fishing ropes, trousers and many more.

As Dyneema is very insensitive to chemicals, it cannot be dyed itself. Kitesurfing lines are therefore never dyed throughout, but at most coated. Therefore, a kite line will always fade somewhat in the course of its use. However, the greatest special feature is without question the tensile strength of Dyneema, with a very low own weight. This is referred to as a high breaking length. The breaking length of a material is the length of the thread that could theoretically be suspended under gravity until it breaks under its own weight. While steel and silk have a breaking length of just 50 kilometres and a glass fibre has a breaking length of 160 kilometres, Dyneema has a breaking length of almost 400 kilometres. Clearly, we kitesurfers are the smallest customers for this material. In addition to all kinds of lines, ropes and fishing lines, high-strength laminates or even motorbike helmets and bullet-proof waistcoats are also made of Dyneema.

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