Harlem Lead Bar V2

Harlem Lead Bar V2

The Harlem Lead Bar V2 is a high-performance kite control bar built to the same standard as bars from established brands — and in many respects, beyond them. Designed for freeride, freestyle and big air, it pairs directly with the Harlem Thrive and Peak kites but is compatible with most modern kites via standard pigtail connections. Every component is selected for strength, longevity and ease of use in real-world conditions.

The bar comes in two line length configurations: 22m (12m + 10m extensions) for tighter, more direct control in stronger wind, and 24m (22m + 2m extensions) for more depower range and a wider wind window in lighter conditions. Both use the same bar and hardware — only the line configuration differs.

Key Features

• SK99 Dyneema Plus lines — highest-quality non-filamented Dyneema with equal-length splicing for zero stretch and shrinkage resistance
• 550kg power lines / 450kg steering lines — exceptional strength-to-diameter ratio reducing drag on steering lines
• Click-in quick release — fast deployment, easy reassembly, single-line flagout ensures the kite depowers immediately on release
• 100% depower in <0.5 seconds — the fastest and most reliable depower of any bar on the market
• Auto-untwist stainless steel centerpiece — extra-wide opening for smooth spinning and effortless steering while sheeting in
• PU-coated monoblock center line — durable, tangle-resistant core line construction
• Line splitter included — switch between high and low split positions quickly on the beach
• Bar width: 48.5cm — optimised leverage point for precise, fatigue-free steering

Specifications

Construction

The Lead Bar V2 centres its safety system around the click-in quick release combined with a single-line flagout — meaning that on release, the kite flags to a single front line and fully depowers, regardless of wind strength or rider position. The SK99 Dyneema Plus lines are sourced from Braidtech and specified at 550kg for power lines and 450kg for steering lines; the lower break load on steering lines is intentional — thinner diameter lines reduce aerodynamic drag during fast directional changes. The stainless steel centerpiece uses an extra-wide opening that accommodates the spinning forces generated during megaloop and kite-loop manoeuvres, keeping the untwist mechanism clean and functional in saltwater conditions.

Why We Recommend It

The Lead Bar V2 is our recommended bar for anyone flying Harlem kites, and it works equally well on most other kite brands. The click-in QR is genuinely easier to use than many competitors — reassembly after a safety deployment is fast enough to do in the water if needed. The 22m option suits kiters in 15–25 knots; 24m is the pick for lighter wind and wave riding where you want more depower range. At $1,149 it’s comparable to bars from North, Duotone and Core, and the SK99 line quality is hard to argue with.