9 replies to this topic

[John Barresi]

Design by John Barresi, produced by Into The Wind.



$198 MSRP, release in April or May of 2011.

==

Frame: P300 Skyshark
Sail: Ripstop Polyester
Wingspan: 86" (just over 7')
Weight: 11 Oz (before adding the two included 5 gram tail weights)

[Must86]

I know, it's only a few weeks away for the debut... I wonder if ITW is taking pre-orders... Oh, well, gives me time to decide if I want a red one or a green one.

[John Barresi]

Give 'em a call, see what they say, then let me know.

[Guru4tru]

Must86, on 23 February 2011 - 03:37 PM, said:

I know, it's only a few weeks away for the debut... I wonder if ITW is taking pre-orders... Oh, well, gives me time to decide if I want a red one or a green one.

Whooooa!! "Must86" (nice handle!! heehee!!)

I just received my "Into The Wind" catalog and guess who is on the cover...YES!! JB is on the cover flying a "Kymera" on the beach!! And from reading the description...you have "3" colors to chose from "Lime, Blue or Red"!! heehee!! And according to the catalog it "looks" like there on the shelf, but I don't know for sure.

Check out his picture at: http://www.intothewi...resi_Stunt_Kite (He looks a bit younger than when I last saw him...must be TK's influence!! heehee!)

The funny thing about the "The Man From The Dark Side" is that he is on page ""13"" of the catalog!! heehee!!

Keep It Up!
Duane

PS Update: I just re-read the write-up and it says: "Available May 2011"

[--Pete]

Nice to see that someone knows how to pronounce "Chimera" (Χίμαιρα). (Just out of curiosity, exactly what other species of kite were combined to make this "creature"?)

Do you think they are ready to begin custom color layouts? I want a Heavy Yellow on Black version.

If your system can handle it, you really need to watch these videos (#3 and #4 especially) in Hi-def (1080, or 720 at least).

[John Barresi]

Looks like it's already up for pre-ordering or RSVP...

http://www.thekitesh...hn-Barresi.html
http://intothewind.c...resi_Stunt_Kite

I wouldn't expect to see any custom color options, ITW typically deals only with fixed color selections.

==

Funny you should ask about Chimera, you hit it right on the head Pete!

While this kite isn't "spliced" from any kites in particular, it is the distillation of what I've liked in all the dual line kites I've ever flown.

Bear in mind, it's my first dual line design, but I really love flying it, more than any other dualie in my bag.

[Must86]

OK, finally made up my mind, it's the green one. Arrived today, and I am impressed by the build quality & some of the unique design features. I CAN NOT WAIT to fly this kite ! Almost tempted to play hooky from work tomorrow... Seems to have a lot of weight on the spine all ready, and came with 2 more barrel weights. Two barrel weights above the center T, and one big tail weight, plus two more optional weights ? Interesting looking, well made bridle, I'm not going to touch it, just learn how to fly it as is. The whole kite seems well built, and very durable. If any one can break it, it will be me...
I look forward to spending some hours on the lines, and I'll let you guys (and galz) know how it goes. I haven't flown it yet, and it's all ready exceeded my expectations !
~Rob.

[John Barresi]

Awesome Rob, can't wait to see a video or two.

[Must86]

Wow, where to start... what a fun little kite. I say little because it's a few inches smaller than kites that I'm used to flying. Yes, that's right... a few inches and I can tell the difference from 75 feet away. If anything, it makes the Kymera a little more nimble when flying space gets tight (close to the ground).
I love the 'Buzz Lightyear' colors against the low light winter skies, I've even flown the kite easily after sunset. I've found that bright colors are good for my aging eyes. It's hard to keep track of my dark color kites these days when doing tricks. I'm glad that my 4 year old picked out the green, which he calls my Buzz kite.
I had a slow time getting going with the Kymera... I dumped the weights out of the tail one of my first times out, I guess I didn't have the velcro locked down good enough. Something I check every time I have to do the 'walk of shame' now. Loosing the spine weights were no big deal, but the T weight was a bummer because it's unique to the kite. I was able to fabricate one, so it ended up not to be a big deal. I also had the lower spreader ferrul collapse into the lower spreader, but luckily I noticed it before there was any damage to the spreaders or sail. These are things to watch for with all kites, just my bad luck that I had these little issues back to back, and kept me from flying the kite on otherwise good days.
Weights. So much weight... It's funny, because this kite can easily fly in 3mph wind, and still trick a little bit. I can't wait for the UL... unfortunately, I didn't get any light wind video, but the kite is suprisingly floaty for having 30+ grams of weight on the spine. I guess the extra sail billow has a lot to do with the superior bottom end. Really, it flies & tricks as low as my BMK Exile, but doesn't have the same oversteer in those low winds.
The bridle works well, but I did end up adjusting it for a little more stall. After letting the nose back, I was able to do long side slides, and could also snap stall better. I didn't capture any, but the Kymera does a wonderful Spike. The sail has a wonderful rumble (like a big oldschool kite) as it screams towards the ground, and SNAP ! at the last minute and it's tip standing... almost every time. That trick is hit or miss for me on most kites, but pretty reliable on the Kymera. Actually, every trick I can do is pretty reliable on the Kymera. If it had roll bars, I would roll it up more, but the yoyo stoppers it has are pretty reliable.
Thanks for designing such a fun kite, John. I am looking forward to the release of an UL.

~Rob.

[Must86]

Yup, still flying it. I take the Kymera out whenever I need a change of pace (or need to make some noise !). It doesn't fly like any other kite in my bag and is challenging to fly. But that's what's fun about it. The precision is there, but it's easy to over control it... then the radical side comes out. I get it to do some stuff by accident that just leaves me laughing... 'I can't believe I just did that' moments !
Still awaiting news of an UL...

~Rob.