48 replies to this topic

[stroke survivor]

Reef Runner, on 17 July 2011 - 04:36 PM, said:

Green Rods are Green Rods, Black Rods are Black Rods - THEY ARE DIFFERENT !!

Yes they are, and that's OK!! Not every type of rod fits one's flying style perfectly, that's why there are so many to choose from!! You try, you form opinions, you decide what fits you and your style best!!! No one is "right or wrong", just figuring out how something fits into their choices!! Heck, what you like today may change tomorrow!!!!

[stroke survivor]

Well I'm up to a review!!

First a disclaimer: I don't work for Rev or sponsored by them, the opinions expressed are strictly my own!!

I've tried the "greenies" in every sail but my SUL. My observations:

1. Strong, very strong!! Now I know why Ben uses them in his teaching kites! I never felt that any punishment I could dish out would damage them!! Anyone got a hammer?
2. A bit heavy! If the black race rods are 2 wrap weight with 3 wrap strength, then these are 3 wrap weight with about a 6 wrap strength!! But seriously they felt a bit on the heavy side, especially compared to the black rods!!
3. This is a subjective call - I felt that the "greenies" never unloaded! How to explain - a gust would come, the kite would load, but they never unloaded for me!! Now I'm mostly a solo flyer, so I do a lot of playing around, trying stuff, but my feeling was that these rods didn't stop, but kept driving, when I wanted to halt! Now maybe that's a function of my style, but that's my read!! Just not the same control that I got with some of the other rod sets!!

To compare things properly, I've used several different rod sets on the same day, using the same sail, in the same wind conditions!!

My final conclusion: the "greenies work OK in the lower wind range of whatever sail you're using, but they feel a bit heavy, compared to some of the other rods!! So it's a trade off - extra weight but lots of flex, or lighter rods that already flex more!! In higher winds, they never seem to unload and give you the control you're looking for!! They drive, but don't stop as quickly as you're used to!

As always IMHO!! I am open to your findings, fire away!!!

[Reef Runner]

stroke victim, on 06 September 2011 - 08:11 PM, said:

Well I'm up to a review!!

First a disclaimer: I don't work for Rev or sponsored by them, the opinions expressed are strictly my own!!

I've tried the "greenies" in every sail but my SUL. My observations:

1. Strong, very strong!! Now I know why Ben uses them in his teaching kites! I never felt that any punishment I could dish out would damage them!! Anyone got a hammer?
2. A bit heavy! If the black race rods are 2 wrap weight with 3 wrap strength, then these are 3 wrap weight with about a 6 wrap strength!! But seriously they felt a bit on the heavy side, especially compared to the black rods!!
3. This is a subjective call - I felt that the "greenies" never unloaded! How to explain - a gust would come, the kite would load, but they never unloaded for me!! Now I'm mostly a solo flyer, so I do a lot of playing around, trying stuff, but my feeling was that these rods didn't stop, but kept driving, when I wanted to halt! Now maybe that's a function of my style, but that's my read!! Just not the same control that I got with some of the other rod sets!!

To compare things properly, I've used several different rod sets on the same day, using the same sail, in the same wind conditions!!

My final conclusion: the "greenies work OK in the lower wind range of whatever sail you're using, but they feel a bit heavy, compared to some of the other rods!! So it's a trade off - extra weight but lots of flex, or lighter rods that already flex more!! In higher winds, they never seem to unload and give you the control you're looking for!! They drive, but don't stop as quickly as you're used to!

As always IMHO!! I am open to your findings, fire away!!!

Good review there, SV, and as much as I enjoyed reading your detailed take, on the green sticks, I likewise, stick with my earlier comments....... "Green Rods are green rods, Black Rods are Black Rods, and they are different" .

I suppose you nailed it, thought, I just didn't know what to call it, but I knew there was something different, besides just being stronger. "Unloading" - that's the term, and I agree............Here, here ! Oh, IMHO, also !

[stroke survivor]

I would think that these rods will be very useful to a "cruiser" like you!! I mean they really get up and go, I just don't like the stop qualities!! For me, the black race rods offer a different kind of flex that works for "my" style, others will like the "greenies"! Nobody is right or wrong, just different!! What works for you may not work for me, and vise versa!! That's why they offer so many different rod sets, to take advantage of everyone's personal style!! Hey, as long as we're all flying, what's the difference?

[Reef Runner]

stroke victim, on 07 September 2011 - 04:37 PM, said:

I would think that these rods will be very useful to a "cruiser" like you!! I mean they really get up and go, I just don't like the stop qualities!! For me, the black race rods offer a different kind of flex that works for "my" style, others will like the "greenies"! Nobody is right or wrong, just different!! What works for you may not work for me, and vise versa!! That's why they offer so many different rod sets, to take advantage of everyone's personal style!! Hey, as long as we're all flying, what's the difference?

Well, I suppose they might be useful, for a "cruiser" like me, but personally, I just couldn't warm up to them. Initially, I thought I liked them, but after a while - no offense intended towards anyone, just my opinion, I decided I liked the Black Rods better.........
I flew today, on the beach, and on the dunes, in 18 - 25 mph winds, with gusts up to 30...........and yep, I was using my trusty old Black Rods.......and I think I'm perfectly happy with them. There won't be many times that I need anything, any stronger, so I'll stick with my Black Rods !

[stroke survivor]

Perfect example of finding out what feels right to you!! And that can change anytime!! Everyone has a feel that suits them and their style, finding the right combo of rods and kite make the experience worthwhile!!! I encourage everybody to try things out and decide for yourself what works for your particular set up!!!

[John Barresi]

That's a great review Wayne, thanks!

stroke victim, on 06 September 2011 - 08:11 PM, said:

3. This is a subjective call - I felt that the "greenies" never unloaded! How to explain - a gust would come, the kite would load, but they never unloaded for me!! Now I'm mostly a solo flyer, so I do a lot of playing around, trying stuff, but my feeling was that these rods didn't stop, but kept driving, when I wanted to halt! Now maybe that's a function of my style, but that's my read!! Just not the same control that I got with some of the other rod sets!

I especially appreciate this observation, as you've explained something I hadn't quite been able to articulate... I like that "snap back" from black Race Rods, kind of like sport suspension instead of Cadillac.

[stroke survivor]

Thanks, John!! And THANK YOU, Duane, for making all this possible with your gift!!

[Reef Runner]

stroke victim, on 08 September 2011 - 08:20 AM, said:

Thanks, John!! And THANK YOU, Duane, for making all this possible with your gift!!

Here, here ! I second that !