16 replies to this topic

[stroke survivor]

Ha, You've tried it and liked it!!!

[4lnKITE]

Ok, what wind range should I use the 2 wrap, 3 wrap, and the 3wrap with the doubled leading edge to be safe for the kite?

[stroke survivor]

That's a subjective thing, myself, I've never had to double up the LEs!! I watch the LE, if it's bending past my comfort level, then change it out for stronger!! On the opposite side, if the LE doesn't give and bend, then you've probably got too heavy a frame set and need to lighten it up!! Generally, you'll see or feel when things need changing!!

PS: the rods are very strong for their weight and will handle a lot more than we think!! That's not to say there isn't a limit!!

PSS: if you think you need both LEs in there, the wind is probably too much and you'll risk stretching out that sail!!

[terreceofolympia]

stroke victim, on 04 September 2011 - 11:04 PM, said:

That's a subjective thing, myself, I've never had to double up the LEs!! I watch the LE, if it's bending past my comfort level, then change it out for stronger!! On the opposite side, if the LE doesn't give and bend, then you've probably got too heavy a frame set and need to lighten it up!! Generally, you'll see or feel when things need changing!!

PS: the rods are very strong for their weight and will handle a lot more than we think!! That's not to say there isn't a limit!!

PSS: if you think you need both LEs in there, the wind is probably too much and you'll risk stretching out that sail!!

I was told, by my kite dealer or J.B. talks about it in the vid that came with my J.B. series rev, or both, that the stripes in the sail pattern is designed to stretch in such a way as to fill the sail even better after stretching with use over time. Maybe John can chime in and give us a lesson in sail design and stretching.

[stroke survivor]

I'm in agreement on the stretch being better controlled by the vertical panels, BUT there is a point of too much!!! That's why there are several models, STD., Midvent, and Full vent! Sort of like golf clubs - you wouldn't use a driver to chip the ball 10 yards or try to cover 250 yards with a wedge!! Different sails to match wind conditions and a variety of rods to even further refine the feel you want after figuring out the right kite!! Experience kicks in and gives you a starting point and you adjust from there!

[terreceofolympia]

stroke victim, on 05 September 2011 - 09:55 PM, said:

I'm in agreement on the stretch being better controlled by the vertical panels, BUT there is a point of too much!!! That's why there are several models, STD., Midvent, and Full vent! Sort of like golf clubs - you wouldn't use a driver to chip the ball 10 yards or try to cover 250 yards with a wedge!! Different sails to match wind conditions and a variety of rods to even further refine the feel you want after figuring out the right kite!! Experience kicks in and gives you a starting point and you adjust from there!

You wont be suprised to learn that I put with my 9 iron.

[stroke survivor]

WHAT??!! OK, I'm through laughing now!!! I used to play before my stroke, I couldn't image using a 9 iron!! But I am serious about the different sail and rod combos, there is a good bit of variety with the different combos, and you find what works on any given day!! An example: I wouldn't put a 4 wrap frame in a std, if I needed that much frame, I'd switch to a mid or full vent! Rather than risk stretching the sail, I'd change to a different kite designed to handle more wind and be able to use a lighter frame!! It does help to have all the frames, 2, 3, 4, and race, but conditions dictate the best combo at any given time!! The temptation to use that stronger frame will let you still use the sail, but at what cost? So I'm in favor of matching up to the winds on any given day and using the best kite/rod combo you can!! IMHO, of course!!