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ilh

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Profile Information

  • Favorite Kite(s)
    Rev 1.5 SUL and Vented
  • Flying Since
    1991
  • Country
    United States

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  1. I wonder how much a 19-mile length of spectra costs!
  2. I'm not familiar with the kites in question, but it sounds a bit like what can happen when a bridle is set too high. It might be worth bumping it down a bit to see if that makes a difference. --Lee
  3. You will want to start with the two control straps. Flying a dual-line kite with one hand is much more difficult than with two hands and is generally used by folks flying multiple kites by themselves. --Lee
  4. Adjustable "pigtails" on the handles will really help adjust the balance of forward and reverse and the feel on the handles. Do a forum search here and on the Rev forums and you should find plenty of info. In general, you'll probably find you prefer a much shorter bottom line connection compared to how the handles come stock. --Lee
  5. Yes, vertical spars go on back, and, yes, those bungies can get a bit jammed. I don't think it really matters as long as the bridle comes off cleanly. I do try to make both sides symmetric (e.g., both end caps inside/outside the washers). I think things loosen up a bit with use.
  6. I just bought a new Speedtech SM-18 on eBay for $30 + $5 shipping. I had lost an auction, but I got a "second chance" from the seller through eBay. Good deal I think as they are going for more like $50. I really didn't want to spend that much. This model has a cover, in which the meter folds into. It looks like it should keep most dirt out, but who knows what the fine sand will do over time. Keep it in a zip-loc bag when not in use? Apparently the impeller is replaceable. I got the meter mostly to calibrate the back of my neck. I was reasonably good at estimating low speeds, but I tended to overestimate winds above 10mph or so. The only other feature it has over wind speed is temperature. For wind, you can get instantaneous wind speed, average over the past 5/10/13 seconds, and maximum speed since the unit was last powered on. I have seen some glitches in readings in about 5mph winds where it momentarily got a reading of 77mph, which of course screws up the maximum until you reset. This unit has to be aimed into the wind unlike some units (e.g., Kaindl Windtronic). Anyways, I'm happy with my purchase, especially for the low price. --Lee
  7. ilh

    Line Lengths

    At least during the initial stretch out phase, switch lines around from side to side (and top to bottom on quad). It can help the stretch even out. Sleeving is optional. Some people like it, some not. Some think it is extra work, some not. I prefer sleeving for its ease in handling, in particular loosening larksheads. Was this a used set of lines? If so, it sounds like someone cut them down and went without sleeving on the cut end. Strange.
  8. Stupid question: how do kite makers use tempered glass? --Lee
  9. Wen, it was nice seeing you fly at BASKC this weekend. I managed to spend a little time on Scott Weider's standard Silver Fox the end of Saturday. Interesting kite, but then I am "old school" and don't know all these new tricks. New kites really want to jump on their back at the slightest provocation. --Lee Hetherington (flew a SUL rainbow Rev and an old-school yellow/white/blue homemade SUL all weekend--well I did briefly get the Katana in my avatar up a little on Saturday)
  10. Wow, that is a GREAT shot Penny!
  11. Couldn't you just have a sub-forum on here devoted to articles? When you make a new article, have a link to a new forum thread about it down at the bottom. I've seen sites done this way without needing any fancy dynamic HTML. Then, lively discussions generally ensue in the forums about each article. --Lee
  12. I started with an SLE. Once I got a 3-wrap leading edge (EXP leading edge), I never used the SLE. In fact, I haven't used it in a year now. Next I got a 2-wrap frame, then a custom vented sail, then a 4-wrap frame, then a custom SUL, and I now have new "Race" frame on the way. Since getting the SUL, I haven't used the SLE sail. Be careful. Getting a Rev puts you on a slippery slope! Anybody want to buy my original 1.5 SLE (red/black/white) in good condition, kite only? PM me. --Lee
  13. Yes. To my knowledge, the 1/4-inch come in 2-, 3-, and 4-wrap, and the 7/16-inch SLE come in 3- and 4-wrap. 2-wrap are labeled "Professional Only", 3-wrap labeled "Ultralight", and 4-wrap "Revolution Equipped". EXP sticks are 3-wrap and might not be labeled at all. I think there are 5-wrap "Stiff" sticks out there, but they don't seem to be commonly used with 1.5s from what I can tell. Now that I have 2-, 3-, and 4-wrap sticks, I haven't used my 3-wrap SLE sticks in about a year now. I, like many others here, prefer the more flexible 1/4-inch sticks. --Lee
  14. I use Tedlar tape. I have heard there is a way to repair small tears/holes with superglue (cyanoacrylate), but I haven't tried this myself.
  15. In contrast, here is my recent experience with GWTW. I ordered a quad line set of 50# x 100ft, and when it arrived, that is what Laser Pro's external packaging said. Upon opening the shrink wrap, I noticed that the winder itself was labelled 50# x 50ft. Presumably this was a problem with the way Laser Pro packaged the lineset. I emailed GWTW, and early the next day I received an email saying to keep the short set, and that a verified 100ft set was on its way. Now that is customer service. --Lee
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