Leaderboard

I decided to post an update on the Matrix 90# X 75' line set since I got a good session in using them a while back with several of my kites. I used them for an hour or two in about 6 or 7 mph wind. My first impression of them was correct, I like my skybond 100# x 85' lines way better than the matrix lines. To me, the skybond lines have a more connected wired feel to them, and seem more responsive. I couldn't tell if the matrix lines were stretching more than the skybond lines or not, or if that had anything to do with the feel or not. The Skybond line set is 10' longer than than the Matrix, and 10# higher rating. The matrix lines seem like they are in between a standard spectra and a skybond line. Not as stiff as the skybond, but they do seem to have some type of coating on them. I like the more wired feel to the skybond lines and don't really care for the softer line feel of the spectra lines anymore. I don't find the orange color of the Matrix lines to be any more visible on the ground or the sky. Getting an accurate measurement of the lines using digital calipers isn't perfect since it tends to compress the line while trying to get a measurement. Taking multiple measurements, they look about the same, around .0190 in, or about .45 mm in diameter. In summary, I don't see myself buying any more Matrix lines for my own use, but I do see some applications for them. They are a decent value and seem to be a decent line set so far, and are probably a good option for someone who bought a cheaper production kite that came with a poor quality line set. Also they are good to have around for other people to try out for comparison. Or a good line set for a thrashing on. I am going to get some LPG line sets next even though they are said to pick up more debris in the sand than the skybond, and have less stretch than the skybond, I will have to see for myself.

Healing pretty well so far. Swelling is going down in my operated leg. PT has given me exercises to strengthen the leg and increase flexibility. Got a dr appointment to remove staples and assess things. Looking forward to being able to put more weight on it. Gradual improvement......

A little bit of flight video.

THis was the one that impressed me. or this one

Hi All, My first post on this forum. FWIW, kite/bridle design is always going to be active even if it's just a simple three point bridle. What complicates the issue of bridle design is that a stunt kite is constantly changing the angle of attack. For every change in forward speed and every change of altitude the angle of the apparent wind changes even if the wind speed is constant. When the angle of attack changes, so does the center of effort exerted on the sail. If all things were constant, wind speed, forward speed and altitude then the center of effort will not change position. Then you could design a tripod bridle with the tow points directly over the center of effort on each wing then everything would be cool. On most kites, as the angle of attack increases the C of E move inboard. If it is enough to cause the spine to be deflected back or the lower spreaders to bow back then the tow points are going to dynamically move inboard as equilibrium will try to be established. I've never experimented with a cross active bridle, but i would imagine that if it not done correctly for your particular kite then when the tow points move inboard the cross bridleing would be rendered useless as it would go slack. All of this is just to say, I thinks that bridles need to be designed for each particular kite. So experiment with different angles and lengths 'til you get it right. When I first experimented with bridles about 1988 (yes, I am old school) I flew my test kite with a bridle that was 100' long. With five lines running to my handles I could learn the dynamics of a flying stunt kite by making minute adjustments right at the handles. Very impractical, but I learned a lot. In another test I attached a carbon rod between the tow points in order to fix them in place. Sloppy, but I learned something again. Kite design is always going to be a compromise because off the dynamics involved. The perfect kite would work in synergy with it's bridle so that for every change in angle of attack, the bridle configuration would change in a way that would optimize the kites performance at that particular moment. Most Excellent Regards, Ray