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Showing content with the highest reputation on 10/29/2020 in all areas

  1. 1,671 downloads

    Another in our ongoing series of Rev tutorials, this one covering the theory and ideas behind tuning, giving you the basic understanding of how to tune lift, power, response and control to your own taste! NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Tuning Theory I Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Tuning Theory I Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Tuning Theory I French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Tuning Theory I
    1 point
  2. 2,057 downloads

    Another in the ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one exploring the methodology and application of handle grip, body position and posture, as well as hand and arm position.One of the keys to successful Rev flying is being relaxed and comfortable, using hand and arm positions which grant you the most leverage with the least effort. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Body, Posture and Grip Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Body, Posture and Grip Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Body, Posture & Grip French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Body, Posture and Grip
    1 point
  3. Hello all, I acquired a kite a few years ago, and have been trying to figure out how to put it together since I got it. So far I've had no luck. The kite is a Joel K Scholz Signature Series Delta; the 20' Raptor to be precise. It came with a bag of carbon rods, but they all seem to be different sizes. Do any of you happen to have plans, or a diagram that shows how to assemble one of these things? I'd love to put it together and see it up in the air. It looks beautiful. Thanks for any help! I appreciate your time. -Steve
    1 point
  4. Well.. I'm looking for a Rogallo Flexikite (from the Flexikite Company in CT. Anyone have one they would like to part with? Rob Friedman Port Jefferson Station, LI, NY
    1 point
  5. 653 downloads

    Another in the ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one detailing how to do maintain a hover in 7 basic orientations.Once you're able to hold a hover with some degree of stability, the sky is yours because you can now stop in any position, and even control your speed when necessary. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Basic Hover Lithuanian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Basic Hover Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Basic Hover French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Basic Hover Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Basic Hover
    1 point
  6. Hello, I'm looking into getting back some sort of flying again... kites seemed a most headache-free path to take, so here I am. More specifically, I'm looking for a portable kite solution that can fit into a small or medium-sized backpack. My whole everything is depending on the kite's portability, if I can't fit it into the backpack, there will be no flying around. Of all the problems I will have to overcome to get into this hobby, portability is the most severe of them. With that cleared out, I now ask: what do I do? 「I noticed that portability was mentioned some other times in other threads, but there seems to be no specific thread that focuses on the whole portability thing」 The local vendors which I have easy and reliable access to have some few RTF kites in stock, all over 180cm or so. Even if I manage to fit most parts in the backpack, I would still have to carry around the long non-telescopic tubes and spars, which is something I just can't do. The backpack idea is mostly to keep troubles away on a local level as well as carrying them around comfortably. "Fighter kites" (as I've seen they being referred to on this forum) are a common sight here. It is global knowledge that locals will attempt to attack anything that flies and could possibly be cut down by a dangerously glass-infused sharp wire, or destroyed by getting entangled on the lines, such as photography multirotors, other kites, balloons, and full-sized helicopters. Therefore keeping my own kite out of sight until I reach a most remote and deserted area is the optimal way of ensuring that no one will keep their eye on me until I settle down somewhere. Most zones where I could possibly fly a kite in peace cannot be reached by any land vehicle as well, so the backpack is irreplaceable. I am willing to pretty much do anything to fit the kite on the backpack, whether that be building my own, modifying stuff, inventing wonders, whatever it takes. I will not go out with any kites on sight - nor tied around unusually odd packages. It has to fit into the regular looking backpack so nothing will seem wrong or out of place to random observers around. Up to this point, the only reasonable solution that occurred to me seems to be building a miniature kite that would fit into a customized case that would go into the backpack, this way being permanently ready to fly. What do you guys think about it? Any suggestions?
    1 point
  7. Captain Rick (a real tugboat captain!) showed me this knotless hitch for tying down kites, especially big kites that pull hard. This is my technique for tying the hitch onto a carabiner, but the hitch is perfect for tying to a fence post, driftwood, trailer hitch, etc., without degrading the flying line. The hitch is also known as the Lighterman's hitch, and even has a "secondary" use of safely mooring your boat! 1. The kite is in the air, the standing line (flying line) is under tension, the carabiner is tethered to an anchor, and the bight (the line we are working with) is in the middle of the line between the kite and spool. For safety, the carabiner is climbing-rated at 22 kilonewtons and will hold about 5000 lbs of pull. 2. The opening side of the carabiner is the bollard, where, of course, we will make all of our bollard wraps. 3. Start with two wraps of the bight around the bollard. 4. If your kite is pulling so hard that is is difficult to hold, make three wraps. (All of the following photos show two wraps only.) Position your holding hand with your thumb on the carabiner gate, and work the bight with your other hand. (I'm right handed, so I hold the carabiner with my left and work the bight with my right.) 5. Always pass the bight around the standing line on the "dockside" (closed side) of the carabiner. 6. Twist your holding hand palm up, open the gate, and pass the bight over the bollard… 7. …and pull the bight through the gate of the carabiner. 8. Twist the carabiner back to the starting position (palm down), passing the bight dockside of the standing line. 9. Pass the bight over the bollard and pull it through the gate. Notice that the standing line has been wrapped twice, once from each side of the carabiner, thus equalizing the tension on the standing line. 10. Twist the carabiner palm up again, pass the bight dockside, wrap it around to and over the bollard, and then pull the bight through the gate. 11. Again, pass the bight dockside… 12. …twist the carabiner back to palm down (except I moved my thumb for photo)… 13. …and pass the bight over the bollard and through the gate. For most kites, you can quit here. 14. However, for heavy loads, wrap the standing line again. Twist the carabiner palm up and pass the bight dockside, over the bollard, and through the gate. 15. Twist the carabiner palm down… 16. …and pass the bight over the bollard and pull it through the gate. This will hold 99% of kites, but for exceptional loads or very slick lines, you can repeat the wraps as often as needed. 17. Note the alternating wraps on the dockside, keeping the tension equal on both sides of the standing line. 18. The finished hitch uses no knots that weaken your flying line. It can be easily adjusted even under load by undoing a few wraps until the line begins to slip, and then controlling the line slip with a little tension on the bight. With a bit of practice, you will be able to tie this hitch in 10 to 15 seconds! Sent from my iPhone using KiteLife mobile app
    1 point
  8. 1,023 downloads

    Another in the ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one detailing the Side Slide from both the upright and inverted orientations.Side Slides make an excellent transition movement between other maneuvers, and it's a lot of fun to slide right above the ground, apparently breaking the laws of physics. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Side Slide Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Side Slide Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Side Slide French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Side Slide
    1 point
  9. 400 downloads

    Another in an ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one detailing the assembly and disassembly methods used by Team iQuad out on the field, at over one hundred festivals worldwide since 2006. While putting your kite together and taking it apart may not be relevant to your flying, it DOES effect not only the longevity of the kite and its materials, but a proven process can greatly streamline and simplify your "before and after" on the field. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Assembly and Disassembly Japanese Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Assembly and Disassembly German Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Assembly and Disassembly Lithuanian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Assembly and Disassembly French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Assembly and Disassembly Dutch Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Assembly and Disassembly Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Assembly and Disassembly Portuguese Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Assembly and Disassembly Thai Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Assembly and Disassembly Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Assembly & Disassembly
    1 point
  10. 374 downloads

    Another in the ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one detailing how to make and apply a larks head knot. Aside from being the sole way most lines are attached to kites and handles these days, it's an extremely handy knot for a variety of purposes. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Larks Head Knot Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Larks Head Knot Japanese Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Larks Head Knot French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Larks Head Knot Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Larks Head Knot
    1 point
  11. 434 downloads

    Another in an ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one detailing the 180 - an essential team flying skill that becomes more stable with the application of positive drive. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV.
    1 point
  12. 626 downloads

    Another in an ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this time introducing some rotation-oriented drills that may help refine your precision. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV.
    1 point
    Great! Good practice! Simple and effective. You can also test different kites very quickly. And it is fun :-)
    1 point
  13. 1,372 downloads

    Another in the ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one detailing the inputs and approach used for executing the Flic Flac maneuver. Flic Flacs are a lot of fun and serve as an excellent tool for developing your timing and hand speed as well. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flic Flac Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flic Flac Dutch Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flic Flac Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flic Flac French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flic Flac
    1 point
    Oh, my goodness. It looks so easy! So get out there and practice... practice... practice... :-)
    1 point
    Nicely and simply explained. Too bad that there is no part II. Would have liked to hear more about the effect of the bottom lines, individual knot ladders - but also tuning on the bridle or ... or... or ...
    1 point
  14. The more equipment you use, the more points of potential failure! I fly huge kites using only a climbing carabiner, sand anchor, and heavy line. The tugboat hitch uses no knots so you can let out line easily and under control, even under full load. Check it out! https://www.facebook.com/621114835/posts/10155644288019836/ Hmmm, this link will get you to the Facebook post, but won’t show the the commentary on each photo. Open it in the Facebook app/website to see it all! UPDATE: I created an article (Tugboat Hitch on a Carabiner) and posted it in GENERAL SINGLE LINE so that you don’t need to mess with Facebook unless you want to! Sent from my iPhone using KiteLife mobile app
    1 point
  15. 776 downloads

    Another in an ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this installment provides a thorough step by step introduction to the execution and theory of the traveling bicycle maneuver. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV.
    1 point
    Cycling explained simply. Get crazy with it!
    1 point
  16. 334 downloads

    This tutorial explains some of the dynamics of line weight and length selection on Revolution kites This is one of those topics where there is no right way, and we hope the information contained in this video help you experiment and find your own favorite(s). NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV.
    1 point
    Good tips and explanation to the lines. I got short lines and can only confirm the recommendation.
    1 point
  17. 240, after adjusting to match my other set and fly wicked pairs from the top of the dune...
    1 point
  18. Well, I was able to use geometry and figure out the length of the support sticks. I went to Lowe's and got some 1/4" dowels, cut them, and voila! It's like new! If anyone knows this kite, I'd still be interested in information about it. I'll post a picture here a little later, fully assembled. Thanks, Jim
    1 point
  19. Super Sled in Tennessee Last week there were some fantastic clouds in Middle Tennessee.
    1 point
  20. Tennessee summer flying
    1 point
  21. Here is a spar layout diagram I made up for my Raptor 20. The color coding is simply what I used on my spars. The main thing is the lengths of the sections as they go together for the LE, Spine, and Spreaders... Happy flying. Dale Kite - Raptor 20 Spar Layout.pdf
    1 point
  22. I appreciate your concern for safety and your efforts to understand the kiteflying culture in your area before diving in. Compared to the local kites, a dual line foil may seem like a massive target, but compared to framed dual lines, they are not. Given your local culture though, I understand why you would want to try something perhaps smaller and less expensive to start with. The principle behind how a fighter kite works and how it can do all that with a single line is that the kite itself is inherently unstable. Most single line kites are designed to be stable, so once the flier puts the kite in the air it stays there. However, fighter kites are not like this. They tend to want to spin or turn. This is especially true when the line is being let out. But, when the line is pulled in and the kite is being pulled on, the kite will fly in a straight line in the direction it is pointing. So, the trick to controlling the kite is knowing when to let line out and when to pull on the line. This is definitely easier said than done. As I said previously, smaller kites tend to move faster, so if you build a smaller version of your local fighter kites, just know that it could be even harder to learn how to control it. Once again, good luck.
    1 point
  23. Hi There, Not sure if this is of use. I remembered seeing this video several years ago and was surprised at the speed that the loose kites went away over the sea and the skill of the recovery team. A flock of Crow kites had their line cut and flew out to sea, only to be rescued by the skillful action nearby fighter kite team. Kite Rescue 2016 Dieppe An explanation of what happened by Andrew Beattie "This is fairly cool but I need to explain. The guy in the red jacket was flying a"flock" of bird kites. A single main line with many smaller lines tied along it, each one of which was connecter to a single bird, giving the appearance of a flock. The main line was cut and the whole lot went off into the drink in the off-shore wind. A couple of the kites at the bottom caught in the water, providing enough drag to keep the rest of the kites flying. Quickly, the flier dashed to the Columbian tent where he recruited some fighter kite fliers for assistance. Before they had even reached the water, the fighter flyer had manoeuvred his kite out amongst the flock. By repeatedly spinning the fighter round one of the birds, he snared it and was able to bring the entire flock back to the beach." Comments by the crows' owner. "Yes the crows were unfortunately cut from the sky about ten foot from their anchor. I was chatting to a fellow kiter when an Indian fighter drifted by us only feet from the ground when my colleague said I think that !*"^! cut your line. At that instant I noticed my line marker tumbling to the ground and the crows floating away towards the sea. I immediately gave chase but they were already in the water five in the water and five flying high dragging the rest out to sea. Having the fighter competition guys behind us around the arena I ran back up the beach while Sandra stayed at the waters edge I hoped that the Indian guy's I had been talking to earlier were still there and could help. They were not but the Brazilian team were, so I approached one of them for help to retrieve my crows which were now well away from the shore, we had a language problem but that was soon resolved as others in the team were fluent in English and the rescue was on its way. While the one flying retrieved his head stick Brazilian fighter another ran for some stronger line while another changed the line. With all six in tow one feeding the line off the drum for the flyer by the time we got back to the beach the rescue kite was already 2-3 hundred metre's away and almost on to the crows. At that point I knew my beloved crows were coming back and the rescue kite was manoeuvred into position wrapping around the lines The team then slowly pulled the kites back to shore and very kindly untangled the birds nest of lines and sea weed. After 30 mins all ten crows were aloft. I will always be grateful to my new found friends of the Brazilian fighter competition team they were magnificent and took the top 2 positions in the competition the existing world champ finishing second on the day." Cheers Stephen
    1 point
  24. I met Francis Rogallo at the Kitty Hawk Festival in 1996 (I believe), helluva mind and the fore father of pretty much every dual line kite and hang glider on earth. Good luck in your search. 👍🏻
    1 point
  25. 519 downloads

    Another in the ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one detailing how to equalize your lines, ensuring equal length between right and left.All types of line stretch or "settle in" over time and will eventually end up uneven by varying amounts which effects the accuracy of your inputs accordingly... You'll be amazed at how the kite responds more accurately, and how easy it actually is to balance out your line lengths. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Line Equalizing Lithuanian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Line Equalizing Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Line Equalizing Japanese Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Line Equalizing Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Line Equalizing French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Line Equalizing
    1 point
  26. They do, but not enough to worry about. It's the frames that suffer more from being "frozen". Letting a wet sail freeze is not as bad as it sounds. I've done it without dire consequences, but it can damage the sail material if the circumstances are "perfect". Usually if you don't make hard contact with the ground or other things in cold weather, you'll be fine. A little caution goes a long way.
    1 point
  27. Sanity is in. They make these things called parafoils . . . . So, I was sitting in my car, flying my kite out the partly open window, when a surprised-looking squirrel came by and said, "I'm sorry, I thought you were nuts."
    1 point
  28. Sanity is not a virtue shared widely in this hobby
    1 point
  29. Version 1

    652 downloads

    The basic Rev axel, performed with a Revolution 1.5 in 3-4 mph winds. In this case, the trick is demonstrated in a left to right inverted hover using the new Barresi Signature Series Rev, with a 3 wrap frame. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV.
    1 point
  30. 1,336 downloads

    Another in our ongoing series of Rev tutorials, this one covering basic light wind techniques and how the Rev transitions between a powered state and gliding state, enabling anyone to fly in the lightest of winds, simply by cycling your ground space and know how to apply tension. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Light Wind Flying Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Light Wind Flying Japanese Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Light Wind Flying French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Light Wind Flying Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Light Wind Flying
    1 point
  31. 474 downloads

    Another in the ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one detailing two basic methods for relaunching a Rev from the flat belly down position, leading edge away or toward you.Being a two-dimensional kite when not under power, the Revolution can be a little tricky to relaunch when it's flat on the ground but with these simple techniques, it's generally no more difficult than flipping over any other kind of sport kite. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch Japanese Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch Chinese Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch Lithuanian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch German Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch Dutch Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch Portuguese Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch Thai Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Flat Relaunch
    1 point
  32. 1,012 downloads

    Another in our ongoing series of Rev tutorials, this one covering the techniques behind "3D Flying", where the pilot is able to pull the kite of of the sky and catch it, then toss it back out to the end of the lines and fly, all without your kite even touching the ground! NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - 3D Flying Japanese Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - 3D Flying Lithuanian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - 3D Flying Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - 3D Flying Dutch Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - 3D Flying Chinese Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - 3D Flying French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - 3D Flying Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - 3D Flying
    1 point
  33. 1,023 downloads

    Another in the ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one introducing some beginning techniques for mastering the inverted hover. Reputably one of the most difficult things to learn on a Rev, it's absolutely simple to do once you know how and these techniques should help you understand it more quickly. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Inverted Hover Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Inverted Hover French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Inverted Hover Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Inverted Hover
    1 point
  34. 829 downloads

    Another in the ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one introducing the techniques for learning Reverse Flight and how to work toward a stable execution of this movement in the basic four directions. Reverse Flight is far easier to learn than one might believe, using minimized inputs and changing your point of reference with regard to the initial goals. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV. Subtitles: English Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Reverse Flight Lithuanian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Reverse Flight Spanish Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Reverse Flight Hungarian Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Reverse Flight French Subtitles: Rev Tutorial - Reverse Flight
    1 point
  35. 281 downloads

    This tutorial explains two simple ways to change your frames on the field without even removing the kite from your lines. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV.
    1 point
  36. 359 downloads

    Another in an ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one detailing the basic figure 8 maneuver commonly used in team flying - a little added technique can make your curves and control much smoother. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV.
    1 point
  37. 726 downloads

    Another in an ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this time we go through walking the kite and bringing a little bounce into your kite's step. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV.
    1 point
  38. 255 downloads

    Another in an ongoing series of Kitelife Magazine tutorials for using Revolution quad line kites, this one explaining the wind window, how your kite behaves as you travel across it, and how to start breaking down the space. NOTE: A reliable (and free) cross-platform video player is VLC, which should work with any file format including MKV.
    1 point
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