Here are photos of my B-Series Pro STD with leading edge reinforcements... These go on ALL of my 1.5 size Revs now, (aftermarket work) before they're ever flown.
The material in these photos is some kind of webbing provided by Rod Thrall of Oregon, slightly more flexible than the Dacron I'd used on my last set of kites.
Positioning of the 7 tabs:
- Center (approx 2" wide) - Fold points (approx 2" wide) - Either side of fold points (approx 1" wide)
Rather than going through repair work when the mesh eventually breaks down (and it still will), I'll be adding 1/2" tabs centered in each of the remaining gaps so that when the mesh is too bad, I'll just cut it out and leave negative (empty) space instead.
Addendum: my bottom leaders are generally about 5" long, with 1/2" knots.
I use these strictly to equalize R-L unbalance as I switch from line set to line set in a hurry.
All tuning (throttle/brake) is done on my top leaders.
Re tuning for newbies - the best approach I've found for folks trying to find their "feel" on the settings...
1 - Start with good, long top leaders (maybe 12" long with knots spaced 3/4").
2 - Let your top lines all the way out on the leaders, and try to launch.
3 - If you can't launch, pull in one top knot and try again.
3a - If you can't launch, pull in one top knot and try again.
3b - If you can't launch, pull in one top knot and try again.
3c - If you can't launch, pull in one top knot and try again.
Eventually, you should hit a knot where you are *just* able to launch - practice on that knot, and the knot on either side for a minimum of 45 minutes (takes a while for our physical technique to adapt and stick).
Every 3-4 months, repeat the same "seeking" process and I'll bet even money that your "happy launch" knot ends up further and further out each time.
Note, your "happy" setting may vary as you change kites (different bridle stretch or tying) and lines (top lines stretched more or less), don't get stuck on one setting - it's best to stay dynamic, testing and adjusting as needed.
Other posts in this same thread that may be useful in utilizing your new settings:
How to "whump" or load and unload your turns:
http://kitelife.com/forum/topic/5530-pigtails-tuning-your-rev-with-knotted-leaders/page-5#entry37769
Relevant tutorials on KiteLife:
http://kitelife.com/forum/topic/5530-pigtails-tuning-your-rev-with-knotted-leaders/#entry37572
John Barresi's post in Reinforcement Patch ? was marked as the answer