riffclown

So I've done something on the lowest end of the smart scale. My original mesh, made with the Blue & Black Gomberg Tails and a Lime Leading edge has been misplaced along with a set of handles and 35' lines. I'm not sure I've even flown it this year. I have no idea where I left it unless I left it at Jockey's Ridge last year, or loaned it out and forgot to ask for it back.. Jockey's Ridge is the last time I remember taking it out of the bag. YES it was made with duct tape, Gomberg Tails and Arrow Shafts BUT this is the kite that began my kite making adventure and it was rock solid when everything else was getting squirrely due to the gusts. It was sail #1. (of 74 so far) Of course, I'll remake the color design using modern materials and techniques but this kite taught me a lot about how forgiving the Shook mesh and original Hadzicki wing shape really is. It was still my "go to" when others were taking cover. I don't mind the lost investment. I do wish I could recover the lost personal history. Money wise, The handles and lines were worth far more than the kite. Memory wise it's the kite that's just not replaceable. Bummer

Indeed, doing it yourself is a different kind of satisfaction.. insider's trick. To do a very fast spin, try pushing the top line out instead of pulling the brake line in.

Friends, After careful consideration, the board of directors has unanimously decided to cancel our annual convention for 2020 as a direct result of the Covid19 pandemic. Our highest priority is our members health and safety which we believe could not be guaranteed by the scheduled dates in October. Those who have already registered will be refunded in full. We will hold a virtual annual business meeting to fulfill the requirements set forth in our bylaws. Our dedicated convention committee have been diligent in their planning and have diligently begun discussions of possible opportunities which this cancellation may provide. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these apparent challenges and navigate this unprecedented time together. Happy Flyin’ Drayton Callison AKA President

Good work. The brake lines are attaching to the trailing edge only. Almost all the force is on the original bridles. Applying the brakes will partially deflate the airfoil by design.. Unless you are flying it in really strong winds, it shouldn't be too much of a concern.

I guess the fulfillment of the build for me is also getting to fly and I've been sorely lacking in that dept. I love making kites and I love sharing. I guess I'm just missing the flying part a lot!! and in all honesty my post was more of a rant than standing on principle.. I love the community part of kiting and that's just not the same right now.

I can understand that.. I also understand it's necessary to some extent.. Just getting stir crazy wanting to fly kites. Other than bridle tests, I haven't really been able to fly since early Feb..

I haven't bought a kite in a very long time. Last kite I bought was one of the first production Djinns. (and I do mean extrelmely early production) Other than that, I make everything I want or need. I flew one of the early Kaijus back when we had JB visit us in Corolla. I have dozens of kites and some which have not graced these pages due to the design being unique and I don't want to share those particular ideas. I'm exclusively 4 line and not fan of indoor but I did enjoy some serene time with a single line glider JB let me try. All of that being said, a shortage of kites is not my issue. Not being able to fly the ones I want to fly is the issue. Changes of me buying kites right now, nearly zero. Kite parts 100%..

The Wright Festival next weekend is going to be virtual..

But I don't get flying time that way. Just for discussion's sake, I will ask which kite you'd like to borrow though..

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I feel like I'm on a kite-less island surrounded by Kites I can't fly.

There is no joy in a virtual kite festival for those that don't do social media.. I just found out one of my favorite events will be "virtual" I didn't even bother to ask why. Can't even bring myself to care about it. Further, my usual flying fields are off limits to me right now. I understand social distancing and I'm in a higher risk group. But kite Flying outdoors is generally pretty well distanced. I detest Facebook and I'm not willing to give my personal information to them. That is why I'm not there. Same answer pretty much for the other social platforms. So my entire kite season is a bust.. I have 17 kites in my bag that no one outside of Kitelife and a few select friends have really even seen. I've done bridle tests but except for the swirling field and under the trees they've never really flown. Only one other event on my calendar this year and I'll have to work that weekend so no joy there..Probably won't happen anyway, it's outdoors and who wants fresh air any more.

@Paul LaMasters If I win, we'll talk trading some gear. I also have some other items which will really interest you..

Honestly the materials aren't as critical as the measurements. If backsplicing isn't possible you can use knots as long as you allow for the extra length taken up by the knots. I don't use sleeving. I only mention it because sleeving line is very good for backsplicing. The Orange line is simply a touch thicker and the contrast is mainly for looks. You CAN use the same line you use for the bridles. The 9th attachment point is tricky to create so I don't typically give that info out. You can get almost the same performance by evenly spacing the other 8 attachment points. Any quad handels will do but if this is the first quad and you need handle solely for it, I'd recommend getting some power kite handles. The top line on them isn't all the way to the end and it's easy to fly this kite with that grip point due to its two line bias.. Hand stitching should be fine but I'd find a friend with a machine if i could just to ensure that connection is strong. Hope this helps.. Good Luck..

They definitely ship. I got my first several Freileins from them.(To my knowledge, you don't usually see B-Pros in the store since they were special order and direct from Bazzer..)

I personally don't feel the "classic" is worth more. There are B-Series hitting the classifieds here fairly regularly as individuals upgrade to Djinns.

Bridles test went well. I'm looking forward to wind to fly it in..

Decided to revisit my original perspective design with a bit of black and Flo Green. LE is also Flo Green 72". Edge binding will be black. Sail is sewn and LE is ready. Should finish this kite up tomorrow.

I would also be interested in the answer to this question.

Looks like it getting to be time for another Scrapestry..

Along with the Icarex, I have a few new choices for LE colors.

Nothing Major. Just spread out the attachments evenly across the bottom.

Whoop!!!! Awesome!! Congrats @midibot

I'm not sure. There might be a better banter buffer..