ACrop

I second all that has been offered already. I also highly suggest that you make it an every time thing to check your kite for equality in it's handling. There are so many things that can get screwed up: handle knots, line stretch, bridle twists, knotting the lines on with the knot a bit off center on the loop. Many of them you can correct for by just adjusting your flying, but if you take the time to check each time that the system feels and flies equal you make it that much easier on yourself. There have been days where I was frustrated with my skills that I found an "off balance issue" and corrected it to find that "Holy sh*t, that feels so much better! It was the kite setup not just me!" There are many ways to do a quick equalization check: Set up: At the kite look at each part and compare side to side before you walk away to the handles: Does one side look the same as the other in each part? At the handles are the knots the same? Flight tests, several have been offered to me over time: With kite ready to launch hold BOTH handles together and exactly matched in one hand and tug a straight launch up. IF all is equal it should go straight up. Fly kite up to 30-50% of window in front of you and hold an upright hover (leading edge up). While holding hover look at the handles - if they are not equally pointed at kite something is off in how the kite is set up. At WSIKF this year I was having a hard time holding my upright hover one day - and changing the knots and the handles to equalize lines was indicated by the hover test, but it didn't quite fix it. Later when equalizing lines I found a major (too embarrassed to say just how much, but it was major) line stretch. I was shocked that I had been doing as well as I had given the line differences. Arg. When equalized later it felt like my brain had been given a tune up.

It also helps to have some skills in mind that you specifically work on in light wind so you feel like "yeah, I finally got the wind to try axles again!" I found that axle practice is a good forward moving/ground gaining activity that I practice during light wind. I have been known to use the 2-10 minutes of no wind to watch a kitelife tutorial on my phone too.

Hopefully JB will chime in. He was talking about handles with me at WISKF about handles and said that he sees it as there aree basic types - based on where the bend in the handle is and how much the curve is spread out. I didn't think to ask the "who makes them and how to get them" questions. While I don't think that equipment can ever compete with more flying time for improved skills, at times it can smooth the process. I am flying on stock handles recently converted to no snag tips. I have and have tried the Rev aluminum handles in both the 13 and 15" sizes and have not jelled with them. They just don't feel right to me, a bit heavy and odd. Recently the foam on my stock handles is getting oddly sticky, and not in a pleasant way. Why would any equipment that will be frequently used in a sandy environment use that kind of foam? Looking forward to hearing about where others have gotten non stock handles.

Yeah, that video blows my mind every time I watch it. My brain doesn't seem to want to understand it.

Anyone headed to WSKIF?? OK, some things have been in flux at home. I got side tracked and am now debating whether to commit and head to WSKIF 2019 or not. I need to jump soon if I am gonna do it. But going alone sounds lonely. I know I won't be lonely on the flying field, but being part of the group at clinics has made costs reasonable and everything more fun, so I would like to find something similar. Anyone out there looking to group up on lodging/car rental for the week? I promise I am not a scary person - I think that Riff might even vouch for me as a decent sharer- that should be worth a lot. April

Welcome to kitelife. If you don't get someone bear you to answer here I would recommend heading out to the nearest kite festival and talking to everyone flying what you fly. You would find out who is near you that way too. Have fun. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

That is the clear advice I was looking for. Thanks! Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Does one day early mean be there Wednesday or just that you need to attend a morning training any day before you join in? Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Thanks. I will fly alone if needed, but flying with others sure is fun when it comes together. Ya never know what you might find if you don't ask. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Hey, when in the week will the mega fly be attempted? I am trying to figure out some of the details and am unfamiliar with festivals, but want to participate in the mega fly. What days should I be in town if that is my goal? Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Yup, supposed to be 17-22. I think we will be headed to Padre island for an overnight, and then mostly Houston area. Any other way I should reach out to Texas quad fliers? Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Will keep an ear out, but so far not hearing anything. You are 2.5 hours in which direction? Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Hey, I am headed to Houston TX April 27-22 with maybe with a jaunt to the gulf coast. Any quadheads in the area who would like to meet a traveler to fly? Any hints on where the good winds hide? I will have to spend most of my time with family, but flying in a new state with new friends is always on the Todo list. April Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Congratulations! Gonna go have some tea with my new companion: jealousy. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

You may want to get a tad more specific: what wind range do you typically get to fly in? Asking for a specific level of venting that will work best for starting on your home field would help direct folks too. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

While I am very willing to fly OPK, I would rather offer you the opportunity to fly mine. Come on little Djinn...if you go to the other guys you will be one of many many kites....if you come to me you will be one of the special few= each kite in the bag gets flown regularly. Come home to Maryland! Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Oh man, Let it be me! I haven't gotten to fly a djinn yet....please send it to me. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Sorry to hear your news. Sending you and your family a telepathic hug. While the situation is sure to be tough the amount of thoughtfulness and concern for other that you bring to everyday life is sure to help you all come through this as well as can be managed. There is enough space in my driveway to park your KYT 4GE if you ever need a spot to stop in Maryland. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

I gotta say, I love the look of the snagless handles, but they don't make me happy when flying. I find myself avoiding them in my bag...the weight or balence just feels wrong. We talk about OPK and handles are a case when OPK can help you know what you like. However, before sure to ask what exactly it is you are using...I flew with OPK snagless handles before buying but it seems that there were not the same manufacturer. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

When I had my machine tuned up the guy showed me the weak points on the machine. While it is mostly metal (Bernina 830 vintage) it does have some plastic inside, including two parts that are gears. The repair guy taught me that if you are gonna buy a used machine you should open it up and hand crank the machine while you look at each gear for condition issues. Don't buy if you see irregularities in the gears. On my machine everything is good for now, but he said those gears are not made anymore for my machine and if they break I am SOL. If that happens I may have to do a crash course on 3d printing. [emoji6] Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

I use a regular zip top shoulder bag for handles, lines, stakes, sunscreen, water and snacks. I have an expandable plastic draft tube for the kites. I found fishing tubes to be narrow and $$. It is not the greatest quality, but it has been constantly on the move in my car, planes and even on my bike for 2+ years and held up fine. I think mine is the 5 1/2" diameter one. I fit 4 quads in thier own bags with a bag of extra frames in it nicely. I have swished in 6 quads in there, but wouldn't be a normal thing as it is too tight. They also make a bigger size tube, but as of now one sail of each wind range is enough. Can't seem to paste a link, but on Amazon the title is: US Art Supply Large Black Telescoping Drafting Tube - Outside Diameter: 5-1/2 inch, Inside Diameter: 5 inch, Length: 31-5/8 to 53-3/4 inches For lighter travel/ I have extended the tube a tad and put the basics of lines and handles right in the tube and lost the other bag. I generally travel with the tube and the bag as it keeps me well organized. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Is "I pack heavy" an understatement? [emoji6] Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Welcome to the dark side.... Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Congratulations! Fly it fast and often. That poor kite must be so looking forward to getting out of its bag and into the sky! Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

Thanks for the links! I will enjoy them while trying to pretend that I am not off track for my to-do list today. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app