davide63

Like for like, fiberglass is not stronger than carbon fibre. A rod is tougher than a tube, but heavier. It looks to me the carbon tube is failing near the end. I would reinforce the end of the tube by bonding a snug fitting 1 inch length of wood dowel or bamboo skewer inside the tube. (Or even bond in another smaller short section of carbon tube). I hope that this helps.

This clip might help.

I love the superfly STD and UL. Its easy to learn tricks on, both versions almost give you tricks. Once you have enough slack in a line, you have to use small precise hand movements. The UL does not fly at less than 2mph, that is when I use my 4D. I have not used a Deepspace so I cannot compare. I hope this helps.

The decathlon lines are the weak link, I use https://www.metropolis-drachen.de/en/Accessories/Kite-lines/2-line-sets/Climax-Protec-set-2-x-25m.html I would not recommend the Orao Feelr 180 for you, it is suitable for a beginner, I think the one you have is good to learn on. Just practice, concentrate on small hand movements, big steps with with your legs. Watch Johns videos see how he moves. Youtube has lots of videos on flying both types of kites. On a dual line kite, learn to snap stall the kite, learn to give slack on the lines, learn to give little sharp pulls. (I have bought yoyos to practice hand movements with). It just takes time, and good winds. And if you are making good progress, that's the time to buy better kites. Prism, HQ, and Spider Kites are all good dual line available in Europe. Kite forge, and Revolution are very good 4 line kites. I do not fly my Orao 4 line kite much now, I prefer 2 line tricks in light wind.

Hi I have the Orao 4 line kite and the colors in motion kite has good reviews for learning on. I found better quality lines made a big difference, and watch Johns video on equalizing the lines - this is true for both the dual and 4 line sets. Keep practicing, the skills will come in time.

No pictures, but I flew a Prism neutrino and a Spiderkite URO 65 (a speedkite which makes the neutrino feel as fast as a tractor).

Hi, I think that this video is of the same kite you have, seems to be quite capable. Starting saving your money, and learn to trick on what you have. (I have been looking at a spiderkite maraca mini, but its not in stock in the UK at the moment.) Have fun, David.

Hi, I would suggest these. (As standard I believe Prism Hypnotist comes with 26m x 68kg.) https://www.bilboquetsport.com/fr/lignes-et-poignees/1643-jeu-de-lignes-2x25m-60kg.html I use these very good lines at 70kg (or 50 kg in light wind) but they are not currently in stock. https://www.metropolis-drachen.de/en/Kites/Stunt-kites/Flying-line-control-gear/Climax-Protec-set-2-x-25m.html Benson kites are only currently made to order, there is no other online stockist of his current kites, but he does send them all around the world. Send a email to Tim (info@bensonkites.com) and he will give you all the information you want. Regards David

My first dual line kite was a Mettoy Barnstormer, I spent hours down on the beach looping it about. 40 odd years later I'm still on the beach, but flicking a Benson around!

Looks to be still alive and kicking https://www.shop.r-sky.com/

The Benson Superfly, has a nice curve in the spine and happily rocks on its belly on a smooth sandy surface. Time it right and it is easy to pop up with a little flick of the wrists.

I have the same kite, its a great piece of kit to fly and travel with. After securing the coloured bridle ends in the small velcro retainer on the trailing edge. I fold the kite Leading edge over to the middle then fold the trailing edge to the first fold. I then fold the left hand edge to the middle and then fold the right hand edge to the middle. I then carry on folding each side in half toward the middle until you end up with a package which fits inside the case. There are many ways of doing the lines. I straight wind both lines on to the winder. I have used figure of 8 winding in the past. I didn't notice a great difference. The lines I have disconnected from the kite and I use a plastic tent peg to secure the wrist straps down and then unwind, I connect the kite bridle, lay the kite out on its back, walk to the handles, remove the peg, and with a short sharp pull on both lines the kite will fill and will fly away. I hope that helps.

There's a website in the UK for company called Sinclair & Rush who sell foam sleeves and handle grips with various internal diameters, wall thickness and lengths. Plus they say they are manufactured in the states, maybe they have a website there.

One problem with 3D printing is that the process produces a grain in the structure, so you have to carefully consider the orientation of the parts on the print bed to optimise the strength during service. I first started using 3D printing to produce prototypes back in 1988 and the parts were incredibly fragile in those days.

I have the superfly ul and love the way it flies, its light on the lines and very responsive. I have ordered a standard superfly and I am mid way through a 6 week wait for it. There is an good condition old spec benson gemini on ebay now thats in the UK.

NASA have a few pages of examples you can work through. https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/shortk.html

I have a 4D and agree that it flies in little or no wind and it handles gusts well. I can make it do a fair few tricks but I find it is easy to snag a line.

I have a Neutrino with a second one to add on. I have flown it for over 40 hours and love it - I like the versatility, and it flies in all but the lightest winds. As a solo kite it will do simple tricks like 540s, roll ups and Axels. You can then land, clip on the second kite and fly off again remembering to resist the temptation to trick. I haven't used the stock winder as I find that it is too bulky and the tails are rarely used. The spine came through the nose webbing, I spoke to Prism and fixed that by relining the pocket and sticking a pvc cap on the spine and I have added shrink wrap to the wing tips to stop them from fraying. Have fun.

Hi, earlier this year I went to a kite festival at Westward Ho! in Devon. I didn't have to register, I just turned up, found a space in the correct area and flew.