Zuul

There are lots of versions. The one pictured (random image search) is called "heavy duty" and looks a bit like a vinyl end cap material. Honestly, though, I would think the thinnest kind you can find would be best. It's not as if a snug fitting is going to slide over it.

You can buy heat shrink tubing with adhesive on the interior (hot glue). This works really well and is very light and low profile. It’s easier to remove than glued clips, too. I’ve also used a couple wraps of vinyl tape (electrical) and it holds up pretty well, but will need to be replaced occasionally. It takes a beating if you fly on the beach.

I have a couple old favorites that don't get to travel with me because of the single-piece pultruded leading edges; namely the R-Sky Frenezy and Krystal FX. I'd like to either replace the leading edges or completely reframe them. The important thing, of course, is to not negatively effect performance ... improving it would be totally OK, though! Cutting the 6mm LE and adding an aluminum ferule is an option. It's a boring option, but an option. 😁 I believe the KFX came in an Icone framed version. Did it ever come in a full Skyshark version that could be replicated? The confusing thing to me as I've researched options is that people always talk about Skyshark PXXX kites being stiffer than 6mm Structil versions. Everything I can find shows the P300 and 6mm Structil are basically the same stiffness. You rarely see P400 or 7PT outside of vented kites, so I don't see how Skyshark framed version are subjectively stiffer. Maybe it's a "dynamic" stiffness versus "static" stiffness thing? (You can save some grams, but that also means less mass for rotation based tricks ... more confusion.)

Icarex is a material originally use for boat sails. (It's spinnaker cloth.) It should be more than strong enough for what you are doing, but if you are still concerned similar materials are available in heavier weights. I think you could benefit by calling a sail-maker and discussing the project with them. In addition to helping you with selecting and sourcing a fabric, they can probably give you some tips on the best construction techniques.

Sounds like something John Chilese would do. Just wild speculation!

Me and my Mamba.

Hello! I’m an old GWTW regular, but it’s been a long time since I was truly active. How old? Who else was at the 1st Huntington Beach kite party? Lol. (My handle was mmakay over there.) It’s sad to see the old forum has reached end of life, but even better to see that the kite community is carrying on here! Life has been ridiculously hectic for the last, uh, decade? I hope to get out to fly more often soon!