kites147

I lucky in that I'm just 30 minutes from the Cleveland lakeshore where there is a park that is THE place to fly in this area. In fact it's the site of the Cleveland Kite Festival which just happened two weeks ago. With a northerly wind it's generally "smooth sailing". I may look for a used full sail but still try the full vent in select wind conditions. A kite for every wind, isn't that the moto? I just now made up a set of bottom leaders with 4 knots at .75" spacing, came out perfect. I put a small nail in a 1x2 wood strip to hold the loop and then put tick marks on the wood at the knot points carefully placing each knot and then tightening them up good. Hopefully I can try out the suggested leader settings this weekend.

Thanks Gents, this just reaffirms what I thought I knew. I believe I have two more sets of 3 or 4 wrap spars sets (have to measure and weigh them and compare to the "4 Strong" set) in case I need them. Hope I don't. Before the summer ends my main goal will be simple - a low launch and back down, up, down, up and down. I was just concerned I'd need more wind then I'd be ready for at this stage, but as stated, the vents should mellow things out a little. Interestingly, I tried flying the Rev and a Synergy Great Deca yesterday. Winds were low and variable in the (poor) location I was testing at. I was mainly there equaling the new lines and getting oriented to two handles and four lines. Couldn't get the Rev off the ground. The Synergy at least was able to launch, maintain a somewhat horizontal state and bring it down gently a few times. This will be a fun learning experience for sure.

Just acquired some kites from my Dad's vast collection. He was a Rev flyer and very good at it. Watching him launch and fly a stack of 6 was impressive, very graceful movements. So now I have a "JB Series" Rev and I'm going to attempt to learn it. I have the complete kite, 13" handles with 12" knotless leaders, a variety of used line sets in various lengths, a ground stake and loads of helpful info on this site. I'll be making a set of knotted leaders and have a new 90x80 LGP lineset which I'll be starting with. I also have a full Revolution Black Race frameset. So here come my question, and thank you in advance to all who respond. 1. What exact Rev model do I have and what are its characteristics? See image below. LE spar is 93.25", vert spars are 31", all labeled "4 strong". I assume with the four vents and heavy spars it's meant for higher than average wind conditions. 2. Is this an appropriate Rev for one who's never flown one before? 3. As I mentioned, I'm going to make new handle leaders. Will this kite respond well to the "long top, short bottom" knotted leader setup and adjust top in as I learn method? 4. When would it be appropriate to use the lighter Black Race frame in this sail? (I know, after I stop crashing with the heavy frame) I believe that's it, thanks again for any info on my Q's. GT