Toyguy

Interesting - my kite has Hypnotist printed on it and it did come with the DVD. Bought new just this past August... Dave

It's a bit outside your price range, but I would still suggest a Prism Quantum. Great beginner's kite that will do some tricks too. You might also look at a Nexus, also from Prism.

Congratulations on the new baby! All the best to you and your family... I'll have to go with my first-born's birthday Dec 7th, 03:40 AM

I don't have an "A" bag yet, just "the" bag, but I'm working on it In "the" bag: Quantum Quantum Pro Hypnotist 3D Silver Fox 2.5 Std Micron 5-stack Rev 1.5 SLE Spirit Quad *Thanks Kitelife!* Symphony 2.7 On Order: Quantum Pro SUL Wish List: Rev B Nexus 5-stack Zephyr

I have the Hypnotist and I love it. As you noted, it has the shock absorber and I have put it to much good use I have been able to do some tricks with it, but that's really more a matter of my limited skills. I'm sure it is capable of much more than I am at this point. I also just purchased a Quantum, but I have no air time with it yet. It is definitely heavier and will need more wind. I can imagine it would be a bit more rugged than the Hypnotist too. I doubt it will trick as well though, so I am glad I bought the Hypnotist. I got the Quantum mainly for my wife, who finds the Hypno a little too twitchy to learn on. I don't find it twitchy at all. I also have a Silver Fox and it is extremely pitchy, with or without weights. It's a heck of a deal for an advanced kite but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. I've put mine away for a while because it's beyond me. Also, quality is not as high as the Prisms. I've had a number of issues with bad glue joints, weights falling off, etc. I can fix all that but you do get what you pay for. It's in a whole different league though, more analagous to the Quantum Pro than the Hypno or Quantum. Dave

Here are the first of what will be many questions What's the right way to think about flight control on the Rev? Does control of the kite rotate around the top of the handle? This is hard to put into words but it seems to me that the top of the handle works somewhat like a combination throttle/yoke. I push or pull the top forward to control speed and then pivot the handle around that top point to control turns. What confuses me, then, is the reverse flying. I could keep the top of the handle in the same place, and rotate the bottoms forward. I could also simply rotate the handle about its center point, but that brings the top further back and should theoretically add more forward speed. Which of those 2 is the more correct way to think about how it works. Finally, how do people tend to hold their handles? I tried just gripping it around the shaft above the foam grip, as the manual instructed, but that felt completely insecure to me. I switched to holding the foam grip with a thumb against the back of the top of the shaft. Thanks for the input... Dave

I had the opportunity to get out with the Rev 1.5 SLE for the first time. It was an "eye-opening" experience, to say the least. I can see where this is going to be a lot of fun but also a lot of practice. As a record of my progress for my own review, I often throw out a video camera on a tripod and let it record whatever it can see. I've edited up a copy and thrown it on my web server. You're welcome to watch it for a laugh Fair warning - it's pretty big at around 160MB so you may want to save it first. It's a Quicktime MOV file. It runs about 10 minutes, edited down from an hour to spare you my agony. Music and some pithy title comments have been added. Revolution - Day 1 In case it isn't obvious in the video, questions WILL be forthcoming! Dave

I did receive a DVD with the kite, but it really only shows the assembly being done from a wider-angle view, nothing close up. At first, the natural lay of the various caps ended up with me having the verticals on the front, but I could see that was wrong while watching the DVD so I flipped them all over to the back. The bottom caps go equally easily on the front or back of the sail. I was just concerned that the top caps angle off to one side or the other after being rolled to the back of the sail because of the way the bungie runs through them. You can't really see that on the video and I had no idea if it mattered. I'm guessing it doesn't.

I took the new kite out and tried putting it together tonight. I think I did it correctly but one question did come up. Do I understand correctly that the vertical spars run behind the sail when I am looking at it with the logo reading in the right direction? The reason I ask is that getting the top retainers for those verticals back over the leading edge seems to impart quite a bit of twist to them and results in the retainer being jammed up next to the disk or washer with the bungie knots in it. This skews the retainer off to one side or the other of the knot bundle. Does that matter? Thanks... Dave

Thanks for all the comments. I was merely trying to point out what seems like a bit of a marketing disconnect on the part of Revolution. The kite came in a nicely compartmentalized poly bag, so I can only assume the company packaged it. As I said, it was my own fault for not reading the description more closely, but the word "package" carries a certain connotation for me, and I suspect for others. I have a set of Laser Pro Gold 90# x 85' on the way which should be here by week's end, so perhaps I will get some flying in this weekend. I got the kite out and put it together tonight, so I will post an initial question or two later on in an additional thread. This one has run its course

Interestingly, I've checked most of the other online shops I deal with and I see none of them carrying a Rev 1.5 SLE "package" that includes line. If it were my company, I wouldn't be advertising this as a package. That brings with it an implication that isn't met. Honestly, what possible good is a package that includes a kite, handles, training exercise documents and a DVD with no flying lines. That's just dumb for a product that is clearly aimed at the novice. The experienced folks will just buy the "Kite only" option.

Came home to find my new Rev 1.5 SLE here today, so I was quite excited to get a look at it and watch the video. After breaking open the package, that excitement was soured when I discovered that the "package" they sell does not include any lines. It seems to me rather stupid to sell packages, which are most likely going to end up in the hands of new flyers like me, that are incomplete. What possible good are two handles and a kite, with nothing to connect them? What should have been a happy evening learning about my new kite has instead left a sour taste in my mouth. In addition to feeling stupid, because I did not notice this in the online catalog description where it was, in all fairness, well stated, I can't help but feeling taken advantage of. I now have to part with another $50 or so in order to make any use of the thing, or hassle through the return process if I choose to just forget about it. It reminds me of the old auto dealer tricks with bait and switch - buy this cheap car "package" but oh, by the way, it doesn't include a gas tank. Had I known, or noticed, that lines weren't included, I probably woud have bought the new Prism Zephyr instead, which comes with 2 linesets as a point of comparison. Given that this industry is apparently a small niche industry, and one that is trying to grow, I think manufacturers would do well to put more thought into the overall effects of their marketing decisions. Prism is one company that has learned this, I think. Whenever I buy a Prism kite, with a few exceptions like the Quantum Pro where it makes sense, they come complete, ready-to-fly right from the package. I guess I'll get back to the board with questions in another week, by the time any lines I order will get here. Color me disillusioned...

Thanks to all who replied, both here and in PMs. I have a 2007 SLE package on the way, at a cost of $195. I will order the 3-wrap LE separately once I see how the SLE itself flies and I have a little air-time on the kite. Let the waiting begin...

Unless I am really misreading things, it looks like the 1.5 SLE package can be had for around $200-210 most places. A 3-wrap LE looks to be around $35 or so. So I'd figure $250. Looking at the B series, it looks like they run around $280-290, and that's without lines and such. So I'd figure somewhere around $340-350. Granted, it probably IS a better deal but going the SLE route keeps the initial cost down, in case I don't like it. Besides, I would be nowhere near the skill to begin exploring the B-series limits - it would be money wasted in that sense. Who knows, maybe I'll have to have a B-series later :-) Dave

Thanks for all the advice - I will go the "SLE with add-on 3-wrap LE" route. The sale at the Kite Shoppe is indeed over, but Theresa was out of Rev SLEs and B-series anyway. I did grab a Prism Quantum Pro at the 40% off price though Couldn't beat that deal. Now the only question is when to buy? I would have said this month, but there's also a Prism Zephyr calling my name now! Decisions, decisions... Dave

Oh, that was a great video - very nice flying all around Thanks for the treat! Dave

Thanks for all the input :-) Now a few more, and hopefully the last, pre-purchase questions. Why is an EXP so much less money than an SLE? They don't look or sound much different outside the stiffer LE. Two kites are out of the budget range, so I'll have to settle on one. At the moment I am leaning toward the EXP but.... (Isn't there always a but? ) I could also consider an SLE with an add-on of a 3-wrap LE. Does that sort of arrangement sound reasonable? Would I be better off with the 4-wrap LE? Are the LEs easy to change? How many pieces make up the LE, 2 or 3? Thanks! Dave

Thanks for the update. I got only two of the brass weights, but that's no big deal. I am sure I can turn and drill one more if I feel the need. I did go with an o-ring above the brass weights to keep them from sliding around. That seems like it will do the trick. Dave

I am pretty sure my next kite is going to be a Revolution, but I am a bit confused by all the variations available. What would the experienced folks recommend for a first purchase? Dave

Excellent! Thanks everyone. I also sail boats so I'm up to speed on drying the sail and lines there. I just wanted to confirm my ideas with those with more experience on kites. We actually had a decent day here in Vermont yesterday, and I flew my Prism Hypnotist successfully for the first time. I got in a lot of practice on the basics - launching, landing, figure 8s, circles and squares. I even managed, albeit accidentally, the occasional side slide and fade. I can see now how things will eventually work, which is a big help. It's been so rainy here this summer, though, I figured I'd better get prepared for some wet flying Dave

Since it's starting to look like the only flying time I will get is when it's raining , what's the story on flying in the wet? I know not to fly in thunderstorms, but what about everyday rain showers? Bad for the kite or lines in any way? I can imagine the lines might stretch a lot more, but other than that they look like theyd be pretty immune to water damage, as long as they were dried properly. Any insights will be welcome. Thanks! Dave

Here's an image I have received direct from Flying Wings that details how the Silver Fox Std tail weights should be assembled. Apparently, you do want to glue the stopper on, and then glue the extension into the spine. I haven't done that last step, nor do I think I will. Dave

No problem Baloo, when I win the next one on the the 15th, I'll probably chat it up a lot too I tried gluing that sleeve back on with a 30-minute, 2-part epoxy. It didn't hold at all. I guess I will try a thicker, gap-filling CA glue next and see if that works. I think once the sleeve is permanently fixed in place so the extension can't shorten, the velcro tail flap and tensioner will hold that Tee weight in place on the end of the shaft, although I may just wrap it as Mick did. I've also toyed with the idea of drilling a small hole in it and tying a tether on to make sure it stays close by if it falls off. Now that I know for sure how it's supposed to be, I'm sure it can be worked out. Yes, Dan, all the parts for my tail extension had collected in the bottom of the bag. Since I bought it at a second-hand shop, I cannot be sure it wasn't broken by the original owner, but it sure seems like this is a common malady. I don't know what that extension and sleeve are made of but it's sure slippery. I've never had epoxy fail to grip so incompletely. If the CA glue doesn't do it, I guess I'll try some PVC cement next. Dave

Excellent guys! Thanks a lot. I'm glad to see that mine is at least complete. I don't think I'm going to glue my inner tube in place. I guess I don't see a reason for that with the sleeve glued on and acting as a stopper. I'll just leave the tape around the shaft that's already there and use it as a friction fit. That way if I break the extension, I can slip it out and replace it. If it's glued in, I'll need to change the whole spine. I guess gravity keeps the brass weights in place, but maybe I'll get a little O-ring or something to act as a keeper, if it grips well enough. I can see those weights slipping toward the nose with the kite flying downward. That would seem to be bad for balance That wingtip video is great! Just what I needed. Dave

I posted this down in the General Topic, but I thought I'd post it here since this seems to get lots of traffic I now own a Silver Fox 2.5 Std, thanks to a great deal at a second-hand outdoor gear shop. I realize it will be way beyond me for a while, but I have a few questions about it that I hope someone might be able to shed some light on. In the bag, there were 2 brass sleeves and a fairly heavy black metal rod with a hole drilled into it to make it like the top of a tee. From looking on the web, I gather these are the ballast and tail weights. Under the velcro tail flap, there is a piece of tubing that slips inside the main spine, and the brass sleeves seem to fit this perfectly, but the Tee piece is very loose on it. One end of the inner tube is sealed with some type of tape, that appears to make the tube a friction-fit inside the spine. On this inner tube there is a sleeve that looks as if it might have originally been glued on, as there is a rough spot on the tube about halfway. With the sleeve at that spot, and the tube inserted into the spine, the assembly looks to be about the right length to reach the end of the velcro tail closure if that Tee piece were stuck on the end. So the questions... Should that sleeve be glued to the tube that slips into the main spine? How are the weights used with this system? What holds them in place and keeps them from sliding about, etc? I am particularly curious about the Tee-drilled weight. Is it always just loose on the end of the extension tube? Does the taped end indeed slip inside the main spine as a friction-fit or should it be glued in? Should it always be in place? Is the kite generally flown with no weight by default, or did it use some of them in the factory setup? How many weights came with your kite? The kite looks to be very lightly used, with no discernable wear or breakage beyond maybe the weight system I picked it up for about half the retail price I see on the web, so if it sits in the closet a few months, I won't be too disturbed. Thanks for any info on this thing. Web searching was unusually sparse on it. Dave