REVflier

Jason, Scott Weider demonstrated the specific technique to us at Nat'ls, (on my own kite, no less) You use longer throw handles, punch both thumbs powerfully forward and then step or run forward (think throwing a 540) for another big dose of additional slack, everything done in unison. Naturally, he does it just high enough that it passes the ground as it flips by, rolls-up and then slaps down in perfect time with the music! The launch is a two step back the other way, "one" is to unroll and stand-up on the majix stixs, "two" it to take off airborne again. He has the practice and experience to make this three distinct beats and it looks effortless on the kite. We finally had to stand with our backs to the kite, watching only his movements before grasping the objectives. The winds were about perfect, . . . flying an SUL rev 1.5 in about 4 to 7 mph off of the ocean. More to practice for the mere mortals!

magix stix are, for lack of better explanation, like a suspension bride attached to the back of the kite sail. #1. About 11 or 12 inches down from the top of the leading edge, you'll insert a rubber fitting on each DOWN spar that allows a right angle connection to be made. I use (point 125) carbon tubes by AVIA with fittings from Skyshark. You'll need an end-cap (for .125 tubes) on one edge of the tube and a vinyl cap on the other (that inserts into the fittings, on the DOWN spars) #2. Next, you'll run line to each corner, affixed to the end-caps by a larkshead knot with a line connecting the two endcaps across the long dimension, or four points of connection for each side, one of which is common to both caps. These lines should be tight, but not so tight as to distort your frame. I've used 50 dacron braided line, but "Hi-Test Bridle line" is easier to work with and much more durable. Sound like too much of pain?, then you can call Sue @ 401-846-3262 and get them ready-made for around 20-25 USD. I fly a Ryv 1.5 with 2 wrap spars in 10-12 mile per hour wind using the "training wheels". I use a discontinued spar made by Skyshark for the DOWN tubes called the response 12 (they only weigh like 12 or 13 grams) I've used them in winds of 25-30 mph w/o breakage. See I live in the land of no-wind at least six months out of the year! You'll fly SULs/indoor kites or watch from the side-lines. Based upon that statement, you can see why we've been forced to modify the stock design in an effort to save a few grams of weight and still have sufficient strength for teaching or abuse. Most folks aren't flying over a parking lot, . . . the grass and sand have some "give", but concrete/asphalt talks back to you through busted carbon frames, HA!

Spilou, I both buy and build my own Ryvs. You can make one a lot better than you can buy it, but in the USA they are so cheap you can't make one for the retail price (if you shop around or jump on a sale price) The ones I build will fly indoors or in a 20 mph breeze, you only change out the leading edge. I make the center vee 12 inches deep instead of 9 and I lengthen the sail height to 32-1/2 inches on the down tubes, dump the leading edge venting entirely if you want great low wind versatility. I use skyshark tubes for the down spars (tapered) and the SLE revolution tube in the leading edge, unless it's no wind conditions again. With the increased surface area and all the mass located at the leading edge, you can throw and catch the thing on long lines or effortlessly up to about fifty feet in length. You don't have to sew either! As a matter of fact I prefer the no-sew technique, as it is stronger and also lighter in weight. With sewing you have to perforate the material, no-sew you just fold it over the top of double faced adhesive (3M's 9460 is designed to bond metals!), then you heat it with a iron and it's absolutely permanent. I have kites that are still being flown w/ 1,500 hours on them, made entirely in no-sew method. I replace the bridles and cover the knots with little sheaths of fabric on the stock models, otherwise you'll occasionally catch a bungie washer/knot on the back throwing it around. I also prefer my quads with "magix stixs" on the back of the frame, this adds strength, prevents bowties, allows the kite to stand-up inverted on the ground and doesn't add enough weight to dramatically impact the flight dynamics, even indoors. For years we laughed at folks using this device on their kites, we called 'em "training wheels!". Now I feel the benefits outweigh the ridicule associated with their use, HA! You can buy and modify a Revolution kite, or you can borrow one and make your own. Rev end-caps and the SLE tubes are simply without equal though. You should consider any alternatives very carefully before dropping your money on the table. I as well as every other builder I know wouldn't be willing to send you plans specifically, but we'd be willing to offer you assistance. I recommend icarex polycarbonate or ventex polyester as you choice for fabric, some areas need kevlar and dacron reinforcements also. The entire kite can be constructed without ever touching a sewing machine. I purchased two stock REV 1.5s within the past year, but the ones I turn to when the money's on the table are all homebuilts. Trust me the ryv is easy to make, it's all straight lines and a flat surface area. The master of innovative design concepts is Harold Ames. He can offer insights that make doing it yourself worth the trouble and expense. We did a cooperative effort for the Smithsonian Festival back in 1999 and it was one of the highlights of my brief kite career. Send me a personal email and I'll provide it to him for a response, but I'm out of the office for Nationals after thursday the 22nd of September until the 4th of October. -paul maryland, usa PS: Don't think a REV, even at europe's exchange rates, isn't worth the money. They are a lifetime of pleasure for a few hundred dollars (the cost of building one yourself). Personally I flew them almost exclusively for seven years before attempting to compete or modify the design. There must be 40 or more of them around my residence now, from litttle tiny ones to ones that can drag you effortlessly across the sand. Revolution is a fantastic company that deserves your support, if not now as a student then later on when you have more disposable income.