Wayne Dowler

With that many different kite types - I might consider a snowboard bag. Dualies are usually pretty long, unless you break down the LEs every time. So they dictate length. Revs are fairly short and narrow when rolled up. Foils are kind of odd shaped if I remember, but should fit. There are pockets inside and out for all the accessories.

A whole bunch of Happy Birthday!!! 🙌 🎂 🙌

Patience grasshopper - patience. Going to the group fly is a great idea. Get some opinions on your setup and check out others too. Meeting with others can cut lots off the learning curve. Be open to listen and ask questions. On a different note - funny how different kites feel to you, isn't it? Be aware that just because a kite is labelled as UL, it may be just as heavy as someone else's STD. There is no "standard" to compare to. In general, light wind flying is a challenge for many, especially beginners. You really need a light touch and how to work with the kite, not fight it. And lots of movement! Can't fly light wind standing still!

Shoelaces?? Who uses those anymore?? I like my shoes loose enough to wear like loafers!!!

Good info there! I probably would use insignia tape to fix it. It was developed to number sails on boats. Take out the spine spar, flatten on a table, mark where the tape should go. Remove the backing a bit and slowly apply right up to the diamond on the sail. Roll it down well! You can trim the tape to match the shape if you like. Measure the distance across to get the right width tape. You want to completely cover the stitching and sail tears. I think you can find it in 1", 2" and 4" widths. Theresa at the Kite Shoppe carries it. I've made my own wear strips for my quads using it.

What kite is that? And how was it treated? Dragged around? Nose dived? Over tension the spine?

Depending on how the spine and/or wingtip area is sewn, you can maybe put your own in it. Just thread a line through the seam if possible. Also can be done if you're willing to do a bit of sewing if needed.

Lars - if your kite has one, just tighten it up to snug - don't overdo it. Some adjust at the wingtips, some the spine,. If it doesn't - no biggie

Look on Lee's post about the wingtip tightening - he has a pic showing the leech line dangling from the fold formed by the seam on the trailing edge. The white loop is the leech line.

Most leech lines are on "newer" kites, LOL!! A lot of the really old stuff didn't have them at all.

Leech lines are a way to control the "flapping" of the trailing edge. Hear the noise from old kites? Notice how quiet most all modern kites are? Leech lines let you adjust that noise level. Left uncontrolled, the flapping would eventually ruin the trailing edge. Adding the leech line and snugging it up, usually eliminates that. All are routed through the trailing edge seam and anchored at the wingtips and spine. Some are fixed at the spine and adjusted at the wings, others are fixed at the wings and adjusted at the spine.

Should be made from bridle line, might need to match the strength to get a similar thickness, but easily done. Just make the loop at the kite end plenty big and both the same length from knot to loop. Remember to burn the ends to keep them from fraying!!

Make your own long leaders and attach them on the bridle's attachment pigtails. Most make them around 3' long, they protect the TE from damage in roll up tricks. You can make some and by using a larkshead knot, move them to any kite you choose!

All of them look well done! That "Vickie" is very similar to Alden's original! You should see some of them now with no bottom strip or only lines to hold the shape.

Think of it as a total package type thing. The bridle and kite are developed together and work together. The bridle might be a certain way to help bring out some features of the kite. Or limit others. But I do know you can switch types of bridles - 2 kinds I know are - 3 point or turbo. What the differences are I'm not clear on, I just flew mine stock. Just learned to make a few simple adjustments based on conditions. Others might have more info on the subject.....

Please don't replace the bridle just yet. It was designed for it. The Kymera's was designed for it too, not the other. You need to fly it before deciding to change it. Every kite is designed around certain performance parameters, and the bridle is part of those performance goals. It might enhance certain things and limit others. Give it a try first.

Got any before and after pix?

Good all purpose length is anywhere from 75' to 85-90'. Shorter presents the challenges mentioned. Longer can lose your "feel" for what the kite is doing. However, there is a time and place for short lines - size of field, needing the room, etc. Used both.

Usually not, if not marked as RTF. Lot of kites come as "kite only", not as packages, because many already have things like lines or handles and don't need duplicates.

Yes - helps get any stretch left in them, out. Reduces the number of times needed to adjust them, given that they are quality lines to start with. Crap lines will just keep on stretching .......

For my dual line kites, I used 3 different strengths - 50#, 90#, 150#. Some of the full sized kites will not do well with 50# Too much pull or too heavy a feel. Helps to have a variety and match the day's conditions to both kite and line.

I believe that is a George Peter's Sky Bird. Sold by ITW? Gorgeous sail!!

I fly quads mostly, dualies at times. But I started with dual line and kept going. Took an enforced break for a couple years, then got back into flying. Group flying really got my attention, but it took a while to regain my hand, eye coordination needed. Then I joined a team of quad fliers. That brought my game up. Then I learned indoor flying, brought my game up more. Then I joined a second team!! Biggest thing I got out of it?? Confidence!! Found something I could still do and do well !!! That keeps bringing me back!!!

Flying is only learned by putting that kite in the air! Yes it is nice to know the whys and whats, but learning to fly requires just that - flying! Got a saying here - Time on the lines!! Can't substitute anything for the experience gained while flying. As a survivor of a stroke, I know this to be so true!! Gotta get that thing out there!!!!

Ya'll are way, way overthinking this!!! Fly the thing!!!! Messing around with everything - grumble, mutter, BLEEP!! 😜