Wayne Dowler

Only a few kites are bridled properly to do that belly launch. Most won't.

Congratulations!!

I had the pleasure of seeing Steve and Bazzer fly as the "Rum Buddies" several times. 2 people flying 4 kites in a routine was spectacular!

Years ago, I had the fellow that makes JB's dogstake, make me several sets of handles. Made in 13", 14", and 15". I use the 15" in light wind, the 14" is my "regular" handle, and the 13" are my high wind set. I also had them bent a bit "flatter", more like indoor handles, for those of you familiar with them. Gives me a bit of extra brake already built in. If JB comes out with a more radius-ed handle, I would like to see how it compares to those I use now!

Add the Zephyr to the discontinued list. You might be able to still find it in shops til stock runs out. Personally I throw out most published wind range recommendations. Why? Most are set by expert fliers, not your regular run of the mill fliers. Some may be able to fly in 1 or 2 mph - are your skills as capable? Same with the high end. Trust how the kite feels and reacts in any wind range and don't overly push it. YMMV

Ennie, meanie, minie, mo ............

Not sure on the sail weight, but the LE pocket is lighter, lighter bridle too. No venting at all.

Good to hear that Rob. Paul de Bakker said pretty much the same when I asked him. Just have never had something adjustable....

Interesting thread. All my older dualies aren't weighted, but my latest dualie purchase is. The Hydra comes with an adjustable system. Guess I need to experiment with it to find out if I like it or not!

I'd agree that the Phoenix STD may have limits. It is a bit sluggish and loses hover at the lower ends of its wind range. That was corrected by the Ashes. It is the SUL full sail that was never made in the "B" pro series. It closes the gap the STD leaves behind.

I believe that what riff was commenting on, the center panel, does change the way I fly my Phoenix kites. Most of our team maneuvers are indeed initiated from the center of the sail. Keeping pressure in the center keeps the whole sail loaded, IMHO. I look at pressure as a ball, I don't want to lose it as I turn. To me, venting the center is like taking the engine out of my car. Now I admit to not flying any center vented stuff, and I won't mind trying anything that is.

Actually Paul, it is the SUL Bazzer didn't sew in the "B" pro series. It has the lighter LE pocket and thinner bridle line of the SUL. P100's or a black race are plenty of rod for this one!

Also learn to take a step to one side or the other, it helps to create some angle to turn it. Some kites will just nosedive if you try pulling the line if the kite is gliding straight away from you. Ever try using a wand? Just makes your arm a little longer and gives you a bit more leverage. I haven't flown my gliders outside, I fly them inside. Don't have the Z-G, but its smaller brother the Plutz 2 and its bigger brother the Mega-Plutz. No issues with either. I set mine up to have the nose slightly up, then adjust the pull point on the bridle towards the rear of the marked adjustments. You can see your nose orientation if you just toss it free of line. If you're on FB, find the group Glider Geeks, lots of videos there on almost everything glider. Plus you can ask questions about anything glider there. Happy gliding!!

Rev 2 wrap, both black and green race rods, and diamonds will fit in the caps. 3 and 4 wraps don't unless you do the drill trick.

Better check those Unidens, mine use "AAA" or the included battery packs. I bought rechargeable batteries to use after my packs went bad. And YES, turn the VOX feature OFF! Using the VOX feature will jam John's broadcasting for everyone. Turn it OFF!

My Unidens came with earpiece/mic combos included, you didn't get those? if you do get Midland, get the set that has earpieces too. The Midland's are a proprietary plug setup, but can use a normal earbud set for listening only. One of my team members likes his earbuds and uses them instead of those that come in the set. My Uniden mic/earpiece is comfy enough to use, even if it is 'universal".

Looking over your list: Wouldn't the R-Sky and Level One kites do everything you want? i'll preface my post by saying I mostly fly quads, but this winter picked up a Hydra (on sale @ ITW). I missed the transition from one trick at a time to the slack line stuff of today, (stroke kept me grounded). so I really don't understand the thought of "big kite with small kite inputs"? Every kite is unique in how it handles, even among the quads. Yes, the basics remain the same, but every kite has its own personality. It's why us fliers go through so many til we find what works for us. I'd suggest getting some of those out and give them a fly. See if they don't work for you - you might be pleasantly surprised!!

Just be very careful using shrink wrap! Don't let your heat source linger or you could compromise your carbon rods. Keep it moving!

Are you on FaceBook? He is posting there pretty regularly, I would try contacting him directly. He should be able to help you in your search.

I don't. Have one kite I bought in the mid '90s, never been broken down or detensioned. Never saw the need, especially those using a cord wrap. Might make sense with those using a "O" ring, but I haven't. As long as you do the usual breakdown of loosening the standoffs and removing the spreaders, you are good to go.

While I haven't had the pleasure of flying them .....yet, if they handle anything like the full vent I flew last summer - DING, DING, we got a winner!!

John will have more exact figures - but the XT should be pretty close to any model's extra vent! And the HT looks more vented yet, more like Bazzer"s Megavent, thought the venting pattern is way different. I just got a Mega, waiting for enough wind to give it a maiden fly!! Either will give you more holes for higher winds .....!

Welcome! While not familiar with the Osprey, the Quantum should serve you well as a learner kite. Needs a little wind, but pretty easy to fly and trick-able too. It will get you way down the wormhole ..........!

This would best be asked to some of your European folks over there. Having never been, I really don't know the requirements of their particular festivals. On the other hand, any "big" kite flier should be able to help with the basic ideas on anchors, line requirements, etc. I would try to get in touch with someone that has experience with big kites. IMHO!

Lots of people are gearing up to go to WSIKF 19th thru 25th. Not sure many will be there.