Wayne Dowler

A friend has sourced a mesh made out of Kevlar for repairs. Weighs a bit more, but I understand almost bulletproof.

I believe it is RTF, but....... If you plan to use it as a fighter, I'd suggest getting the 2 fighter lines they sell. Those lines are specifically designed for fighters, easier on the hands. Probably need spools for them too, but look first.

If it is just verts - SkyShark will be plenty good. P400 would be practically indestructible in that position. And you won't need to change any caps. Do you use the Reflex system? A wrap of electrical tape will work, but a nicer option would be to use some shrink wrap. Don't leave the heat in one place for long!!

Use a piece of insignia tape to repair the LE fabric and if needed - change that bridle!!

Just added a kite to the classifieds - let me know how it looks.

I'd need a nap after setting those up!!!! That must be one BIG winder you're using!!!!

If any of you are on FaceBook, he posts there almost daily. After his stroke, he held out hope that maybe he could fly again - sadly that never could happen for him. So he cut ties with what for him became a reminder of the past that was unattainable in his future. As a stroke survivor myself, I thoroughly understand his decision. Trying to accept your new "normal" is hard enough without trying to recreate something from the past, especially if it truly is something that just can't be done. Frustrating yourself just isn't productive.

WHAT?? No chatter for the last 2 weeks?? C'mon Kaiju!!! Do wish it had a touch of blue, but ........!

Are these sold or ???

You can reglue the foam, just make sure the glue won't eat up the foam. Make sure to mark them so you get both sides even. If you decide to get new handles, I recommend getting snagless ones. They eliminate the ring on them. Great for team flying, plus they remove another moving part that you really don't need.

Hush and go fly a kite!!!!

Not much of a dualie guy, but what I've heard from others - not all vented are "good" vented. Definitely get some advice from many sources.......

Dual or quad? More options in quads - if you fly them.

I will be interested in hearing your opinion on vents in the center of the kite. Always wondered if they made any "felt" difference ......

It is pretty new over here. The Level One kites and the Matrix line sets have just become available. The one person that might know the most would be Paul deBakker, but he might be a bit biased - him and Nic are the Level One USA distributors. Link to the site: https://www.levelonekitesusa.com/

One of the simplest designs I've ever found, and if you are careful, you can make more and use the handles on all! The handles move to 3 positions, both centered, one offset, both offset. No brake, no bearing to wear or get sand in. Had mine for nearly 30 years .... From Into the Wind and many other shops - https://intothewind.com/kites/accessories/kite-line-reels/windbreaker-kite-line-reel.html

My take on "competition": and I'm sure there will be plenty of opposing views: At one time, kiting was trying hard to be a "sport" in this country. There were leagues, a circuit almost, where one gathered points to compete at the "national" level. Sponsors of line and kites abounded, trying to get their product recognized as "what the champion flew". People aged out and weren't "replaced". Gradually competition has given way to demonstration flying. It's a more relaxed style of flying, no pressure, no score. The only pressure is self imposed - wanting to do it well for the audience .......... and yourself. Why? There are only a handful of people making a living from kites. Store owners, kite builders, and very few doing like JB - designing, marketing, and giving lessons, holding clinics. The profit margins are slim, leaving little for any type of sponsorship. Think about how much just one comp level kite costs, then multiply by the several a good competitor needs for the many wind conditions he/she might face. Plus the costs of lines, handles, kite bag, and any related gear. Simple stuff like a good hat, water bottle or hydration pack, buff, sunscreen. All optional, but your body will thank you if protected. Travel costs. So not only do you have comp costs, but getting to a festival. Add in a place to stay and feeding yourself, the costs start to mount up on John Q. Public. Not everyone has a couple hundred dollars laying around for a weekend. And try adding up the costs if you were to try and go to as many as you could. In today's climate - a small fortune. Time. Honing those moves to a comp level. How many have it? If so, how many do it? In today's world, how many have that much time to devote to something that has a silent partner? Wind. Maybe it's dead or maybe too much? There's a day out the window for that type of practice. You are happy to just fly! So this becomes an age old argument - Is kite flying a sport ..... or a hobby/activity? Just some general thoughts.....

This is also a great indoor kite too!

For me, solo flying, indoors or outside, is all about the music and the mood it conveys. I rarely have any planned routine, just fall into rhythm with how it moves me. I may go into it with wanting to try several things, but where I try them is dictated by the music. Soul flying ...... Team flying is a whole different beast, partly because I'm tailgunner on my team. Our leader usually comes up with the majority of a routine. We fly it to find out if it works or not. Maybe some moves fit better here or there? Maybe some moves don't work as thought, but will if modified? This is a chance for the whole team to have input on it. But still, it fits to the music, the mood, the rhythm. I do call for many "beginner" lines. I try to determine the skill set each flier brings to the table, and construct the line based on what people can do. No sense putting someone at tailgunner if they can't hold an inverted hover, that means balls would be shaky. BUT, I also try to push them a bit, try new moves, experiment. Do things in segments or slow motion. Talk it out and explain if need be. But push them to come away a better flier if possible. Funny story: A friend and I were fooling around trying new moves to be different as a pair. Out of those experiments, I built a complete pairs routine - but without any music! One day I heard a song that fit perfectly! Match made by the wind lords!!!

If the winds are truly that erratic, any mid vent would work, including the Djinn. Until then - do you have a 3 wrap frame to use? Or at least enough to do an LE? I personally find the 4 wrap too stiff for my liking. I prefer a bit of flex in my kite and find the 4 wrap just doesn't give enough. The 3 wrap is plenty strong, stronger than we expect. Try them in both sails - the std and full vent. If you have them, try them, might surprise you.

Hope you have good luck on that!!

I would debate the 2 wrap over a race frame, but it really is up to what kind of "feel" you are looking for. But no debate on putting a lighter frame into a "heavier" sail. That can work. Again - it's all up to the feel you seek, on what you decide is "better".

If the wind tends to the light side, I would try a Zephyr instead. Not as robust as the Hypnotist, but has a lower starting wind range. Breezin might offer some thoughts ...?

For carrying purposes, it was recommended to me years ago, to use two shoulder straps. That way you can carry it like a backpack and not worry about it sliding off to the side. Plus it leaves both hands free!

We usually use short soccer cones and form them into a wedge shape on the beach. All the handles close together at one end of the wedge, then all the kites down at the other. No matter how well you mark it out, seems like someone will still walk through - oh well.