Wayne Dowler

WA - I might be off, but I think the Wala and XL came with a type of dacron flying line! I'll be checking ASAP on that to see if indeed it has a core line or not!! But it is heavier and works really well on my Frigate and Mega-Plutz for indoor flying! I find that the heavier line helps balance out those particular models, the Frigate has a coin pocket in the nose to allow you to change weight as room dynamics aren't always the same! The Mega is so big that the heavier line is no problem to carry around, and the heavier line sinks to the floor faster allowing the kite more freedom to do things - IMHO! Plus for me, it's a bit thicker, making it easier to handle - again IMHO!! Since I don't use my gliders outside, they each have a line dedicated for them! I do use the 20# and 30# fly line backing for my Ninja outdoors! Mostly the 20#, the Ninja flies when my Revs are grounded - and that's not too often!!

It is true that the top lines of a quad take more stress, but with your top leaders adjusted out enough, you get an almost equal pull on all 4 lines!! Most Revs (not all) are about control, not power, so that's why Revs have the same top lines as bottoms! Power quads are a different story altogether!! Sorry, I don't fly them - my stroke left me with bad balance!!

Let's do some math - 4 x 90 = 360 2 x 150 = 300 So 4 lines at 90# are actually stronger than 2 lines at 150#!! Might have some differences in the real world, but a good start! That's why almost all Rev fliers just use 90# lines, they're plenty strong! 150# is only used in extreme conditions! You really need to read your lines for sag or droop! That will tell you if they are strong enough for the day's conditions!

If he makes it back!!!

Just thinking about a 150' walk of shame - wears me out just thinking!!!

As you progress through your flying skills, you will find a need for several different line sets! Short, light lines, longer heavier lines! When I flew dual lines most of the time, I had 3 kites,1 for light wind, 1 for medium, 1 for strong, and each had it's own preferred line set! When I started, I had no idea that line weight and length could have so much effect on performance! Always thought it was the kites fault!! If at all possible, get together with other fliers, share ideas, experiences, you might learn faster!! But there's always the forum to ask!!!!

Begging, wishing, pleading - DON'T WORK!! Luck, that's the key word here!!

I'm a bit confused now!! A 1.5 SLE with poly sail? Not normal, but available in a few stores as a custom! Yes, "B"s are all poly! Put an SLE rod set in a "B", and you might be ostracized for violating an unwritten rule about that!! So what I think you're after is either a 1.5 SLE sail with 3 wraps frame, handles without leaders, and 80' x 90# lines! Or a "B" with 2 frames, better handles/leaders, need lines!! 80' or 120' will do! Clearer? There are several good dealers on Revs list - The Kite Shoppe, AWOC. The Kite Connection, etc! I've dealt with the three I mentioned - great service from them all!

Winds are optional!!

4 months??? I've got a Rev 1 almost 15 years old! Don't abuse them and they last fine !! Beat the crap outta them and sure, they'll fail! That's why most Rev-heads have several sails, to put up the correct one for the wind conditions!!

That is correct on frames - all in the model size are interchangeable, ie. , 2,3,4 wrap 1.5 frames swap from sail to sail! All Rev 1 frames interchange on any Rev 1, etc.! SLEs are made from nylon material, "B"s are made from ripstop polyester! Poly is lighter, holds shape longer, resists water better!! Partly why "B"s cost a bit more! Nylon is strong, has some water resistance, but stretches with time, and it loses that "crisp" feeling after a while!

Handles - almost every 1.5 package has some sort of 13" handles with it! The "B" package has the longer knotted top leaders, so if you go one of the other routes, I'd look to make some much like that! But that length is the standard for the 1.5 size sail! Lots of sail choices - EXP, SLE, "B", "B"pro (all in 1.5 size), the SLE or "B" is probably the best place to start, and on a standard sail! SLE sail - Put the bigger SLE rods in your bag (if you go that route) and use the 3 wrap 1/4" frame!! More than strong enough for learning on and it provides much better control!! Pros - cheaper initial investment. Most packages have everything to fly - kite, lines, handles, only thing you need is a stake! Cons - Older sail design, only 1 frame, not long top leaders on handles. I've never used the SLE rods, that's why I said 1 frame! "B" series sail - All the modifications have been put in this model, better materials, sail cut, rod placement, etc.! Very nice! Pros - better material, 2 complete frame sets for increased wind range, handles with longer top leaders. Cons - Many packages DON'T include lines (you may have to buy some separately), and a bit more of an initial investment! But just the extra frame justifies the extra expense! Tom is right about the 2 rev system (STD + VENT) - you'll find with the proper frame in your sail on any given day, one of the 2 will handle just about any conditions! An added bonus is that once you've bought the package for your first kite, you can get any future kites as "kite only" and save a bunch!! So say you've bought a "B: std with 2+3 wrap frames, you then can get a vented with a 4 wrap and have 2 sails and 3 frames to combo with! Either model is a great learning tool - get the best you can afford is my recommendation! Keeping in mind you're shooting for 2 sails!! Happy choices!!

Unless you are counting bullets!!

Glad it took a simple fix to get it right!! Good lines aren't cheap (I know), so I'm glad yours are spectra and equalizing them solved the issues!!

Many numbers enter, only one number leaves!!!

Give it time, it'll come! If you get some slide, just keep at it and it will go longer and longer! Try sliding back and forth, holding the same level!

You can get an ipod shuffle for about $50.00! Holds over 100 songs a the higher memory rate or over 200 on the lower setting! Set to shuffle or album, lasts all day! I've got one, only thing it lacks is a screen to choose a song! You get what it gives you!

It's common at most kite stores under that name! Never got any at a fabric store!! Sorry!

Buying the spool means cheaper alternative, just time involved to make a set! I figure you can make at least 2 sets for the price of 1 bought set, maybe 3 if they are different lengths!! All depends on time, money, involvement!! Hope I didn't scare you off, just that lines are your only connection to what you're flying!!

Tom - is that 1' binding, adhesive too? Bazzer uses "Insignia" tape, (that used on sails for sail boats) for the wear strips, and sews it after sticking it down!

All right - I'm in!! Now to think about what to offer as a prize if I win!!

No offence meant, Nick!! But it will be next to impossible to make do with dacron, as it will always stretch, and that unevenly!! If the lines are Dyneema, they should do OK after good equalization! Got any questions on equalization?? JB has a good video on how to do it!! Pretty easy, just time consuming!! But doing it right, pays off in the long run!!

Uprights are harder IMHO!! Now you need to keep the right side driving a bit to keep it level and prevent that drooping! So a bit more forward on that hand, while pulling to initiate the slide!! And you might need some braking on the left for balance!! Letting that thumb fall forward is easy to do while pulling the handle!

Are your slides upright or inverted? Inverted, it sounds like you're keeping a bit too much "forward" on that left hand and maybe need to lighten that up! Use a little right hand control (either brake or drive) to keep that opposite side level! Remember to keep the opposite hand pulled back to keep the slide moving! Practice!! Lack of JB-ness!! Love it!! Got over 20 years in flying? Guess how many hours? Wouldn't we all like some JB-ness! No substitute for time on the lines!! Period!!

Get yourself some good lines now!! If the Ebay lines are dacron, then the stretch will always be there! No equalizing will ever take that out! LPG (laser pro gold) is the most common line used, little stretch, direct connection to the kite! Always sounds like a place to save, but lines are your only connection to the kite, got to have good ones!