makatakam

Good job! I like it.

It should look good backlit.

If that was a Shook, it would be closer to 200%, I think. I am aware of how low you can take a vented and understand the aerodynamics that cause the phenomenon. Just saying it's a lot of air space. There's a point at which the reduced weight no longer has as much of an effect because of the reduced turbulence on the back of the sail. The effect begins to taper off once the venting exceeds 50% of the sail area, and I believe, without actually doing the math, that you're at between 65% and 75% air space.

I'm thinking more like 20+ for that to get off the ground. Maybe 25. Might be interesting to leave those "tail" strips attached. You can always cut them off if you don't like them.

I tried that once. It ended up warping and distorting, and wouldn't lie flat when I removed the backer. I abandoned the project in frustration. I think that a stiff(er) backing might have done the trick. Perhaps using card stock or even construction paper might work.

The B-Series is the tool of experienced kite flyers. It is intended to be used and abused. Don't be afraid to fly it because you may damage it. There are very many of them out there and should you feel the need you will be able to find a replacement. Break the frame all you want. There are replacement spars everywhere by the ton. Just be nice to the sail and it will last quite a long time. Bridles, bungees and hardware will always be available. If you prefer not to beat on it, get a used EXP or SLE. I've seen lots of them for less than $150 and some down around $100 (no lines or handles). Check with the guys in the club. Someone may have one super cheap. Find one that's already half dead and beat it some more. Kites wear out if you use them.

Using them is not a problem as long as you understand the limitations. When you start out on quads occasional uncontrolled spins are inevitable. That's when you learn from experience. If you go in aware of that possibility it is less dramatic and less traumatic. The "I knew that was going to happen" mind-set kicks in and you're not quite as surprised and don't have to hit the panic button. Less unexpected results is a good thing most of the time.

You can send them both to me. I like the green/yellow. John B likes the blue/gray. I hope that was helpful. It's a good problem to have.

Be careful to use high quality Spectra lines for the quad. (like the two I mentioned above) Anything less will begin binding up after 3 spins (remember, you're using twice as many strands). Once the lines lock up the kite just keeps going where it was pointed and you can do very little to stop it, and the stronger the wind the worse the effect. That's how you break those expensive carbon frames. All the other accessories can be half-assed, but your lines need to be top notch.

It's time to start looking for lines. Comes with handles, but no lines I believe. Eighty foot is what comes standard, 120' is what you want for group flying, but 80' will do for goofing around with one or two others. 120' can be cut down into shorter sets as they wear, and gives you a touch more time to react to what the kite is doing. Either would be ok. Get Laser Pro Gold or Shanti Skybond. Don't skimp on the line quality. Cheap lines will cause you much grief. Roy Clark and Chet Atkins -- my favorite guitarists. Eddy Arnold? I thought I was the only one who listens to that stuff! Welcome to my world.

Also, search "kite bag" on this forum. There has been much discussion on this topic.

I feel your pain, especially when in retrospect you think, "Damn, I could have had another kite instead!" It is a great bag though.

It's time for Eddie and The Cruisers. Ain't nothin' gonna save you from a love that's blind,Slip to the dark side and cross that line.... It's time to embrace your destiny -- Ohhh Yeah! P.S. -- Strange side note: I've been flying Rev's for almost 10 years and never owned a B-Series. Everything else including B-Pros, Masterpieces, SLE's, Supersonics, Customs, 1.0, NYM's, 2.0, SuperBlast 2-4, but no factory B's. Weird!

Which SuperBlast do you have? I assume it's not the 4-8 which definitely wouldn't fit. Measure to be safe, or you can carry it slipped under the handle straps. There are other bags that will work, but not much better than this for the price. Others will chime in to give you some ideas. I have a Revolution carry bag and carry my SuperBlast 2-4 under the straps when I don't leave it sitting at home. The Rev bag will handle up to a Rev Zen or 1.0 nicely, but that's about the max. I just measured my 2-4 and it's 46" -- might make it into a 44" soft bag without getting too ugly.

I see now that you've flown quad before. Cool beans! What took you so long to find KiteLife? Don't be a stranger.

Congratulations. Fly it like you stole it.

Hi, George, and welcome to the forum. I can see that you've committed to flying quads by how many you've purchased. I recommend approaching it with some patience. You'll need to forget some of your dual-line moves, but the line management skills you've acquired will be helpful. Quads are just a touch more difficult to get basic control of. When setting up and laying out your lines, remember that the apparent twists and tangles are not really there, and 99% of them will disappear once you put some tension in the lines. Most important is to smile, have fun and don't forget to breathe.

It's not necessary, but it will help you spend more time flying instead of time repairing the kite. As everything else in life a compromise of some sort is the best solution. If your physical coordination is very good you can use a less durable kite. If you have trouble walking more than 50 paces without tripping over something, then you'll need a sturdy kite. The best solution is to choose wisely the wind in which you fly. If you have the self control to fly in only the middle of the kite's recommended wind range until you have mastered basic control, you will have ideal results and minimal wear and damage. Most people just want to fly and the urge to do so in less than ideal conditions is usually overwhelming. It is the same for experienced flyers, but that is why we carry a bag containing many kites. We have one that is suitable for 95% of the conditions we encounter. If you have only one kite when you are learning you will probably fly when you should not. This is when it will break. But it's ok. We've all done it.

That was fast!

Hi, Paolo, and welcome to the forum.

Hi, Mike, and welcome to the forum.

There's at least a couple of bald eagles at Busse Woods in my area. They've come around to visit a couple of times. They are huge. About the same wingspan as a 1.5 quad kite and just as deep. Not at all afraid of the kite.

Hi, Walt, and welcome to the forum. Not very many avid flyers in your area. Your best bet may be to get some newcomers addicted so you can have someone to fly with. If I'm ever down in your area, I'll give you a holler.

Hi, Ryan, and welcome to the forum. Unfortunately, there are no ocean beaches in Arizona. The devil made me do it. Hang in there. There's a few flyers from down that way and I'm sure they'll chime in.

Hi, and welcome to the forum.