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SHBKF

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Posts posted by SHBKF

  1. Don't know how many PB 4-8's are loose in the wild but I suspect not too many.  A few years ago I was concerned that they might stop making them.  I made it a priority to try to acquire a new one.  My chance came when I was offered a gift of my own choosing by the company I was working for as a reward for many years service.  They were somewhat startled when I requested a kite.  Here's a picture of mine one day when I leaned it against the Cruze & the wind pinned it to the car.  Kind of makes the scale of a four meter sail more imaginable.

    gallery_7709_404_512071.jpg

    Years before my second Revolution kite chosen was this PB 2-4.  I had some kind of illusion that it would possibly be a suitable light wind kite... not hardly.  The big one has a 12' leading edge.  This smaller one is a mere 10' long.

    gallery_7709_404_2169846.jpg

    Both are huge kites & not for the timid flyer.  The PB 2-4 flies somewhat like it's conventional cousin, the Rev 1.  But I would humbly say the Big One, the PB 4-8, is in a class of it's own.  You will be using larger control movements & the "Archer's Stance" quite a bit.  You might be unknowingly gritting your teeth when the power locks in & you lean back with your arms stretched out in front of you, your knees bent, feet scrambling to manage the massive power in even light winds, great fun.  I am keeping mine.  SHBKF

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  2. Sorry to see you did not receive a quick answer to your kite inquiry.  I don't have any experience with that particular kite although I have wanted to try some kites from the famous TOTL brand.  I would guess that kite would have been traditionally flown on a longer line set, perhaps even 150', back in the day.  I would try it on 85' x 150 LB lines in at least 8 mph winds or better.  Regular Hawaiian kites have a reputation as loud strong pulling kites.  Don't know about the Spin Off but it looks fast.  Just get out there & give it a flail.  We would love to hear your impression of this classic kite.  Welcome to KiteLife.  Best wishes to you.

    Know Eye Deer,  SHBKF

  3. Dang!  I'd been all over this if I did not already have two Z's.  Even though my "collection", ah hoard, includes some really desirable high end dualies I still fly my Z's.  Just returned from a long vacation & one of my trusty Zephyrs rode along with me just in case the wind was somewhat light.  Turned out I had stronger winds & flew a slightly stronger Prism E2 instead.  But ever since I got my first Zephyr five years ago, I have not gotten to the point where I am tired of it. 

    Still smilin' when flyin' the Z, SHBKF

    my first good dualie, a keeper for sure

    large.56e4de4d1530f_1-23-13PrismZephyrInferno.JPG

  4. Down in the Kite Dungeon I simply place finish nails into the plywood kite work table.  I layout the dimensions with ruler & pencil then tap the nails into the wood just enough to hold firm.  Later, when I am finished, I simply pull the nail out until needed again.  I may  leave small penciled notes for future reference or erase the marks if I decide they did not produce desired results.  Mostly I work in inches but keep metric rulers handy if I am working in centimeters.  It is also a good idea to check kite bridles for symmetry when you have them on the kite table.  SHBKF

    here's the kite table with a kite awaiting bridle repair

    large.58db0d5fbfdbc_PrismwallintheKiteDungeon.jpg

    • Like 6
  5. 21 hours ago, cjay said:

    Which hobby might that be? 

    If you don't mind talking about it that is.

    Back in my early teens I became an avid Short Wave Listener.  I was using a World War II era Signal Corps aircraft receiver.  It was made by Hallicrafters, a R45 ARR7.  I used to wait for my parents to go to bed, quietly close my door, then put a towel on the floor to block noise & light.  I would fire up the old tube type radio, put my aviator head phones & tour the world.  Years later I would operate other radios including CB's back in their hay day.  I built elaborate antennas & talked skip using 16 watts on 11 meter side band.  Later I got a Heathkit HW-101. But still no license.   Even though things shifted to other hobbies I still longed to be a real ham radio operator some day.  That some day has become now & I am well on my way to passing an entry level exam.

    Life is good, live your dreams, SHBKF  ...  ....  -...  -.-  ..-.

     

    Hallicrafters                                       Heathkit

    Hallicrafters R45 ARR7.jpg  HEATHKIT-HW-101.jpg

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  6. We are actually quite fortunate that our love of kites, even at the boutique level, is quite inexpensive compared to many hobbies these days.  Getting into a new field can easily run thousands of dollars & sometimes that is just for the latest clothing "needed".  I am currently researching & studying to seriously enter a hobby that has been a dream of mine for most of my life. The current basic entry level equipment is going to run over five thousand easily.  Pick any adult hobby & be ready to spend ten thousand if you want street cred among your peers.  But even that is minor compared to what I spent on horses.  The horse was the cheap item.  Fencing, stable, tack, trailer & truck all added up quickly.  But I still struggled mightily when I was finally started buying kites a few years back.  The initial stumbling block seemed to occur at about eighty bucks for me.  That's about all the cash I ever have on me it seems.  Shoot, that's what a decent line set costs when you finally go for it.  

    Anyhow, no regerts, just have a Snickers,  SHBKF

    a good morning camp breakfast on the trail

    9-14-03 WC69 ham & eggs.JPG

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  7. I have gone through several stages in my KiteLife regarding lines.  Started with "Dang kite string is costly!".  Advanced to next stage  got lines, go fly.  Line length? Line strength? Line material?  Equalization?  Know Eye Deer, just fly.  Next stage, read forums & wonder what all the lingo means.  Enlightenment commences with line strength & lengths.

    One day I decide to add brake lines to my newly acquired Snap Shot 2.5.  Still at "Dang kite string is costly!" stage.  Launch kite with new brake lines for my first quad experience.  Brake lines too long hanging down in big droops.  Not enough adjustment on the brake bridles to compensate.  Hmm, how do I deal with this?  Back to the forum to read about shortening lines.  Intuitively I make all four lines the same length because it just seems logical.  Important? Know Eye Deer.

     Revs seemed way too expensive.  My wife gives me one RTF as a gift.  Got lucky with a line set of LPG, lines were already correct.  Start flying that one.  Found out I flew "right handed".  Top right line gets a bit longer than the rest but I am oblivious to the issue.  Joined KiteLife & began to learn from the Pros or Masters I called them.  Learned about equalization.  Learned about importance of checking & maintaining lines for optimum flight characteristics.  Developed Obsessive Kite Disorder regarding lines, became very opinionated.  Made line sets like mad.  Stuck at the mall waiting for the boss, worked on line sets in the parking lot.  Made rig for measuring line lengths.  Installed hardware on the hitching post to stress lines using pulleys & weights on the far end under the apple tree.  Was developing a bad case of Obsessive Kite Disorder but did not know it at that time.

    line measuring rig.jpg line pulley.jpgDSC07759.JPG

    Then one day I decided to just fly lines with dualies to give them a set.  If need a quad set just do it twice.    Now I use knots on the leaders to make large equalizations.  Small adjustments are made by tying extra knots in the line loops.  Have plenty of Rev handles now so I can leave sets already tuned attached to dedicated handles.  Have acquired many many sets of lines & plenty of straps to go with them.  Most of the time now I just test for equalization by launching with paired straps or handles in a neutral position & see if the kite goes mostly straight up.  Tuning done as needed in the field.  Dang kite string is still expensive!  SHBKF

    • Like 6
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  8. My first favorite SUL was the infamous Prism 4D.  I flew it so much I had to repair it a couple times in several places.  Vulnerable areas are the center tee, which bends, the nose, which wears & the spine pokes through & the leading edge fabric, which is quite light & thin.  I even bought a spare one eventually.  Still flying this one.

    gallery_7709_404_534565.jpg

    But then I splurged & bought a new Sky Burner Pro Dancer Super Ultra Light.  After my mentor, RobB, told me about it & I watched his amazing videos, I had to have it.  It is an "old school kite".  This is still my go to kite for amazing flying in very light winds.  I prefer flying this full size kite on 90# x 100'.  When you are gliding out to regain ground you can run quickly, well quickly for me, and the kite will keep going effortlessly until you stop to turn & begin the next up flight.  I call this kite "My Beloved".  You know you're a kite nut when you begin naming some of them.  It remains my favorite for the type of flying I am able to achieve with it at my current level.

    gallery_7709_404_588046.jpg

    But then, in March of 2016, I finally reached Nirvana.  Another true SUL & this one is legendary.  Dang!  This one is stealing my heart.  It is helping me fly super light air & allowing me to learn some slack line tricks at the same time.  It will also handle a little higher wind as it has a deeper sail than the PD SUL.  It is a good example of a bit of mass making the kite have a bit of inertia that you need for getting completely through a maneuver.  Not everyone likes a "Frenchie".  It's working for me.  Now I find myself leaving the first two at home.

    large.R_Sky_Nirvana_SUL.jpg

    So that is my 3-2-1 list, SHBKF

    See ya in the sky....

    large.56f83b6f7b059_Intothesun(3400x2122).jpg

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  9. If your fifty pound lines begin to sing or some say whine, it is a sign.  Now personally I love to hear that magic sound.  But if you hear it while flying fifties you better fly to the side & land.  Time to switch set ups.  Heavier lines, which may still sing, or different kite/line set up may be in order.  Plan on breaking fifties, it will happen.  Then you just make shorter sets out of the broken lines.  Be careful not to get even a half knot accidentally somewhere in your lines.  It will be a weak point.  One good pop or gust will snap it if the pressure is on.  If you get your line snagged on a weed or even Velcro try to smooth it out if it is frayed at all.  Ninety pound lines are quite a bit more resistant to issues & I fly them much more often.  Some have given up on light lines in frustration.  Anyway, I have broken fifty pound lines with tiny kites like this one.

    large.598a317cc4e6a_PrismMicron1.jpg

    I actually am kind of proud of that.  Gives me braggin' rights.  SHBKF

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  10. Here is a picture showing vinyl end caps on some modified Rev handles, white on top black on bottom.  The inner diameter & perhaps length would be different for use with a dualie.  They cover the tips of the leading edges to protect them & hold the tensioning line more firmly.  They also help provide a more snagless tip.  They are available in many sizes.  I bought mine bulk from an industrial supply house.  I have probably a dozen different sizes for various applications.  They can come off during landings & tip stabs.  Many don't use them.gallery_7709_404_190526.jpg

    The Inferno Z is not for sale.  It was the first good dualie I bought when I had my kite reawakening five years ago.  First time I flew it I could not believe how good it felt.  I almost always carry this kite with me when I travel the country.  Wish I could spend a day flying with you & letting you try a bunch of my kites.    SHBKF

    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1
  11. The weight of two Zephyrs now in the Kite Dungeon

    Completely stock kite with Inferno color scheme

    Both kites have vinyl end caps on the leading edge tips, 2 1/2 grams for the pair of them

    Kite without tail weight 298 grams or 10 1/2 ounces

    large.56e4de4d1530f_1-23-13PrismZephyrInferno.JPG

    Second kite is also completely stock and in the Eggplant color scheme

    With stock Prism tail weight 315 grams, 11 1/8 ounces

    tail weight weighs 17 grams

    If you remove the upper spreader you save 12 grams

    Kite without upper spreader, end caps & tail weight would be about 284 grams or 10 ounces

    It amazed me that both kites weighed the same.  Something to be said for quality control.

    As is frequently noted, "your mileage may vary".

    SHBKF

    large.56e4dcad33c7c_2-4-13PrismZephyreggplant.JPG

     

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  12. You can also add weight to the kite to slow it down.  The Prism Quantum Pro has an optional weight set with one very heavy weight for that purpose.  Again, as mentioned, you still have to be concerned about frame strength.  Lighter kites like the Zephyr will snap a lower spreader.   (How would I know this?)  But with any dualie once you see the leading edge distorting or the kite shudders you are at the limit.  Some kites actually surge across the window in little squirts as they shudder.  What you really need is probably a smaller tough kite, a speed kite like the Whizz or ultimately a vented kite.  The vented kites are designed for higher winds & may be capable of handling 30+ mph winds.  Of course you are into more expensive kites with the extra labor & better materials needed.  Here is an image of my best vented kite.  It is a Tekken DOA extra vent custom by Sky Sport Design.  Lam Hoac currently offers a full vent custom built for you at $600.   Welcome to the world of exotic boutique kites.  SHBKF

     

    The vents may be hard to discern in this image.  Painful to acquire, lovely to own.

    large.gallery_7709_404_2754803.jpg

    • Like 1
  13. Ah, the never ending quest for the light wind kite.  Been down that path for some years now & have spent quite a bit on the journey.  I too was looking for an inexpensive one to start with & bought a new Prism 4D.  A short time after that I lucked into a well used HQ Shadow.  You got me to thinking about all the kites I acquired & where I am now.

    So here's the list of SUL kites

      Prism 4D blue

      Prism 4D Berkeley Edition

      Prism Quantum Pro SUL

      Prism Flashlight

      HQ Shadow

      Nebula SUL

      Sky Burner Pro Dancer SUL

      Aerostar Sano SSL

      Sky Sport Design Transformer II SUL

      Sky Sport Design Tekken SUL

      Rsky Nirvana WW

    Then there are the ultra lights or maybe just lights

      Prism Zephyr Inferno

      Prism Zephyr Eggplant

      Sky Burner Solus EC UL

      Sky Sport Design Sea Devil light

      Sky Sport Design Tekken light

    edit: add PBSK Bad Boy II ultra light (how did I miss this one?)

     So that is sixteen kites, (make that seventeen), in these two categories.  I am not a master flier but you might call me a collector.  Most (12) of these kites were bought on the secondary market.  The Nebula is likely the only SUL ever made of that model & the kite is no longer available.  The Sano is the first production one of that kite.  There may have been less than a hundred ever offered, no longer being made.  Prism Flashlight no longer in production.  All of the Sky Sport Design kites are still available as custom kites.  Rsky makes newer kites than the older one I have.  All others are likely still available as new.  I like buying on the secondary market as there is considerable cost savings plus I like having kites others have flown.  Most by much better fliers than I.  You can also find kites no longer available as new.  I have two 4D's & two Zephyrs, I like them.

    What do I fly SUL these days?  Still flying the little 4D.  Fly anywhere, anytime, but it is a 58" wing span.  The Pro Dancer SUL will make you look like a hero when no one else is flying.  Fly it on 90# x 100' lines.  It breaks 50# line sets in very light wind.  I have had to put it away when small children trying to fly their kites were reduced to tears by their efforts.

    Sky Burner Pro Dancer SUL 

    gallery_7709_404_588046.jpg

    But the Nirvana, sigh, it is something special, click.  It is teaching me slack line tricks in very light wind.  SUL kites have very little inertia which makes it more difficult to do tricks.  Some of the other kites are waiting for me to learn more.  I will revisit them from time to time.

    Rsky Nirvana WW

    large.R_Sky_Nirvana_SUL.jpg

    The UL & light kites are flown when there is 4 or more mph of wind available.  The Z is a good kite to always have in the vehicle with you "just in case" you find a spot to fly.  The Solus EC is a large beautiful kite that will glow like a opal in a sunny sky.  The Lam Hoac Sea Devil light is a confidence builder & has helped me learn to fade consistently.

    Sky Sport Design Sea Devil light

    large.DSC07811.JPG

    The conclusion of the matter. Certain kites "click" with different people.  You'll have to try them to find out what works for you as you go down the path of your KiteLife.  Your tastes & needs will change no doubt.  Take your time, save some money, get that kite you think is too expensive.  You will forget the expense once that special kite distracts you a bit.

    Lengthy post, too much information, Oh well, SHBKF

    • Like 6
    • Thanks 1
  14. Link? I actually just walk into the store as it is right next door to my in town garage.  Just saw them hanging on one of the displays near the counter.  I suspect they would be in the wiring area to bundle up rats nests of wire that are too long or hanging down under the dash.  I have been accused of being a Luddite, sorry, SHBKF   

    P.S. I have lots of straps, been collecting them for years.  Sewing notions are odds & ends used by seamstresses.  I know a few of those fine people.

    • Like 2
  15. Auto parts stores have really nice ones.  Also available in sewing notions at department big box stores.  I go back & forth from obsessive packing/wrapping/banding to just get it in the sleeve without any wraps at all sort of neatly.  There is a name for the first type of behavior - Obsessive Compulsive Kite Disorder or OCKD.  I like to shorten that to OKD.  Another similar thread is currently showing similar symptoms, the tail packing/wrapping/wrinkle worry one.  Quad fliers are routinely rewarded with heightened elation brought on by successful line management made possible by OKD.

    OKD behavior is it's own reward, SHBKF

    • Like 3
  16. I fly inland in variable conditions.  It is a rare day that the wind is consistent for an entire session.  I typically fly three hours or so.  I usually fly four or five different kites during that time span,  dualies, quads & maybe even put up a SLK if the wind is somewhat steady.  The wind that inspires me to go to the field is usually pretty good.  Many times I will begin with a standard sail, maybe even a Rev 1.  But if the wind picks up or is gusty I will switch to my favorite 1.5 Rev the mid-vent B.  I have noticed many times that I will end the session flying the mid-vent as the evening calm sets in.  As the wind slows I believe I may be flying down to as low as five mph.  But at ground level the wind is lower so I try to stay above ten feet where the wind is a little better.  So the wind may actually be higher than my perceived five mph.  I can see one flag nearby & it needs to be more than gently flapping.  When the mid won't fly any longer I am usually ready to pack up & head for home.

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  17. I got a Nexus early on.  Here's what I did when I found out Prism sold a stacked version of the kite.

    gallery_7709_404_2098440.jpg

     Of course I got a bit carried away with the idea.  I decided I needed all blue ones & stacked them myself. Making stack link lines was one of my first kite projects.  Spectators really love seeing stacks fly, especially with the tails attached.  Five of these kind of turns them into a power kite if you don't mind a little work out.  So, what color is your Nexus?  I know somebody that might need a blue one.

    SHBKF

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  18. The controversial springs.  A little bitty wire, a sleeve on the tube & some Velcro.  This one has a vinyl protector added to the vertical.

    large.57d888861ba06_Riffsvertmodkiteassembled.jpg

    Good lookin' kite.  Hard to go wrong with red, white, blue & black.  And look at that curved leading edge, nice.

    large.57aca50cddd0e_RevolutionReflex.jpg

    And it fits inside the pick up fully assembled.  Who needs others riding along?

    large.57acea3fcb909_ReflexinSierra.jpg

    This one is staying with me.  It's a keeper.   SHBKF

    • Like 2
  19. I have #3 of 14 of the same batch of kites.  I received it in a trade a little while back.  It is a beauty.  My intention was to get it as a back up to my heavily flown standard 4D.  The 4D is a wonderful kite that will allow you to fly most anytime & anyplace.  Some say it is a bit twitchy & not for them.  But if you put in some time with this kite it will improve your flying of most any other dualie.  But that's just my thoughts from out here in the sticks.  SHBKF

    climbing high on short lines & no wind

    gallery_7709_404_95315.jpg

    gliding out to gain ground

    gallery_7709_404_105612.jpg

    .

  20. My earliest dive stops were done with a standard sail SLE Rev with the infamous Super Leading Edge in the sleeve.  I will say that the SLE is one tough kite because the first few were done without any brakes applied.  Fly em till they're rags I say!

    Here I am about to perform a "dive stop" off to the right.  Notice my great "archer stance" technique.  Still confused by dualie flying at this point in my second Rev session.  But I did have modded leaders with lots of knots anticipating that some day I would understand & need extra braking.  Loved those days, SHBKF

    1-04-13 Haystack Hill Rev 1.5 about to crash.JPG

    • Like 2
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