bookboy

For those who are curious, I bought a 1050mm X 90mm Florence plan tube before my trip (https://www.eckersleys.com.au/products/florence-plan-tube). It started with 2 Revs plus an extra frame as well as a Prism Zero G then had a 13ft Skeleton SLK added which all squeezes in OK. I've now also acquired a 40" Premier box kite in my travels that will need to be packed. If that doesn't fit, I can always fold sails into my suitcase and use the tube for rods only. I've boarded 8 separate flights with it between Australia, US, and Canada on United, Air Canada, Delta, and Porter. It's never been a problem when boarding but the US immigration guy asked me to pull the kites out, as did a security guy when I was randomly chosen to be tested for bomb making residue. On one flight, the attendant told me to put it in the coat closet up the front. Every other flight it's just gone in the overhead bins. Jonathan Sent from my iPad using KiteLife mobile app

I had a conversation with Jayne Poulter and she said they supply Skyshark. Or you can go sail only. Jonathan

That's extremely helpful, thanks. Makes me feel if I was going that direction I may as well just grab diamonds for my existing standard B series.

Do the french bridle and magic sticks aid the low wind ability, or some other benefit? They're both things I've seen mentioned plenty of times but have never got around to figuring out exactly how they help.

Thanks for the feedback. I can't believe that after more than a year on these forums I failed to realise diamond frames were a low wind option. So a third element to the choice. I'll possibly be visiting The Kite Connection in my travels (after visiting Ocean Shores - not that I've planned my trip around kite stores!) and maybe a TKC white SUL with diamond rods makes another light wind option. I do recognise the need for movement and low wind skill too, but wouldn't mind a kite that helps too. Jonathan

I was considering a Zen (currently have full and vented B series) for the low wind days and possibly for flying close to home where low and variable inland breezes are common, Is a reflex likely to be a better option? Or are they much the same in this regard? Jonathan

I'm in a similar situation with 12 weeks in US & Canada coming up. I will be checking a case, but full Rev frames won't fit. I thought about getting a travel frame but am considering using a poster tube as carry on. There are plenty of reports on the forums of people doing that and I've yet to hear of someone getting turned away. I'll only be carrying the tube and a small backpack as carry on, so won't be lugging heaps on there. That also means I'm covered if I accidentally buy a Zen or Reflex while over there ;-)

I must admit to being a bit confused by this. I understand the logic of what you said, but in my time browsing kite related things online I've seen plenty of sleds being used as lifters and they are generally marketed as lifters. Or are you referring more to the really big stuff?

Thanks for the response Mitch :-)

Hi folks, Can someone (or several people) tell me the relative merits of sleds vs foils (flowform, ultrafoil etc)? As far as I can tell, you can get a considerably larger sled for the same cost as a smaller foil. Does one lift more than the other? Do they suit different wind conditions? I'd like something manageable by one person, that looks good on its own and can handle a bit of laundry (I know that's vague). Preferable under $150 or so. I fly in a range of winds - sometimes at the beach and sometimes I try to fly closer to home where things can be far less consistent. Any thoughts, feedback, or vague preferences would be appreciated :-) Thanks

A vented Rev and 9 foot ITW Levitation arrived in the post yesterday. So now I need a new "next" kite. I suspect it may be one of the ITW ultrafoils, not sure what size yet.

My Wala XL arrived, so now my next kite is either a 7ft Ghost, or a vented Rev B series.

Thanks for the tips. My flying will be purely outside but some of it in zero wind, so I'll take note of your suggestions. It was the dual nature of the Wala (glider plus regular SLK) that sold me on it. It's going to be the perfect kite to take down the road to the local football ground where the wind often varies between nothing and very little. Jonathan Now packing up to head to the beach with my Rev :-)

A Wala XL is now on its way to me (along with a pirate themed diamond for my son). Yippee :-)

Thanks for the responses. Guess I'll have to add one of them to my wish list :-) Jonathan