ID my Rev & Questions

[kites147]

Just acquired some kites from my Dad's vast collection. He was a Rev flyer and very good at it. Watching him launch and fly a stack of 6 was impressive, very graceful movements. So now I have a "JB Series" Rev and I'm going to attempt to learn it.

I have the complete kite, 13" handles with 12" knotless leaders, a variety of used line sets in various lengths, a ground stake and loads of helpful info on this site. I'll be making a set of knotted leaders and have a new 90x80 LGP lineset which I'll be starting with. I also have a full Revolution Black Race frameset.

So here come my question, and thank you in advance to all who respond.

1. What exact Rev model do I have and what are its characteristics? See image below. LE spar is 93.25", vert spars are 31", all labeled "4 strong". I assume with the four vents and heavy spars it's meant for higher than average wind conditions.

2. Is this an appropriate Rev for one who's never flown one before?

3. As I mentioned, I'm going to make new handle leaders. Will this kite respond well to the "long top, short bottom" knotted leader setup and adjust top in as I learn method?

4. When would it be appropriate to use the lighter Black Race frame in this sail? (I know, after I stop crashing with the heavy frame)

I believe that's it, thanks again for any info on my Q's.

GT

[windwarrior]

That is a Rev. B series full vent. Made for higher winds. It goes....

Standard, Mid-vent then full vent.

[windwarrior]

As far as new flyer goes.....

Typically the 1.5 sle was the "go to" for beginners due to the SLE rods being relentlessly durable. At least that's what I learned on and still have a couple for loaning to beginners.

That kite you have(B-Series) was considered the best of the best for flying. I have a full set and love them. Don't sell it!!

[DonFibonacci]

1 hour ago, kites147 said:

3. As I mentioned, I'm going to make new handle leaders. Will this kite respond well to the "long top, short bottom" knotted leader setup and adjust top in as I learn method?

Absolutely.

1 hour ago, kites147 said:

4. When would it be appropriate to use the lighter Black Race frame in this sail? (I know, after I stop crashing with the heavy frame)

I've used a lighter frame (2-wrap in my case) in a full vent B on days when I know the wind's not so crazy it might break it. But I'd also wait until you're pretty sure you can avoid hard crashes.

1 hour ago, kites147 said:

2. Is this an appropriate Rev for one who's never flown one before?

Personally I think so, although as a beginner, you may need a lot of wind to fly a vented kite (as you get better, you'll need less).  Vented kites, for me, smooth things out, which I think is good for a beginner.  

[kites147]

Thanks Gents, this just reaffirms what I thought I knew. I believe I have two more sets of 3 or 4 wrap spars sets (have to measure and weigh them and compare to the "4 Strong" set) in case I need them. Hope I don't. Before the summer ends my main goal will be simple -  a low launch and back down, up, down, up and down. I was just concerned I'd need more wind then I'd be ready for at this stage, but as stated, the vents should mellow things out a little.

Interestingly, I tried flying the Rev and a Synergy Great Deca yesterday. Winds were low and variable in the (poor) location I was testing at. I was mainly there equaling the new lines and getting oriented to two handles and four lines. Couldn't get the Rev off the ground. The Synergy at least was able to launch, maintain a somewhat horizontal state and bring it down gently a few times. This will be a fun learning experience for sure.

[Edmond Dragut]

on Ohio you have inland winds which are twitchy irregulars and shifting. For learning you need the right sail for right wind and from your description you will not launch a full vent in low wind. Deca is another animal and is build for low and no wind. So…try a full sail in brise and low wind if the winds are a bit stronger mid vent and on stronger winds pull out the full vent.

Leaders setup may be another reason, start from 1st knot on bottom and 4th from top and work your way down on top till the kite is not launching any more, move back 1 knot and you are good to go

No matter what frame you have on to a full vent if the wind is not strong enough you will not launch, yes when you have experience you will fly in lower winds, but you will need a minimum  

[kites147]

I lucky in that I'm just 30 minutes from the Cleveland lakeshore where there is a park that is THE place to fly in this area. In fact it's the site of the Cleveland Kite Festival which just happened two weeks ago. With a northerly wind it's generally "smooth sailing". I may look for a used full sail but still try the full vent in select wind conditions. A kite for every wind, isn't that the moto?

I just now made up a set of bottom leaders with 4 knots at .75" spacing, came out perfect. I put a small nail in a 1x2 wood strip to hold the loop and then put tick marks on the wood at the knot points carefully placing each knot and then tightening them up good. Hopefully I can try out the suggested leader settings this weekend.

[Edmond Dragut]

bottom is at around 0.25 top at 0.5 

 

[makatakam]

You only need one or two knots on the bottom leaders. Having two about 1/4" or 3/8" apart will allow adjustment for flying lines that have become unequal in length. You should have seven or eight knots on the top leaders spaced 1/2", 5/8", or 3/4" apart based on personal preference, which you probably haven't developed yet, so I would recommend 5/8". Search "leaders" on the main page and look at the varieties that are posted, or just spend a couple of bucks and buy a set from John Barresi on this forum. They're very affordable and well-made and worth the savings in time. You will develop your own preferences with time, and they'll be very close to the ones made by the "pro".