rev exp or sle for a first timmer.?

[fearme]

Hey everyone im new to the hobby and never flown a 2 or 4 string kite before but i wana start, and i was wondering which kite i should get either the exp or sle i want a kite which is very easy to learn on and i won't have to buy another kite later on, i just want a kite to fly around for fun no competition stuff. I would love to master it those and become an expert flyer. And what does it mean when ppl say 2 wrap or 3 wrap.?Also i hear ppl say if u get the sle tell the to give the 1/4 inch, shoot i for forgot whats the word lol. And should i buy extra parts.?

[windofchange]

Lots of questions - all good ones so no problem.

I would highly recommend the 1.5 over the EXP. The reasons is that the 1.5 comes with two leading edges, one is the SLE rod which is very robust and nearly indestructible. The SLE rod is also very fun to fly solo as it makes the kite faster and much more responsive. I enjoy flying with the SLE rod when flying solo because the kite is much more lively. For precision and control, the standard leading edge rod (1/4" rod) can be installed instead of the larger SLE rod (7/16" rod). The standard Leading Edge makes the kite more flexible, allowing the sail to billow more and absorb gusts. It also makes the kite less responsive as the frame will flex more to dampen inputs and slow the kite down. This is great for working on precision maneuvers such as hovers, inverted hovers, clock turns, etc... It also helps when flying team with other pilots as the kite will stay put in the air much easier with less "Twitchy" control. The standard rod can be flown pretty aggressively and can be exciting and fairly quick, but it will not be as fast and twitchy as the SLE rod.

Another advantage with having the two different leading edges is weight. The standard rod weighs much less than the SLE rod. For light wind flying, install the standard rod to lighten the kite up a lot and make light wind flying much more doable. For heavy winds, put the SLE rod in and have a blast! With the two leading edge frames, your usable wind range will be from 3-4 mph on the light side up to 18 mph on the strong side. This gives you a wide wind range to fly in. With skill and practice, you can expand your wind range to fly in even less wind or even higher winds.

With the 1.5, you get the best of both worlds and can grow with the kite for a long time. The 1.5 can do pretty much everything the Rev is designed to do, so your skills will not suffer at all by purchasing the 1.5 as a first kite or growing with it to competition levels. If you do get to comp level on your skills, you will probably want to move up to the B Series (John Barresi Signature Series). Even though this kite is basically the same size as the 1.5, the way the sails are cut and sewn makes a huge difference on how the kite flies. Also, the B-Series is made from an Icarex / Polyester sail which is lighter than the normal Nylon sail that the EXP and 1.5 are made from. The B-Series does fly much nicer than the 1.5 or EXP.

As for 2 wrap, 3 wrap etc... What this is is a number system that identifies the many different frames that are available for your kite. The number represents the number of wraps of carbon fiber used to build the rods. 2-wrap rods have two wraps of carbon fiber, 3 wrap rods = 3 wraps of carbon etc... Strength and weight are in direct proportion to the amount of wraps of carbon so a 2 wrap rod weighs less than a 3 wrap rod, the 3 wrap rod is stronger than the 2 wrap rod etc...

One of the most awesome features of the EXP, 1.5 and B-Series kites is that they are designed so that all the different frame sets are completely interchangeable. You can take an EXP and put in a 3 or 4 wrap frame, you can take the 1.5 and install a 2 wrap frame and so on. This allows you to customize your kite for the wind conditions you are flying in. For light winds you will want to put in a 2 or 3 wrap frame. For strong winds you will want to put in a 3 or even the 4 wrap frame. You can also mix-n-match frames to suit your personal flying style.

One thing to remember is that the wraps just designate the amount of layers of carbon used in the rod. Therefore you can have a 3 wrap standard rod as well as a 3 wrap SLE rod. Even though they both have 3 wraps of carbon, the SLE rod will weight much more because the diameter of the rod is larger. The SLE rods come in 3 and 4 wraps, the standard rods come in 2, 3 and 4 wraps. And to make things even more hard to decide, the standard rods are also available in the Race Rods as well as the Zen rods.

Here are the rods listed in weight from lightest to heaviest.

2-wrap (also labeled "Professional Use Only" or 2 feathers - the lightest and most delicate rod available)

Zen (special Zen rod made from the same carbon material as the Zen model. Ever so slightly heavier than the 2 wrap but still very lightweight, slightly stronger than the normal 2 wraps. The Zen rod looks way cool and has a special carbon fiber texture to it and has Zen stickers)

Race Rod (Special Carbon Fiber, laid up in a special way to give this rod very fast reflex, super light but stronger than the other two rods listed above. Labeled as "Race" with flames - colored black)

Green Race Rod (same carbon as the race rod but layered up through a special process and mixed with Rev magic for the ultimate strength - very strong rod. Labeled as "Race" with flames - colored green)

3 Wrap (Labeled as "Ultra Light" or 3 feathers)

4 Wrap (Labeled as "Revolution Equipped" or "Strong" or 4 feathers)

3 wrap SLE (Same carbon as 1/4" 3 wrap but 7/16" diameter Ultra stiff, very strong. Labeled as "Ultra Light" or 3 feathers)

4 wrap SLE (Same carbon as 1/4" 4 wrap but 7/16" diameter Mega stiff, mega strong, nearly indestructible. Labeled as "Revolution Equipped", "Strong" or 4 feathers)

Hope that helps.....

[Reef Runner]

Hey Kent,

That's a really, super-informative post, there.............clears up a lot of questions. Only thing I'm not quite sure on, is the real difference in the two race rods (black vs. green). Could you detail those, just a bit more ?

thanks, if you could..........

[Guru4tru]

Hey everyone im new to the hobby and never flown a 2 or 4 string kite before but i wana start, and i was wondering which kite i should get either the exp or sle i want a kite which is very easy to learn on and i won't have to buy another kite later on, i just want a kite to fly around for fun no competition stuff. I would love to master it those and become an expert flyer. And what does it mean when ppl say 2 wrap or 3 wrap.?Also i hear ppl say if u get the sle tell the to give the 1/4 inch, shoot i for forgot whats the word lol. And should i buy extra parts.?

Hi "fearme",

Welcome to the sport that has changed my life!! I Love Revs.!!

You mentioned, "...and i won't have to buy another kite later on..."

Your "best" chance at that is to go with the B-Series...as "windofchange " mentioned..."The B-Series does fly much nicer than the 1.5 or EXP." It might take a little time for the Rev. to teach you how to fly it, but then you would want to move up to a B-Series anyway for sure.

I started with a B-Series and I think that is the best way to go. I've been flying for about a year and a half now and even with some really hard, and frequent, crashes in the beginning I haven't broke a rod yet. The "standard" B-Series with the 2 and 3 wrap rods (which can be combined in higher winds) would be the best suited for what you are looking for.

I'm so sure of this that...if you break a rod...I'll replace it!...OR...If you truly believe, after you have flown for awhile, that you "should have started" with an EXP or 1.5 (non B-Series) then I'll buy it from you at cost, no matter what condition it is in!

You can contact me at: dbeitmen@aol.com ...for replacement rods or a buy back! heehee!

Keep It Up!

Duane

[fearme]

Wow super good info on these kites thanks alot, thanks for the offer for the rods n kite but i need something for the moment to fit my buget so i think i might go for the sle. and just buy extra 1/4 rods for lite wind conditions.

[Guru4tru]

Wow super good info on these kites thanks alot, thanks for the offer for the rods n kite but i need something for the moment to fit my buget so i think i might go for the sle. and just buy extra 1/4 rods for lite wind conditions.

That sound like a "good choice" if the funds are lacking...that's unless Reef Runner wants to chip in!! heehee!!

Get back with us on how things go or with any problems you might have!

Keep It Up!

Duane

[Wayne Dowler]

You won't be unhappy if you get that SLE!! There is a lot to learn, give it a fair chance, it won't disappoint you!!

[fearme]

Hey guys im up here in canada any body know any site where i can get the kite for a cheap price so far i found is fun with wind they sell the kite for 301.75 plus 11.35 shipping to canada.. anybody know anywhere i can beat this price i would prefer buying from the US since the CAN dollar is strong right now... Just found a guy on graigslist selling a brand new sle rtf for $200 wow going to try to give him a call trm.

[Guru4tru]

Hey guys im up here in canada any body know any site where i can get the kite for a cheap price so far i found is fun with wind they sell the kite for 301.75 plus 11.35 shipping to canada.. anybody know anywhere i can beat this price i would prefer buying from the US since the CAN dollar is strong right now... Just found a guy on graigslist selling a brand new sle rtf for $200 wow going to try to give him a call trm.

You might check out EBAY...(search "quad kites")...I saw they had a new 1998 SLE for $120, but I don't know how that kite differs from todays models. :confused!:

EDIT: I just checked again and the $120 was the "starting bid"...sorry 'bout that!, but you might get in on the bidding!

Keep It Up!

Duane

[Reef Runner]

Hey guys im up here in canada any body know any site where i can get the kite for a cheap price so far i found is fun with wind they sell the kite for 301.75 plus 11.35 shipping to canada.. anybody know anywhere i can beat this price i would prefer buying from the US since the CAN dollar is strong right now... Just found a guy on graigslist selling a brand new sle rtf for $200 wow going to try to give him a call trm.

Hi fearme, If I were you, I would go back to the second post under this topic, and take a closer look. The member (windofchange), that answered your original questions, in such detail, was Kent Kingston, from "A Wind of Change" http://www.awindofchange.com/ . Check out his website (he's a real kite store) and/or give Kent a call at (800) 559-2962 . Kent is very knowledgeable about Revs, and he won't steer you wrong. I have dealt with that other place that you are talking about, whom I won't mention, and believe me, they are not a "kite shop", and should you need any, after-the-sale help, or expertise, forget it, they won't help you, nor will they even answer you emails. My advice - CALL Kent...............800-559-2962 You won't be sorry!..............

[windofchange]

Hey Kent,

That's a really, super-informative post, there.............clears up a lot of questions. Only thing I'm not quite sure on, is the real difference in the two race rods (black vs. green). Could you detail those, just a bit more ?

thanks, if you could..........

Thanks, I am glad the post helped. Sorry for the length, I do get rambling on sometimes.

The Green Race rods were developed by Revolution just recently, and are the latest in carbon technology. The design and construction came because of a need in some military applications that Rev was working on. It turned out so well that when they heard of a couple people constantly breaking the Race Rods they were using they decided to do something special for them (seems underwater flying was putting some serious stress...who'dathunk?). I am not really sure on what the actual material is that is used in the Green Race Rods (company secret), but was told that the carbon is the same type and layup as the normal Race Rods - but what is mixed in with it during the wrapping process is what gives the rods their special "Olive Green" look while also giving them superior strength.

The Greenies are not 100% shatter proof and if you put them under enough stress, they will explode - but chances are that under that much force the kite or sail would be destroyed before the rod would actually blow out.

There is a picture of me flexing the green race rods in my gallery folder. My fingers were starting to hurt during the flexing process while waiting for the picture to be snapped.

Hmmm, I guess my gallery got deleted, I can no longer find it. I will have to see if I can find a copy of the pictures somewhere..... If you want to see the pic, let me know and I will try to find it.

[Reef Runner]

Hey Kent,

That's a really, super-informative post, there.............clears up a lot of questions. Only thing I'm not quite sure on, is the real difference in the two race rods (black vs. green). Could you detail those, just a bit more ?

thanks, if you could..........

Thanks, I am glad the post helped. Sorry for the length, I do get rambling on sometimes.

The Green Race rods were developed by Revolution just recently, and are the latest in carbon technology. The design and construction came because of a need in some military applications that Rev was working on. It turned out so well that when they heard of a couple people constantly breaking the Race Rods they were using they decided to do something special for them (seems underwater flying was putting some serious stress...who'dathunk?). I am not really sure on what the actual material is that is used in the Green Race Rods (company secret), but was told that the carbon is the same type and layup as the normal Race Rods - but what is mixed in with it during the wrapping process is what gives the rods their special "Olive Green" look while also giving them superior strength.

The Greenies are not 100% shatter proof and if you put them under enough stress, they will explode - but chances are that under that much force the kite or sail would be destroyed before the rod would actually blow out.

There is a picture of me flexing the green race rods in my gallery folder. My fingers were starting to hurt during the flexing process while waiting for the picture to be snapped.

Hmmm, I guess my gallery got deleted, I can no longer find it. I will have to see if I can find a copy of the pictures somewhere..... If you want to see the pic, let me know and I will try to find it.

Hey Kent, Thanks for the information on the greenies, and I do remember seeing that "white knuckled" picture, you are referring to.............

[Wayne Dowler]

fearme: I too have dealt with Kent and have absolutely nothing bad to say about his business!! He's listened to me and explained stuff, the quality of his service is GREAT! I've also dealt with Theresa @ The Kite Shoppe and have always been very satisfied with her service!! If you're looking for stores, you'd be hard pressed to find any better!!!

[Guru4tru]

Hey Kent,

That's a really, super-informative post, there.............clears up a lot of questions. Only thing I'm not quite sure on, is the real difference in the two race rods (black vs. green). Could you detail those, just a bit more ?

thanks, if you could..........

Thanks, I am glad the post helped. Sorry for the length, I do get rambling on sometimes.

The Green Race rods were developed by Revolution just recently, and are the latest in carbon technology. The design and construction came because of a need in some military applications that Rev was working on. It turned out so well that when they heard of a couple people constantly breaking the Race Rods they were using they decided to do something special for them (seems underwater flying was putting some serious stress...who'dathunk?). I am not really sure on what the actual material is that is used in the Green Race Rods (company secret), but was told that the carbon is the same type and layup as the normal Race Rods - but what is mixed in with it during the wrapping process is what gives the rods their special "Olive Green" look while also giving them superior strength.

The Greenies are not 100% shatter proof and if you put them under enough stress, they will explode - but chances are that under that much force the kite or sail would be destroyed before the rod would actually blow out.

There is a picture of me flexing the green race rods in my gallery folder. My fingers were starting to hurt during the flexing process while waiting for the picture to be snapped.

Hmmm, I guess my gallery got deleted, I can no longer find it. I will have to see if I can find a copy of the pictures somewhere..... If you want to see the pic, let me know and I will try to find it.

I'll have to get a set of those "Green Rods" and try them out. I usually only fly with racing rods and just change by kite (STD to MID to FULL vent) instead of changing the rods when the wind picks up. Except when I'm teaching someone to fly...then I pull the Racing Rods and, if I can wind wise, go with a 3 wrap to be somewhat safe! heehee! But, the Greenies sound like the best thing for letting newbies, and myself, fly with...without changing anything!

Keep It Up!

Duane

[Reef Runner]

i think i might go for the sle. and just buy extra 1/4 rods for lite wind conditions.

Hey fearme, Good choice for a first Rev..............I bet most of us started out with an SLE. Anyway, it's a great kite, and tough as nails.........it will definitely take a licking, and keep on ticking, and seeing as you are just learning, that 7/16" Leading Edge (SLE), will be just the ticket. Keep the 1/4" frame in the bag, until you learn the mechanics of the Rev. Once you are up and flying, and the "unintentional landings", are at a minimum, then switch frames..............good luck