benjychan Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 Hi there, I'm new to flying quads and was out the other day for my second round of flying with a Rev. Wind was pretty good but fluctuating at times. What a fiasco it was. My main issue involved the kite flopping back when I tried to slow/control it's descent by pushing on the brake lines (top of handles). The kite kept flopping back such that the leading edge was facing me, then the madness began - because of this flopping, the kite tended to wrap itself around the lines or cause massive tangles. This line chaos meant about 15 min of tracing the knots and dealing with them. Also, the kite tends to turn to either side after I get it upwards - the lift is fine, but a while after it reaches the 'apex' or a comfortable height, the kite just turns suddenly to one side; or loses power. I understand the bit about being outside of the wind window and I've tried hard to keep my hands close together. Could it be that I'm subconsciously holding the handles in such a way that they're unbalanced? I can easily get the kite to turn around to undo this unwanted turn but as soon as I do that, the kite just rolls into a loop towards the other side. Applying too much correction? There's a definite lag in terms of my line input and the action motion of the kite - is that normal? Lots of questions I know, but I'd be awfully appreciative of any help! Not giving up on this! Thanks! Ben. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Dowler Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 First thing - check that your lines are equal!! Put all 4 loops on 1 end on a stake or other fixed object, then go back to the handle end. Attach them and see if they are exactly matched up! If not, adjust offending lines till all 4 are equal!! Uneven lines put unwanted signals into the kite!! You want to direct the kite, not have it fly itself!! Two - Overcontrol! It's easy to use too much movement to try and control the kite!! Small movements!! Along with that - grip pressure! Hold your handles gently, don't try to squeeze the life outta them!! Relax!!! Yes, you're learning something new, but it is supposed to be FUN!! Breathe!!! Sounds like the tips are moving too much, catching a line on the wingtip, then spiraling down!! Smaller movements!!! Three - You're on the right track worrying if you're not holding both handles even!! Remember to keep those thumbs back!!! If you get a little lax on that, the kite gets the signal it's time to fall or reverse!! Move those thumbs gently forward to back up!! Small, even, measured movements of control let you learn how your movements affect the kite!! Four - If the kite is gonna crash, despite everything - GIVE TO THE KITE!!! Let it, don't pull! Pulling just drives the kite harder into the ground!!! Snap, crackle, pop, and something will break!! I encourage you to keep at it, we all started not knowing anything at all about how these things work!! But we kept on, inspired by those that did have control!! You'll get it, and wonder if you looked like that when you were learning!!! Then you can help the next person learn!!! Have fun and......BREATHE! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Barresi Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 Benjy, it should also be asked... What model of Rev are you flying? And, are you using the adjustable leaders on the top of your handle? These two details will help us diagnose a little more accurately. == By the way, I just noticed I hadn't validated your subscription payment... It's done now. You're on our master list so you were included in the prize drawings, you just couldn't access the downloads. Sorry about that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Barresi Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 First thing - check that your lines are equal!! Put all 4 loops on 1 end on a stake or other fixed object, then go back to the handle end. Attach them and see if they are exactly matched up! If not, adjust offending lines till all 4 are equal!! Uneven lines put unwanted signals into the kite!! You want to direct the kite, not have it fly itself!! http://kitelife.com/forum/files/file/685-rev-tutorial-line-equalizing/ Two - Overcontrol! It's easy to use too much movement to try and control the kite!! Small movements!! Along with that - grip pressure! Hold your handles gently, don't try to squeeze the life outta them!! Relax!!! Yes, you're learning something new, but it is supposed to be FUN!! Breathe!!! Sounds like the tips are moving too much, catching a line on the wingtip, then spiraling down!! Smaller movements!!! http://kitelife.com/forum/files/file/700-rev-tutorial-body-posture-and-grip/ Three - You're on the right track worrying if you're not holding both handles even!! Remember to keep those thumbs back!!! If you get a little lax on that, the kite gets the signal it's time to fall or reverse!! Move those thumbs gently forward to back up!! Small, even, measured movements of control let you learn how your movements affect the kite!! Part of this too, is perspective... When you launch, it's kind of like riding a bike... 1. SEE where you want to go, imagine the kite going there. 2. If it starts to go the wrong way, apply a *little* input to go the other way, better too little than too much when learning. I encourage you to keep at it, we all started not knowing anything at all about how these things work!! But we kept on, inspired by those that did have control!! You'll get it, and wonder if you looked like that when you were learning!!! Then you can help the next person learn!!! Have fun and......BREATHE! Agreed, always ENJOY it... It's a learning process, but don't stress too much - it is supposed to be fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Barresi Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 Also Ben, I need ask - have you connected with other Rev fliers in your area? I was there twice this year, and there are TONS of Rev fliers, some of them are quite good. Especially, I'd suggest the D1 field at East Coast Park... The De'One family is very friendly and helpful, good friends of mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjychan Posted November 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2011 Thanks for the tips stroke and John. Really helpful, I've linked up with some guys but unfortunately, differing schedules have made it very tough to meet up regularly, so I've basically been going at it solo since the first meetup. I've checked the line equalizations and stuff and upon further examination, I've found that my handles do tend to sag - I move them or position them like that without thinking. I haven't tried the De'one guys, will try to look them up. Also, no worries about the subscription John, thanks for your help! Also, stroke, you mentioned that when the kite is going into a fall, I'm supposed to 'give', that is, I should be moving towards the kite and tyring to keep the lines slack right? But the kite would still land somewhat 'hard' right? But I guess, not as badly as when it's being pulled out the sky in panic. Nearly forgot, I bought the JB series so it's got the handles with the adjustable knots. I've been flying using the outermost knots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Barresi Posted November 1, 2011 Report Share Posted November 1, 2011 Right on the money about "sagging" handles Ben, it's a typical reflex for newbies after launching... Thumbs back (evenly) to go forward, as Wayne said. Also, I'd suggest you watch as many "pro" videos as possible, the ones showing hand movement and body stance in particular. There is no one "right" way to fly, but you'll see consistent tendencies among the best pilots. FYI, De'One's page on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/DeOneSg/123892997697367 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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