tkrinor Posted February 21, 2014 Report Posted February 21, 2014 So…take out the variables of wear, proper set up etc….what fails first? Per NOAA, I had around 35-40 gusts all afternoon the other day. On a Xtra with 90 lb (doubled up) leaders, 150 lb line and 4 wraps. I hung out on top and the edges at times, but not sure I needed to. It didn't feel like there was a lot left to go higher….but I’m wrong a lot. What would likely let go first and at what point do you think? 1 Quote
Paul LaMasters Posted February 21, 2014 Report Posted February 21, 2014 safe unless you are practicing the lawn dart trick, you had a well vented kite, stiff frame and thick lines, PERFECT What fails for me is the trailing edge, but by then the kite is barely translucent to the wind, as opposed to opaque, depending on frequency of use this takes 2-6 years, or a couple of thousand hours of continuous abuse. I don't owe much high wind stuff because it wouldn't be used enough to justify the expenditure. I have lots of crap for calm or low winds, those are our local conditions almost always. 1 Quote
Wayne Dowler Posted February 21, 2014 Report Posted February 21, 2014 What fails first??? Most likely - YOU!! Sounds like you had the correct setup for those conditions!! Of course catching a wingtip or something, increases the chance that something snaps, (you make the wrong move in that much wind, you'll pay for it)! It is amazing that the equipment is capable of handling much more than we expect! But in conditions like those, it's us who get worn out first! How long did you fly for?? 1 Quote
SkyPuppets LimitVoodoo Posted February 21, 2014 Report Posted February 21, 2014 Brutal wind there! What's scary is how much more you really did have left to go BEFORE your Xtra had problems, and even scarier is really what conditions you would have to be in to see damage occur... I flew in 25 mph sustained (40 mph gust) on my Xtra a couple days ago, 4 wrap frame, 90# line. The sail was definitely over-loaded, lines were singing off and on, and the LE had a frightful curve to it, but I felt it could go another 10 mph sustained with 150# line. While the kite can take those conditions, I'm physically uncomfortable with flying above 20 mph, for very extended periods of time anyways. Things blowing in my face and ears, the loud wind noise, and the Xtra, even with all its venting, still pulls like a truck above 20 mph.. It's the most controllable truck on the planet though 2 Quote
tkrinor Posted February 22, 2014 Author Report Posted February 22, 2014 What fails first??? Most likely - YOU!! Sounds like you had the correct setup for those conditions!! Of course catching a wingtip or something, increases the chance that something snaps, (you make the wrong move in that much wind, you'll pay for it)! It is amazing that the equipment is capable of handling much more than we expect! But in conditions like those, it's us who get worn out first! How long did you fly for?? I was able to get 2 hours in the morning at Salishan beach with wind gusting probably about 10-15 less with 90s. I felt it was a about time to pull out the 150s when I was leaving. Back in the afternoon to D beach for around 2 hours. I was shocked how much the 150s slowed the kite down. I did pretty good job not slammin sand. I did wrap it up a few minutes early though because I caught a tip …was not looking good..so I took off running, dropped one handle and got it down without damage. It was so good to get some wind…it had been dance with futility for about a month of Sundays. 1 Quote
Tmadz Posted February 24, 2014 Report Posted February 24, 2014 So…take out the variables of wear, proper set up etc….what fails first? Per NOAA, I had around 35-40 gusts all afternoon the other day. On a Xtra with 90 lb (doubled up) leaders, 150 lb line and 4 wraps. I hung out on top and the edges at times, but not sure I needed to. It didn't feel like there was a lot left to go higher….but I’m wrong a lot. What would likely let go first and at what point do you think? Hard to say. I would guess the LE would collapse as the cow flew into it! Quote
Paul LaMasters Posted February 24, 2014 Report Posted February 24, 2014 i've never broken a four wrap tube, you'd have to smack one diagonally into a seawall in flight or step on it hard (walking backwards?) the venting tears loose eventually, if you frequently/substantially hit the ground leading down (that is a crash my friend!) or you can witness it for yourself by giving lessons in big wind (LOL!) I still use the SLE leading edge when the conditions warrant such a broom stick You can weave/wrap some stuff thru the bridle legs too (nylon kite tail, mylar ribbon) to disrupt the airflow Thicker lines are like swimming in mud, 150# or 200#'ers but they will really slow things down After a long weekend of big wind flying your bungies may need attention, don't just tighten the bottoms either. You are simply pushing the down spar out of position, up above the leading edge! 2 Quote
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