Waiting for my first rev!

[Gu1234]

Hi everybody,

I have been flying 2 line kites on and off for the past 5 years and always been eyeing 4 line kits.

Since I ordered my kite I have been reading and watching everything I could find online, probably watched every video by JB at least once while constantly refreshing the USPS package tracking website.

Some questions:

1. I ordered a Revolution B series std, I'm still not sure this was wise as the mid vent might have been a better choice? The wind conditions here keep changing so I was hoping the std will allow me to fly better on those days with nearly no wind.
2. I upgraded to Race frame, I understand its lighter and more flexible but is it as strong as 3 wrap frame that originally comes with the kite?
3. And one last question: I noticed that the posting to the forums has been on decline for the past 2 years, I really hope I'm missing something and that kite flying interest around the world isn't in decline...

Thanks in advance for the help

[Reef Runner]

Some questions:

1. I ordered a Revolution B series std, I'm still not sure this was wise as the mid vent might have been a better choice? The wind conditions here keep changing so I was hoping the std will allow me to fly better on those days with nearly no wind.
2. I upgraded to Race frame, I understand its lighter and more flexible but is it as strong as 3 wrap frame that originally comes with the kite?
3. And one last question: I noticed that the posting to the forums has been on decline for the past 2 years, I really hope I'm missing something and that kite flying interest around the world isn't in decline...

First of all, welcome to Kitelife, and welcome over to the "Dark Side"

I think you will be quite happy with your purchase. The B-series is a very nice kite, and no matter which sail you pick, it will serve you well, under the right conditions. Yes, with the std sail, you will be able to fly in somewhat lesser winds, than with the mid-vent. From a personal standpoint, if I was going to have only ONE (1) sail, I would pick the mid-vent, simply because that fits the winds that I fly in, predominately. However, you will in time, expand your Rev collection, so there's plenty time to add other configurations. Since you are going to be getting a std sail first, your second purchase might well be a full-vent, and then, somewhere down the road, you may want to fill that gap with a mid-vent.

As for flying with "nearly no wind", that might be something that you want to put off, until you have at least mastered the basics, of the quad line kite. Flying in very light winds can be quite frustrating for those "new" to Rev flying. Eventually, though, you may want to try this, as there is a lot of interest in low-wind and no-wind (indoor) flight, as I am sure you have seen on-line. Again, from a personal standpoint, I prefer a good breeze, somewhere between 8 - 12 mph. That's my favorite...........but that's just me.

Concerning the Race Rods, you are correct that they are a bit lighter, and somewhat more flexible, as compared to a standard 3-wrap or 4-wrap. I believe that the comparison, or "rule of thumb", is that the Black Race Rods have the approximate weight and flexibility of a 2-wrap frame, but with the strength of a 3-wrap. I normally fly with Black Race Rods in my standard sails, 3-wraps in my mid-vents, and a 4-wraps in my full-vents. You will get a lot of other valid opinions and suggestions on this subject, as there is no exact, or "right" choice. It's all going to depend on the individual, and what feels best to that person. Many will use Race Rods in both the standard sail and the mid-vent, with a 3-wrap being reserved for the full-vent. Again, you should get a lot of good opinions on this subject......... My only concern with the Race Rods initially, would be going through the actual "learning to fly" process. A sharp or violent wing-tip into the ground, could result in a "snap", and "snap" is never good......

Good Luck, and again, congratulations on your new Rev. I'm sure it will be beautiful

[Wayne Dowler]

First - Welcome!

Good choice on a standard for your first sail! It does have a big wind range and does well in the lower reaches of that range, but! As Nick pointed out, flying in wind so low can be frustrating for a beginner. No fun trying to learn how to fly and keep the kite in the air long enough to get somewhere. A good "learning wind" is 5-10 mph, much lower you struggle to fly, much higher you can't control things.

Keep an eye on the leading edge of the kite, if it bends too much - either fly on the edges of the window or put up something else! Flying in too much wind will stretch the sail and once stretched, well it isn't going to unstretch!!

Some take to the flex of the race rods quick, some don't! Everyone is different and has their own personal likes and dislikes. They are light, they are strong, no worries there. It's just adapting to the flex of them that is unique.

Save for a full vent next!!

[dragonfish]

Hi Gu,

Welcome. I'll take a whack at question 3. I've actually seen an increase of interest in sport kites, especially Revs, in the past few months. I feel like there have been way more people recently who have joined the forum and posted about getting their first kite or asking for advice on their first kite. I'm very excited every time I see a new flier post on the forums. Maybe overall forum activity has declined, but that's not what I notice. I notice the new people. I'm hopeful this community is growing again.

[Reef Runner]

I agree with Joanna..............

Seems to me like quad line (Rev) interest has picked up over the last year or so......(I mean, we do have the greatest ambassador for kiting, working for us, 24/7). I feel like kiting is doing well, and maybe moving forward. Somebody's going to always want to fly something

[makatakam]

The B-Series full sail is a great choice for your first Revo. Enjoy it. I still very often fly my full sail SLE that I got five years ago, even though I now have many others. It brings back the memory of my beginnings in flying quads.

Also, welcome to the dark side, we have cookies.

[Gu1234]

Wow thanks for all the great replies.

Today I finally got my new Rev, it looks awesome - never seen a rev in person before

Went to a nearby park but couldn't really fly for more then few seconds because there was not enough wind, in the few guests I was able to take off I managed to get to the top of the window and then crashed all the way down.

I was trying really hard to keep my wrists together but it's possible I let some 2 line instincts kick in... I think I need to buy handcuffs

I will try the beach tomorrow and report back

BTW I got two frames with my kite, "2 Wrap professional use only" and the race rods, which one should be better for light wind?

[PereiraM]

The race rods are as strong as 3 wrap but as light as 2 wrap so if the race rods are in then stick with them. Happy flying and welcome to the dark side.

[Gu1234]

Waaa!

Went to the beach to fly my kite for the 3rd time today, the last two times weren't so successful as the wind was very weak.

Today the wind was 8-10mph I was able to fly for about 2 hours, finally! This was awesome.

I started by trying to fly from the ground to the top of the window and back which went surprisingly well, then I start trying upright hovers and flying figure 8 which was a great fun.

I was able to do some sideways hovers but not for very long and very wobbly.

Didn't even try upside down hovers

Now to the questions:

1) When flying across the window at high speed I can hear a flattering sound from the sail, is this normal?

2) How do you get all the sand our from the leading edge?

3) I started with my lines attached to the middle knot in the handles and kept adding more brake (moving the lines to knots that are farther away from the handles) until I got to the last knot which was still very easy to fly, does this make sense? shouldn't it be difficult to fly with so much brake? or is it because of the strong wind? It still felt like the kite has a lot of "drive"

4) I used 2 wrap rods, are they strong enough for this kind of wind? should I fly with the race rods next time? (I found out I'm not using the race rods only after I finished flying)

5) Any recommendations for things I can practice or should I just keep with the basic upright hovers and the regular stop & go around the window until I feel comfortable - thinking of something along the line of "Dodd's 6 step method" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbxWySL5MRk)

I'm sure I have many more questions I can't recall right now so apologies in advance for not putting them all together

Can't wait to go flying again tomorrow!

[Reef Runner]

1) When flying across the window at high speed I can hear a flattering sound from the sail, is this normal?

2) How do you get all the sand our from the leading edge?

3) I started with my lines attached to the middle knot in the handles and kept adding more brake (moving the lines to knots that are farther away from the handles) until I got to the last knot which was still very easy to fly, does this make sense? shouldn't it be difficult to fly with so much brake? or is it because of the strong wind? It still felt like the kite has a lot of "drive"

4) I used 2 wrap rods, are they strong enough for this kind of wind? should I fly with the race rods next time? (I found out I'm not using the race rods only after I finished flying)

You should get many answers.........but here's my take

#1. Usually the flutter that you hear when flying across the wind window is due to - NOT ENOUGH - brake. I know you say you had applied maximum brake (via the leaders & knots), but you may need even more, than the standard "stock" B-series leaders allow......

#2. If the sand is dry, you should be able to remove the frame (rods) from the leading edge sleeve, and pour it out of both ends. Allow the kite to fold in the center and just tap on it and the sand should fall out. Some people use compressed air, which will help dry the sand and blow it out one end of the sleeve. It will help if you get someone to help you hold the kite, so the leading edge is pulled out straight. If you are working alone, just lay the kite flat on the ground and insert the air nozzle into one end of the leading edge sleeve. Apply the compressed air, and the sand should blow out the other end. Another way to clear the sleeve is with running water. This is the method that I use. I have a small nozzle that attaches to my water hose, and it fits perfectly into the end of the leading edge sleeve, or rig up something that will work. Again, lay the kite flat on the ground, and allow the water to flow freely and forcefully, through the leading edge, until you think it is flushed out completely. When finished, hang the kite to allow it to dry.

#3. I'll assume, based on your description of adding brake by moving to the outer knots, that you were making the adjustments on the top leaders. I'll also assume that your bottom leaders, are the short stock leaders that come with the B-series. My suggestion, to increase brake, would be to make yourself a new set of longer top leaders, and add more knots. These new leaders need to be made identical to each other, so far as length and knot placement. Another easier way would be to make a short pigtail (5" or 6") and add this to the handle, then lark's head your stock leaders to these, which will extend the overall length of the top leaders, hence, increasing your ability to add brake. When you find your sweet spot, then you may want to make yourself an entirely new set of longer leaders, that will cover the area that works for you. Use standard 100# or 150# bridle line to make the leaders. Currently, my top leaders are long enough to extend an inch or so, below the bottom of the handles (13" - 15").

#4. Obviously, the 2 wraps made it, but I would use the Race Rods, if I were you. My set-ups are usually Race Rods in the Standard sail, 3-wraps in the Mid-Vent, and 4-wraps in the Full-Vent. I do fly in steady coastal winds, though.

#5. As for suggestions, just keep watching the Rev tutorials...................and go fly with someone, if possible !

Good Luck :ani_victory:

[hyzakite]

As for #1 it may be the lower wing that is fluttering, apply just enough brake to stop the flutter, as you go in the other direction if it flutters, again it may be the lower wing fluttering so you'll need to apply slight brake to that side of the wing, usually enough brake to just take some slack out of the line and the flutter sound should stop.

[Gu1234]

I found this: http://www.thekiteshoppe.com/categories/Kite-Line/Spools-%26-Bulk-Kite-Line/Laser-Pro-Bridle-Line/

Which bridle line should I get for extending my leaders?

Any recommended site for purchasing bridle lines?

Thanks for all the tips & help!

[Reef Runner]

Any place that sells bridle line, should be ok. I use 100# on my Rev B2 handles, but I use the larger line (140# - 170#) on my 1.5 and/or Rev II size kites. It's not really that important, but if you are flying something that requires a certain line strength, then your leaders should match, or exceed that line strength. You don't want the leader on your handle, to be a weak link between you and the kite............Hope that makes sense..........

You found one good place to order..........The Kite Shoppe

here are a couple more choices:

Goodwinds https://goodwinds.com/line-winders/bridle-line.html

Fun with Wind http://www.funwithwind.com/store/ListCategoriesAndProducts2.asp?idCategory=182&idparent=168

By the way, this is all that I am suggesting that you add to the handles, then lark's head your current leaders to this knot. Again, hope this makes sense.............

[Gu1234]

Hi again!

I'm making a little progress every time I go flying but no matter how much I try I can't fly in reverse (unless I'm going from the top of the window down letting gravity do it's thing).

When I try to go in reverse I hover and then slowly add more and more brake until one of the wings flip. What am I doing wrong?

BTW the dark side is addicting

[PereiraM]

If the kite is rolling on you try adding a little more break to the opposite wing(if it is the top wing rolling down then apply more break to the bottom). I tend to feather the brakes when reverse flying. Small inputs go a long way. Are you maintaining level flight coming down from the top of the window? Those small corrections that you make to keep the kite level you will need to use in reverse flight as well. Can you do a side hover? if so just like in a side hover make sure you are pulling back on the top two lines so that you maintain lift.