Launching a Rev

[Mota]

I've recently bought a Rev I and I'm having a great time with it except for one thing: is there an easy way to launch the Rev without the help of another person?

With a dual line kite I know we can put the kite up and tilt it slightly so that the wind will hold it while we walk to the straps but with four lines I find it much more difficult.

Is there some method to roll the lines around the Rev or something in order to lift it from the ground and putting it in the fly position?

Thank you for your help.

[monkey]

Alas, its not quite as easy. What I tend to do is stake the lines so that the tops are wrapped around the stake, and the leading edge of the is down on the ground. This stops it from leaping into the air unannounced.

[John Barresi]

Mota, are you flying on sand or grass?

[Mota]

Alas, its not quite as easy. What I tend to do is stake the lines so that the tops are wrapped around the stake, and the leading edge of the is down on the ground. This stops it from leaping into the air unannounced.

That's what I thought.

I never used stakes and I'm not used to it but I guess I'll have to buy one and see if I can manage.

Thanks.

I usually fly on grass but since the winter is coming and the beaches are now empty I am going to start to go there and fly on sand.

My usual spot has been invaded by football players now that summer is gone.

[Penny Lingenfelter]

To have the kite ready for a self launch park the kite upside down, tips laid on the ground towards you. the rods are on the top.

With handles in a forward position, step back at the same time that you go bowling with your right handle. Down and around. Do not pull it towards you or you will just drag the kite towards you.

In high wind, just a little bend of the thumb will do it, in low wind, it may take a full arm movement like your bowling. Be sure and put the brake on the left side when the kite is facing 9:00 so the message will make it down the line when it's facing 12:00 and it will stop in a forward position ready to launch.

Remember that thumb you push down may need to go all the way down and around, but stepping back at the same time will create ground wind and lift it effortlessly without having to yank it.

To feel your reverse have the kite in the same postion. Put your thumbs together, turn the bottoms of the handles out a little. right to right side, left to left side. Push down on your thumbs as you step back to create that ground lift. Practice balancing that. have fun. BB Penny

[John Barresi]

In sand, I'll set the Rev upside-down, and scoop some sand onto the leading edge... When I go to the kite, I just pull on the bottom lines and up it comes for a reverse launch.

[CLTKiter]

Hey Mota,

I've always used a stake and put the handles such that the tops of the handle are closest to the stake. Then either set the kite upside down (the safest) or rightside up with the lower tips tilted toward the stake. A screwdriver will work for a stake.

However, after reading Penny's and John's posts, I'm gonna try their ideas. Never thought of launching without a stake. Hmmmmm

Doug

[Penny Lingenfelter]

Only if you don't have a stake. You always want to try to have one to stay out of trouble. Nothing like chasing a kite down the beach in high wind. (word of experience) <_< If you get stuck without a stake you might also turn your kite a little sideways so the wind doesn't pick it up, then pull it around to pop up.

You can make your own stakes and be very creative. I just use Kmart tent stakes. 4 for under $3 tie a pink piece of plastic off the tail and wa la.. I can see it and if I loose it, no expensive loss.

The rev was actually the first self launching kite out there that I'm aware of. Two stringers were balancing them on grass or getting help. The Rev. is almost totally self launching unless you fall face down towards you and don't have an speed series to pull and float it up of if you fall face back. Once you get the hang of it you will seldom ever walk down to it. Even able to fix those 80 % of the time.

BB

Penny

[Mota]

Thank you for your replies.

I think I'll try that staked launch since it's the safest and easiest for a beginner like me.

Since you have all been so helpful I'll bother you with one more question:

The lines on my Rev have different lenghts. The top lines are about 2.5 inches longer than the ones on the bottom. Shouldn't they have the same length?

I'm thinking of making a smaller set and I wanted some directions.

[monkey]

Unless you have a very very very old Rev 1 with the original bridle, yes, all the lines should be identical lengths.

And ya, even after years of flying, I still prefer to use a stake for mine though, I can work around that if I'm without one momentarily.

[Penny Lingenfelter]

I use same length lines, with a sliding knot on my adjustment line.

Attaching the upper line closer to the handles will lean the kite forward to catch more wind. In high wind, lowering thus adding length to the line on the top will lean the kite back, dumping more air, slowing it down and making it more controllable.

Some people don't mess with adjustments, (but the kite would fly better if slowed down) and some lower their hands on the handles to slow it down. Some put the adjustments on the bottom.

Remember, it's whatever works for you.

What size handles are you using?

Best Breezes,

Penny

[Mota]

I bought my Rev I from a friend of mine who told me it was one of the first to come out so I guess mine is very, very, very old.

I think I'll make my new lineset with the same length on all lines and adjust them with the adjustment line.

I use the handles that came with it. I guess they are normal Rev I handles.

I heard it was bettter to use extended handles but I haven't tried it yet since I don't know anyone who owns them.

[monkey]

If its a REALLY old 1 , it'd be worth 10 bucks to put a new bridle on it, they should be orderable from any kite store, online or otherwise

[monkey]

I use same length lines, with a sliding knot on my adjustment line.

I've flown your kites before Penny, I remain convinced all 4 of your lines are different lengths, set randomly.

"Wow, that kite has been Penny'ed!"

[Jason Paul]

If your kite is so old that it says "Neos Omega" on it - stop flying it immediately!

Have you considered quad sticks?

I made a pair for my 1.5 and love them. They do much more than just help your kite stand up by itself. There's a bit of discussion about them in the current "Homemade Rev" thread.

I still use a stake for setup and breakdown because I like tension on the lines when I'm doing this. However when I'm flying and just want to park the kite on the ground for a while, I don't have to put the handles on the stake. The sticks let it stand up wherever I want.

Jason

[Penny Lingenfelter]

Hey Monkey, that's why it's- whatever it takes. Those adjustments work well, unless I get a bottom line off. I only equalize my lines about twice a year. Which isn't much for the amount of flying I do.

That's why I like my adjustments. I have all sorts of people fly it and if I need to slow down I just adust it. Actually, it's a very tough kite, isn't it?

Just a few more weeks of grandkids, and then it's fly time. I'll bet it's wonderful at Nationals. Sawyer and I will go out side and fly. That will make us feel better.

BB

Penny

[Mota]

As I said my friend told me it was one of the first to come out so I guess it must be old...

I've tried to fly it this weekend but the wind was so weak that as soon as it took of the weight of the kite (or the lines) pulled it down to the ground again.

I think the lines are too long and maybe that's the problem but my dual lines were flying perfectly with the same lines.

Could it be because of the briddle instead?

Is there a site where I can see how to make one or at least check to see if mine is correct?