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Rev B series Pro for 1st time flyer?


deerislandbrew

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Hello,

I am considering getting into quad flying, but have questions about the Rev series kites. Since I am new to all this, I don't know much about the different kite options. I would like some opinions of a 1st timer starting with a Pro series 1.5 Rev. I have looked into the B series and understand that it is an advantage to buy as there is two frame sets included with this kite. I have also seen the "race frame" as an option. What exactly is a race frame? What length line set and what type would be good for 1st time flyer? I fly most often at the Oregon/Washington coast. Some days it is light wind waiting to pick up. Other days blowing 10 -20. Should I consider Standard or would Mid vent work better across the wind range found on the beach? I am looking into the Pro series based on the fact the I can custom colorize the design. With these kites, I would need to chose 1 frame option. I see the advantage of having 2 frame options however. Any recommendations on the frame set to chose with this kite? How about thoughts on buying an extra set to go with it?

Thanks in advance for your ideas!

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There are many Rev flyers in your area. Stay tuned. I'm sure one or more of them will pop up here with suggestions. It would be good to get together with one or more of them so you can try some of the kites out before you decide what to get. We're a friendly bunch, and always happy to help out someone who's just getting into it.

The B-Pro Series kites are pricey; you may want something a bit less expensive to beat up while you are learning. If money is no object, just go for it. You can add kites and frames later that will fill in the gaps.

Understanding the reason for different frames for different wind conditions is fairly simple: stronger winds demand stronger frames. The differences in frame response times you will probably understand, but not be able to feel until you have at least mastered basic control of the kite.

There is much discussion of various frames and using hybrids of what is available, such as 3-wrap center spar with race frame ends, etc. If you have any experience with using a different frame than the original in dual-line kites, then all you need to know is that it translates almost directly to quad-line kites; where, when and how you want that spar to flex is something better left for later, however, getting a kite with two frames does increase the usable wind range. I'm in the Chicago area and our winds are a beast of a completely different color, so this is as specific as I'm going to get, and let the guys in your neck of the woods guide you further.

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Just getting into quads?? Look to the used market for 2 sails - a full sail and a full vent. You will cover almost all the wind conditions with those 2. Unless you have plenty of cash to throw at a kite, you might not appreciate the differences. On a used kite you can get all the learning out of the way, then decide on your colors when you're ready to get the best! And be able to feel the advantages.

Get the 80-85' x 90# line set to learn on. Much shorter will cut down your wind window and make things happen fast, maybe too fast! Down the road, look into 120' x 90# lines if you want to fly with others, it's a standard length for teams. Then you can accumulate other sets, 50# for light winds, short 30' and/or 50' for tight spaces, etc.

Most beginners use a 3 wrap frame to learn on, strong enough to take the knocks, light enough to fly most winds. If you can replace a 2 wrap with the race, go ahead. It has a different flex and "snapback" than any of the regular wrap rods. Some like it, some don't, but it is a stronger, but still light alternative to a 2 wrap. A 4 wrap is nice to have for those really big wind days.

Having the 2 sails, 3 frames, and a decent set of lines will get you started.

PS: Thanks for the plug guys!!

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I agree with Mark, if $$'s are not object, go for it, and get a full set. Otherwise, I would say, that being new to the sport, you won't really be able to appreciate the benefits of the B-Pro, over the B-series, quite yet. As for Standard, Mid Vent, and Full Vent sails, everyone has their own ideas about this. I have had complete sets of both the B-series, the B-Pro's, as well as the smaller size B2's. In all cases, I framed the sets as follows:

Standard sail - Black Race rods

Mid-Vent sail - 3 wrap rods

Full-Vent sail - 4 wrap rods

Also (and Wayne won't agree), with every set, without fail, I have always used my Mid-Vent, far more than any of the other two (Std and Full- Vent). Now, I understand Wayne's reasoning, but I'm just saying, IF you were only going to get ONE, I'd get a Mid, however, if money is not a consideration, and you are looking at two or more, I'd go with Wayne's suggestion..........(I know, I know, decisions, decisions, decisions)

As Mark mentioned, you have many Rev flyers in your area. Reach out, and someone will help you. You will get a lot of suggestions here, as to how is best to begin, and how to frame it. I really doubt you could go wrong with a B-series, but then you are going to have to decide which one (or all three). Again, get ready for many suggestions (information overload)................ :ani_victory:

:rev_clockwork:

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Thanks for all the input guys. If I could find something used to start with, it would probably be the way to go. If not, I guess i'll have to pick something. Wayne; I would like to hook up with you and others someday to fly and get some tips on flying. I hope to run into into John B. at some point also. Maybe at Delta Park? Right now I am working on trying to learn some tricks with my Prism dual line kite but the quads look like a lot of fun also.

Thanks to all again for the tips. I am kind of flying blind with this Rev kite thing, but through your input and all I read on the web, I think I'll have a fair idea of where to start.

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Quad is completely different than dual line. Much less running, much more fine control. JB will pop up on here or try the facebook page. I highly recommend flying OPK (other peoples kites). Most fliers are very generous with throwing their handles into someone else's hands. Rev's are pretty sturdy. I've broken a few leading edges with dualies, but not a Rev yet. Be careful we might throw so much help at you that that becomes overwhelming. Seriously, find JB or another local flier and try out their setups. Time on the lines is the most valuable information to help you decide what to buy.

BTW, like your page. How do you like the Gomberg double DC? I've been thinking about getting one. And it looks like you've got the beer drinking tied in which is always a bonus.

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Keep an eye on this forum topic over at GWTW kites (Swap Shop)

http://www.gwtwforum.com/index.php?board=28.0

Oh, you may have to register, with a username and a password. Just use your same username, on all the kite sites, and people can keep up with you, as well as offer suggestions..........

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 year later...
8 hours ago, deerislandbrew said:

Yes,

I think this thread was from a year and and half ago.  The wife and I now have full sets and fly as much as we can!

. . . . . . and another one bites the dust. And another one gone, and another one gone . . . . . . . . . 

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