fades

[blackbeard]

I have a older model hq invento(obsession).I have tried to get it to fade.Was wondering if some weight added to bottom off spine would help.Even hand launching from its back will not workAny help wold be appreciated.Thinking off trying the new version any reviews possible....thanks....Blackbeard

[audioRob]

With the obsession, it requires a little more forward movement to keep it in a fade. Can you get into a fade with any other kite?

[Dorsal]

A little tail weight might help. Try taping a quarter or two near the base of the spine, or maybe you can sneak them between the spine and the sail. Any way you do it, even if they are lost in flight, it would cost a maximum of 50¢ to see if it helps.

[John Barresi]

Great question Rob, since most kites are very different from each other... It can lend some insight into the issue.

But, I'd agree with Dorsal... Try a bit of weight on the tail for now.

[audioRob]

Reason why I ask is because I have an obsession and it fades from the slightest sweeping motion. Then it's like walking a dog to keep it in a fade.

It helps to NOT let whatever you're going into the fade from have the nose go too high. from my experience a 'soft-kill' is prefered with it.

[blackbeard]

blackbeard thanks everyone for their help.................Blackbeard

[EBGB]

Weight will probably help, but also check the bridle carefully.

This is a kite that should hold a fade nicely. If it won't, the tow points may be too far in, and holding the lines close enough together to keep the nose from coming up between them.

Get the measurements from HQ, or from someone who has one and is willing to measure it for you.

Also, as you're entering the fade, think in terms of "catching it" rather than "Stopping it".

You want the nose to rise up between the lines and stabilize there. I little slack will allow the nose to angle higher, presenting more of the back surface of the kite to the wind. Pulling on the lines will pull the nose down, making it pop out of the fade.

In other words, everything is backwards. Slack will make it rise (if there's enough wind), and pulling will make it loose altitude.

Just to confuse you even more, in a fade, the left side of the kite (as you're looking at it) is connected to your right hand.

[blackbeard]

Great question Rob, since most kites are very different from each other... It can lend some insight into the issue.

But, I'd agree with Dorsal... Try a bit of weight on the tail for now.

Yes two quarters under the velcro at the bottom off the spine made a big difference.Before the kite would continue a dive but now it will flatten our when given slack line . Now all i need is to practice controling the fade.I can also get it to fade half way through a axel. thanks for everyones help....Blackbeard

[Dorsal]

Well blackbeard, according to the US Mint, each quarter weighs 5.670 Grams, so you've got a total of about 11 Grams there. I believe the 5/16" ID bronze bushings that are about 5/8" long (sold in hardware stores across the US) weigh about that much. I think that's the correct diameter to fit securely over the spine, but I don't have one of those kites on hand to measure the rod. One would slip over the spine rod, with an o-ring above and below it to keep it in place, and you wouldn't be restricted from yanking and spanking that kite into silliness. Congratulations on your discovery!