EXP vs SLE help

[feelxitxburn]

hi, so im new to kiting and recently i tried out the exp and after a couple hours i got the hang of flying it and pulling off some tricks. in the next week i wanted to pick up one and came across the sle. should i spend the extra 40 dollars to pick up the sle or just stick with exp. the site i found says theyll upgrade my exp with a set of shanti spectra lines while the exp comes with the laser pro gold line. its taking a toll on my wallet either way =/. i live in florida near the beaches so wind isnt really a problem. opinions pleassseee.

thanks

p.s. the only thing really holding me back on switching to sle is the color pattern. im in love with the teal and black of the exp.

[windofchange]

Welcome to the dark side! lol

The main difference between the SLE and the EXP is the SLE (Super Leading Edge). The SLE has a larger leading edge than the EXP, the SLE gives the kite a stiffer frame which makes the kite a lot more solid and precise (not to mention it is a lot stronger than the standard LE). The other difference is that the SLE has a mylar insert in the sail which also makes the kite more precise in control. The EXP leading edge will bend in the higher winds which can lose some of the precision that the Rev's are known for.

The SLE also comes in several colors where the EXP is only available in two colors. The EXP is a very fun kite and personally is the first quad line kite that I learned on (still in my kite bag too and ya know...the colors are teal/black) I highly recommend upgrading to the SLE if you have the extra bucks. The SLE will allow you to perform the different tricks with a lot more precision over the EXP as your flying experience grows. A Rev can last you for many years (mine is going on 7 years now) and although I love my EXP, I would have preferred to own the SLE instead, the life of the kite compared to the few extra dollars makes the difference in the cost very insignificant. I still fly my EXP on occasion and it is always found in my bag alongside my Shockwave, Supersonic, Blast, 1.5 SLE, indoor, vented 1.5, 1.5 SUL, Power Blast 2-4, Power Blast 4-8 and my 8 stack of 1.5 sle's.... Isn't addiction great!

If you purchase the EXP or the 1.5 SLE you will have an excellent kite that will give you years of fun and enjoyment. I am sure you will be happy with either one.

On your lines, most of the pilots I know prefer the Laser Pro Gold lines but the Shanti lines are excellent as well. We have used the Shanti lines with no problems at all.

Hope this helps with your decision making.

[John Barresi]

I would disagree about the SLE making a kite more precise, since a slight "cup" or bowing in the leading edge actually enhances precision.

For the record, I always recommend an ALL NYLON 1.5 (no mylar, in the SLE pattern) with a 3-wrap leading edge (same as the standard verticals).

IMHO, the SLE is only good for very high winds or if your kite is going to take a lot of abuse during learning or teaching.

[feelxitxburn]

ohh that was helpful. ahh im so torn between the 2. i know the wind conditions out here in central florida arent ever that hard but just reading the praises for the precision of the sle makes it really tempting to buy that instead. i really just want a nice kite for picnics and just relaxing, nothing too fancy but enough to impress a crowd. the first time i was out with a rev, we were outside for 6 hours. talk about a sweet farmer tan afterwards. i think i might start off with just the exp and move up from there once im ready. thanks.

[Dorsal]

I would suggest a Spirit Quad. They are more floaty than the Rev designs, but a LOT easier to learn to fly a quad with. And a lot more forgiving. And a lot less expensive.

[monkey]

but just reading the praises for the precision of the sle makes it really tempting to buy that instead.

I'm with John on this, while it took a little time, I'm now much more precise with the non SLE leading edges revs than I ever was on an SLE equipped one. I also prefer all nylon sails.

But, either one is a great kite, as is the Spirit Quad that Dorsal mentions.

Keep in mind you can always add an SLE to an EXP, or, get the thinner LE for an SLE.

[Jason Paul]

Personally, I don't like the SLE spar much at all. It makes the kite sluggish and unresponsive in my opinion.

I have a couple of questions though.

Would you have to order a custom to get an all-nylon sail these days? Other than a used kite, of course.

What would be the difference between an all-nylon 1.5 and an EXP? Just the sail pattern? Framing?

Why do you like the all-nylon sail better? Is it the addition of mylar, or is it the Icarex/Toray?

Thanks,

Jason

[monkey]

Personally, I don't like the SLE spar much at all. It makes the kite sluggish and unresponsive in my opinion.

I've really grown accustomed to the pleasing (was going to say snap, but thats not it) way the 3/4 wrap regular rods allow the kite to "click" into a stop. For lack of a better description...

Would you have to order a custom to get an all-nylon sail these days? Other than a used kite, of course.

I havent found that, what I tend to do is check out any kite shop I run across, they often have a few Revs that are older, yet brand new. If I like the sail pattern and colors, I pick it up. But, ya, to get a brand new, this years model, in all nylon, you'd need to get the SUL sail and then a heavier frame for more wind, or, order custom if possible.

What would be the difference between an all-nylon 1.5 and an EXP? Just the sail pattern? Framing?

I think the difference is really only a slightly lighter bridle (as opposed to the old school heavier black cord all around), the sail pattering and the handles. I don't like the EXP handles, the foam is too soft. But, I usually buy my Revs "kite only" as I have a bucket of handles and line as it is. Preference wise, I like the original stainless steel extended handles, I have two sets of those that I use all the time.

Why do you like the all-nylon sail better? Is it the addition of mylar, or is it the Icarex/Toray?

I bet John has an excellent technical reason, whereas for me, much of it comes down to the look of it just does nothing for me and I figure a kite of all the same material will flex and change shape more consistently.

I love my Icarex/toray revs the best, ie, my Sedgewick one and an earlier 1.5 thats nearly flown to death.

This year, I'll probably source out another Sedgewick.

[windofchange]

It looks like I am in a bit of the minority here, but in my experience I have always had a lot more precision with the 1.5 than with my EXP, especially in the higher wind ranges. It very well could be that my experience is not up to par with some of the other pilots on here. I am still amazed at watching John fly, very impressive indeed...as well as inspirational.

As far as I am aware of, the all-nylon sail needs to be custom ordered and is not available in the stock production packaging. Nice thing about Revolution is that they are always willing to work with you on any custom ideas you may have...as long as it is possible for them to do it.

As agreed upon tho, either kite will give you many many hours of enjoyment and I doubt you will ever be dis-satisfied on either purchase.

[monkey]

It looks like I am in a bit of the minority here, but in my experience I have always had a lot more precision with the 1.5 than with my EXP, especially in the higher wind ranges.

In high wind, I do switch to SLEs, I think both my vented 1 and 1.5 have SLEs in them at the moment. I just tend to oversteer SLEs in lower wind.

[John Barresi]

Would you have to order a custom to get an all-nylon sail these days? Other than a used kite, of course.

Yes, custom order... No idea about cost.

What would be the difference between an all-nylon 1.5 and an EXP? Just the sail pattern? Framing?

Quality of manufacture is higher with the SLE, and better sail cloth... Far as I know.

Why do you like the all-nylon sail better? Is it the addition of mylar, or is it the Icarex/Toray?

Mylar is "slippery" in the air, doesn't cup the wind as well... Slightly less precise.

Also, fabric stretches over time... Mylar doesn't... So you eventually end up with a partially stretched sail, which is aerodynamically uneven.

[Jason Paul]

So then basically it's the mix of mylar and fabric that's the problem?

The poly sails don't stretch as much as nylon, but I would assume still more than mylar. So, I can see the issue of a potential imbalance there.

Personally though, I prefer poly over nylon, but I can see the point about an all poly sail being better than a poly/mylar mix.

Jason

[John Barresi]

Yep.

I prefer poly myself... Might not last as LONG as some nylon sails, but as long as I get 1-1/2 to 2 years out of a kite, I don't care... The difference in performance is worth it.

With dual line kites, poly has a tendency to crack near the stress points (wisker pockets) during Jacob's Ladder, Multi-Lazy, etc... But again, it's worth it... And not an issue if properly reinforced.

Poly seems to hold light wind better (less porus?), and tends to shed/dump high winds better... So I find my wind range is extended over all.