Advice for a new REV Purchase

[122333]

Hi Everyone,

Looking to buy a new REV but I really need something that can fly in near zero wind (DC goes dead as the summer comes up).  But I wanted to get something fun and fast too if that's possible.

I was thinking the Reflex XX (0-26 mph  ).  Any recommendations, experience, or advice?  Supersonic looks fun but I didn't see a wind range on the description.

[riffclown]

Fortunately, there are a lot of really good experienced fliers in your area. I have 2 suggestions for you. 

1. Start with other people's kites first.

2. Don't limit yourself to anything. 

[122333]

I completely agree but this wouldn't be my first REV, just a new one.  Also, I'm not really comfortable flying other people's kites so I was hoping someone could direct me to the best outdoor low/very low wind REV out there.

[browndude3649]

Well a B-SERIES used would be awesome, if you didn't mind trying somebody else' kite. I have it and a matching vented, for SanFancisco marina trips. I have a SLE also , but not recommended for beginners or lite wind

[makatakam]

Your best bet, since you're in Washington DC, is to get together with Paul LeMasters. He's over in Germantown and flies near and in DC all the time. He'll probably pop in here and say hi to you since he is quite active on this forum. You may have to wait until Monday cause he's usually out flying on weekends. The best low-wind kites to be found in your area are in his bag and those of some of the guys with whom he flies. Definitely get together with him as he can advise you better because he has so much experience with the "no wind all summer" conditions in your area. The SUL model that Rev made is the go-to production model for low-wind flying. I'm not sure if it is still being made. The best kites for low-wind flying are made by the people who fly them -- in other words, home-made. Low wind flying is quite difficult if you don't have a lot of experience, but flying in it is the best way to learn, so go for it.

The Supersonic is a Speed Series kite, and will not leave the ground in wind less than 4mph. At 5mph it is difficult for a pro to keep airborne. When the wind is fast enough it is a total hoot to fly and will do a couple or three things that a standard Rev can't. The Reflex will fly in wind less than 2mph with a lot of footwork and a ton more experience. If you have a ton of time on the lines you can do it. I have home-made kites in my bag that come in at less than 4.5 ounces in weight. They will fly if someone farts. Production kites are no match, so don't expect too much from them. It would be good to sit down and discuss this with an experienced pilot, so that's why I recommend you get together with Paul and the rest of the DC crew.

Good luck. Have fun, smile and don't forget to breathe.

P.S. -- The DC guys will insist that you try all their kites before you decide what to get. Don't argue, just do it. It will make them feel good.

[riffclown]

OPK is definitely the way to go. otherwise you are buying based on others' opinions instead of your own experience..  I'm pretty partial to the SUL Ghost by Rev, A Freilein Vertigo with T-0 Frame or a homebuilt kite. 

A B-Series with a light frame or a Zen would also be great choices but those are being hoarded now by those that have them.

I had a Reflex XXL and personally considered it a one trick pony. I'm not a fan of the springs Rev put on all of their kites now.

 

[122333]

4 hours ago, riffclown said:

OPK

What is OPK?

[khsidekick]

What is OPK?

OPK. other people’s Kites


Sent from my IPhone

[makatakam]

39 minutes ago, khsidekick said:

OPK. other people’s Kites


Sent from my IPhone

Also "Old Pros' Knowledge".

[browndude3649]

UDOWN WIT OPK ?!?!?!!

[makatakam]

6 hours ago, browndude3649 said:

UDOWN WIT OPK ?!?!?!!

...Sonoma, Mendocino. FO SHO

[Paul LaMasters]

The whole DC crew is off to the festival in Ocean City this weekend.  Do not be afraid to fly other people's kites, we understand when things go wrong but you can try a bunch of stuff quickly and compare side-by-side.  If you break a spar we all smile and say THAT"s OKAY, you remember this attitude and carry it forward.  We're not paying you if we break yours either!

Now with that fear factor out of the way, just come down and join us, try our crap and have fun.  I'm new here in DC, only been doing it for a couple of decades @ the Washington Monument.  I'm the current president of the local club too, Barbara, my misses is the RTeasurer naturally.  Dave Ashworth was our past president.  He only builds his own kites and is nationally recognized for his outstanding indoor and SSUL designs (usually they are quad-lined).

My coach, Jeffery Burka and other friends in WoW have been Revolution consumers half a decade longer than me.  I've got probably 60 revs in various sizes and configurations too, a whole bunch just for no stinking' wind.  In fact I'm working w/Dave and Eliot Shook on a new indoor kite that can also go outside, but it can fly standing on one foot with 100 foot holographic mylar ribbon tails.  It's Dave's 3rd generation

but we are using more durable material now instead of Orcon.  We are still in the development stage but I'd value your input as well.  Next time you see me, say hi and give it a spanking!

I fly EVERY Sunday regardless of the weather and we have a presence on Facebook if you want to join us.  We just did an indoor and outdoor gig at the Strathmore Music Hall, also have a display of kites up in the mansion thru the end of the month.

I'm the "other Paul" by the way. Paul LaMasters,... my buddy is Paul Dugard we travel as a roadshow to many festivals together.  Kind of an ass 'cause he can fly two revs at once and they don't have to match either.  I hate him really!

Fletch, grand national champion indoors and he and Melissa (Harpster) won Quad Pairs Ballet too. We have every kind of kite enthusiast in our group and no fee for joining since the treasury is cash wealthy.

Please join us and master the dead calm flying, so you long for days like August in the District just as the rest of us do.

-plm (AKA as REVflyer)

 

[Exult]

17 minutes ago, Paul LaMasters said:

The whole DC crew is off to the festival in Ocean City this weekend.  Do not be afraid to fly other people's kites, we understand when things go wrong but you can try a bunch of stuff quickly ...

...
...
...

Please join us and master the dead calm flying, so you long for days like August in the District just as the rest of us do.

-plm (AKA as REVflyer)

 

Now, that is what I call an offer!

[Paul LaMasters]

I remember watching 'em fly in a dead calm for a whole year in DC (none of my kites from Chicago-land or Ft Lauderdale would fly there!)

I remember the first time someone asked me for advise (and I turned around to see who they could possibly be speaking to)

I remember the first time I thought I could make a better bridle, then an improved overall design, finally I don't want it made "factory-fresh styled" anymore, make it my way.

You can push kite flying in so many directions, the best builder, tuner, flier, team-mate, sherpa, or spouse!

[122333]

Yep, looking to have a reliable kite that can fly in the dead of DC summer.  My wife and I will have to take you up on the offer and come out one of these Sundays.  Thank you!

[Paul LaMasters]

WoW kite club's 1st Sunday fly is this weekend,.... See you guys down on the Mall grounds? EARLY if you want any parking nearby!  Big Mulberry tree sticking up out of the ground (looks like a hand with spread fingers) on the West side is our base-camp location.

I will have equipment that can be flown in no wind, you might need some practice with the techniques necessary to maximize your flight pleasure, but if I can do it I know anyone can too!

We should have a dozen of so no-wind quads available, some single liners and dualies, maybe a fighter or 2,  even an indoor kite.

Bring water to mist/wet yourself down if it's blazing hot, certainly appropriate beverages and lunch to consume as you guys will be down there all day making it work.

Meet the usual gang of Wowsters and spank some rip-stop with us!

[122333]

Once finals are over and done with we'll have more time.  How early is early btw...?

[Paul LaMasters]

before the sun rises, doesn't that sound awful?

Good spots (for example, at that front corner of 17th St. & Constitution Avenue) with easy access departures assured at the end of the day and FREE.  That spot is mine & I'm there by 6:00am otherwise a friend will grab it.  By 6:30 all those choice locations are nabbed up.  After 8:30 it's better to walk some distance and do the regional Metro system or Uber.

This sunday is mother's day so I'll home early enough to help assemble the festive dinner for number one gal of my life!  I'll fly either at the Soccerplex in Germantown or maybe Baker Park up in Frederick, MD.