77 replies to this topic

[Kitelife]

For the style we use, yes.

The bottom leaders on B-Series handles typically have 2 knots...

We use the one at the very end, and the inner knot only if there is something askew with the lines and we need that extra little bit, like on new lines.

Your regular knot position will change... Lines (especially the top) stretch over time, effectively moving your sweet spot.

We use LaserPro Gold... 50#, 90# and 150#, in various lengths (30', 60', 90' and 120').

[streamhawk]

For the style we use, yes.

ok, think I've got it now, at least...this much of it. Getting a repeatable decent hover, time will tell. Thanks again!
Bill

[Kitelife]

Just getting a taste of a smooth hover with an experienced pilot will do wonders...

If you ever share a field with iQuad, don't hesitate to come over, happy to share anything we know.

FYI, the only reason I suggest the 3rd or 4th knot on the DVD is because in most cases, I won't have any one-on-one time teaching the pilot, and it seems easiest to fly with the top lines shortened up (like the Rev settings most have used for years)... With 20-30 minutes of hands on training, the ease and benefits of using additional brake becomes clear.

[streamhawk]

makes sense, glad you cleared that up John, I would have probably asked that later on after thinking about it. Think next trip out I'll drop down the the third knot for awhile and see what I think since I've been on the 4th one, then go from there.

Bill

[Kitelife]

Right on.

Just remember, the more brake you put in, the less you can afford to lose tension on the lines (creating a stall).

It's not about having to back up all the time though, it's about pull and release, at the right times.

Leading edge is pointing upward at all, you draw back... The leading edge is pointed down at all, you step in and gain back that space.

Nearly all of my teammates struggled with this initially, but again, the benefits become clear once you have an understanding of the dynamic.

To be quite frank, this is much of the reason for Revolution's recent "second coming"...

A whole new way of handling the kite, compared to what's been taught for years.

[streamhawk]

Leading edge is pointing upward at all, you draw back... The leading edge is pointed down at all, you step in and gain back that space.

Nearly all of my teammates struggled with this initially, but again, the benefits become clear once you have an understanding of the dynamic.

wait, I think you lost me. Do you mean by upward and down the leading edge is angled away from you or angled toward you...the rest I get...I think, keeping it in a checked or neutral position...I think.

Bill

[Kitelife]

When the LE is pointed up, in theory, it's leaning towards you (unless you're flying top to bottom in reverse)... You'll sometimes need to draw or step back while flying upwards, in order to generate drive and overcome gravity.

When the LE is pointed down, in theory, it's leaning away from you (unless you're in a full tilt nose dive)... When you step in, with a little applied brake, it should sail away from you and allow ground gaining.

By "LE up or down" I'm simply referring to it being pointed at the ground (invert), or the top of your wind window (upright).

Not sure if that helps or not.

[streamhawk]

ok, let me see if I got this. With more brake on in the tuning, you keep your momentum up by stepping or moving your arms forward or backward to keep things as they would be with less brake? Don't mean to be dense, I've had about four whole flights so far, but have flown dual lines alot, just trying to grasp the theory here, I like it from what I understand so far.

Bill

[Kitelife]

Check out this thread...

http://www.revkites....?showtopic=1113

Sure, I'm really animated when I fly, but comparing to the info I outlined above, you should be able to gain a concept of what I'm describing.

Remember, I'm drawing back whenever I need power to rise or hold a hover in lighter wind... I step in when the kite hits "gliding" position, with the LE pointed down.

The faster draws are to elicit fast clockwork, etc... Things that require compressed power and rotation, without the kite actually traveling any great distance.

You can also see some of it, applied more smoothly, here...

http://www.revkites....?showtopic=1203 (granted, it's through a stake, but the philosophy still applies)

You won't really connect with the technique until you've spent enough time actually doing it, experimenting and adjusting your body work.

Again, I move around a lot, more than is required to fly... But it's all to an end, eliciting that last drop of performance and drive.

[streamhawk]

thanks John, I think I absorbed some of it, I see lots of pumping on the way back, and making up ground moving forward. I'll experiment and get back with you. You certainly aren't a paperweight there, ever think about using roller skates?
Bill

[Kitelife]

LOL, then I couldn't get up on my tippy-toes. <grin>

[streamhawk]

I'm sure we could rig up springs in those skates so you could fly up in the air, much more dramatic than tippy toes.

I could tell there had been a change in techniques from watching the B series DVD as compared to the original instructional video, even simple turns look really different now, not to mention everything else that's obviously progressed. Good stuff!
Bill

[Kitelife]

With luck, we'll be introducing an official JB/Rev advancing flying DVD sometime in 2009.

News will hit this forum first...

Lots of filming and editing to in the meantime, using picture in picture really slows things down on the production end, but will be worthwhile.

[cerfvoliste]

Nice, what a difference 2 inches made. I tied the new knots on the lower pigtail and went out flying this afternoon. I am clipping and melting right now
Rx

[Kitelife]

Pros, cons?

[cerfvoliste]

Pros, cons?

It really lightend up the touch and smoothed things out.

Only con I noticed was the kite was a little more floaty, requiring a little more body movement... but not sure that is a bad thing,
Rx

[Kitelife]

Right on.

[Love2fly]

Hey John...
Today, I was flying a SUL in VERY low winds. There was a little slack in the bottom lines, LE up. It seemed if there wasn't that slack, I'd stall it right away. Is this right or were my adjustments off?

[Kitelife]

It's a matter of tensioning, that drive I talk so much about...

Until you learn to load the sail when you want, the slack will make it easier.

For me, using the techniques I've developed, the slack actually reduces my lift.

FYI, the techniques I use do not require a lot of footwork, but I do use a fair amount of arm motion.

[Sailor99]

For me, using the techniques I've developed, the slack actually reduces my lift.

Any chance of elaborating a bit?