26 replies to this topic

[stryker2]

I would imagine the SUL could also be flown in Zero wind conditions, perhaps on shorter lines.
I'm looking to get a SUL for those zero wind days, or perhaps fit a 2 wrap frame in my all cloth 1.5

[RevWizard]

The SUL sail is a bit lighter then the standard sail, both in the sail material and the bridle. You would need the lightest rods; e.g. REV "For Professionals only". You can make it even lighter for no wind by removing the bridle and attaching pigtails to the ends of the vertical rods, for your lines. You can could even change to much lighter rods. However, you will still require a bit more effort to fly in light winds as compared to the REV No-Wind.
In all cases, you will find it easier to fly in zero wind with short lines.

[stryker2]

Thanks John, for your very informative response, it's much appreciated.

[Kitelife]

The SUL 1.5 can be flown in 0-wind conditions, but requires a little mobility to do so... The Indoor just floats through the air, and requires very little pressure on the sail for it to move.

Since we're working with 8 team members, and occasionally in very small demo fields, the Indoor kites are a must-have for us in absolute zero conditions.

It should also be noted that we have SUL 1.5's as well, with Indoor frames... Incredibly light.

We never take the bridles off though, because it does reduce the performance a little... We like to maintain our easy 1/16th clockwork, etc... Also, we don't use the spectra bridles, since the knots tend to slip when the wind comes up (we have to be flexible) and are easier to cut in the event of a mid-air collision.

The added weight from the regular bridles is minimal really, and can be accommodated with a more refined technique.

[lummas]

John, those look sweet!!  We nearly got some of those a while back for outdoor super light conditions, but decided against it as they were much harder to control than the 1.5.  However, did I understand you correctly that as well as the "Professional Use" spars for your 1.5's, you have "Indoor Rods" for them?  If so, how much difference do you find that makes and what length are they, as I ave not tried them?

Thanks,

Mark

[Kitelife]

The difference with Indoor rods is significant... They are quite fragile, but we find the much lower wind range very worthwhile... We were flying 8 people in 1-2 mph, on 90# lines, with minimal difficulty.

As for length, they're specially cut for our 1.5's at the factory (custom job)... Being so thin, the usual reinforcement at the ends of the rods are even more important.

The Indoor kites are much harder to control, but it can be done... With the Indoors, it's even more about not being all the way in forward or reverse... Controls are only slightly forward or back of neutral, and the hands have to stay closer together (instead of the bigger, usual bicycle motions).

[lummas]

Good to know John, thx.  Perhaps will have to have a chat with Lolly and see about getting some of those rods.

Have a great new year.

Mark.