48 replies to this topic

[Bob D]

I'm not sure quite where to put this post but I think it's about making adjustments to achieve reverse flight across the window and up the window. (I can't do it.)

I have the brakes full on to go backwards and the kite stalls. I've read about adjusting to different knots on leaders but I couldn't find any posts (searched on "leader") that described on how to make and use leaders.

I imagine that that's the problem but I don't know how to fix it. (Is the brake line too short?)

[Sailor99]

It probably isn't the issue. The rev is a bit of a pig to reverse, particularly to reverse upwards. It sounds to me like you are over controlling it. Do you also get the bottom pointed bits of the wing inverting (usually followed by the kite falling out of the sky!). Also you maybe finding the kite wobbles all over the place when reversing. These are both sure signs of trying too hard in my experience.

Try going a little easier on the reverse input with your handles.

As for leaders, there is a thread round here somewhere. I'll have a look

[Sailor99]

Here you go:

http://www.revkites....p?showtopic=539

[Bob D]

The kite is a bit unstable but it doesn't quite fall out of the sky. It just stalls and won't reverse. Any ideas why it won't reverse?

That's a great post for leaders! Thanks! I'll order some bridle line from Theresa and try it out!

[Sailor99]

Almost certainly you are trying too hard. Go easy on it, keep trying, it will come. Honest.

[Aerochic]

Here's a really good ReVisions article on how to set up your handles if you haven't seen this already:
http://www.kitelife....s43/content.php

[antman]

sounds like your giveing too much reverse on the handles .. you want to guide the kite down with simple tugs of the bottoms to much bottom pull and the kite will flatten out

[AldenMiler]

I say you should come play at Wildwood on the 25th and 26th. We can then take a look at your setup and you can see how the pros do it (Antman is the pro... ).

-Alden

[Jeepster]

Here's a really good ReVisions article on how to set up your handles if you haven't seen this already:
http://www.kitelife....s43/content.php

Yes, this is a good article, but it might be a little confusing when David talks about the pigtails. David later changed his mind on having four equal length pigtails ... I can't find the latest article he wrote ... I'll keep looking ... seems I now spend a good part of my time looking for stuff I just had.

Use the pictures that Sailor posted to set up your handles and then adjust the article to fit those pictures.

Cheers,
Tom

[Jeepster]

... I can't find the latest article he wrote ... I'll keep looking ...

Okay, it was in an obvious place ... isn't it always? The discussion about setting up your handles is good.

Cheers,
Tom

http://kitelife.com/...s57/content.php

[Aerochic]

Okay, it was in an obvious place ... isn't it always? The discussion about setting up your handles is good.

Ahhhh Good. You found it!

(now back to work for me! :?)

[steveb]

A smooth reverse takes a light touch and lots of practise.
You can't just put your handles in a locked position and tug.
It needs nearly constant very small adjustments of the handles' angles to keep the flight smooth and steady.
It seems to me that the Vented Revs are a bit easier and more forgiving in reverse too. The full sails are quicker to bow-tie if given too strong an input.

[Bob D]

Thanks for the link to David's article. I'll have to study it more and visualize what he wrote.

One problem I'm having is not being able to move it in reverse. If I'm in an inverted hover, I've got the handles almost parallel to the ground and it's not moving. Is this normal?

I'd love to come to Wildwood at the end of the month but we're going in the opposite direction to Vermont that weekend. Bummer. Are there any get togethers in August or September?

[steveb]

Thanks for the link to David's article. I'll have to study it more and visualize what he wrote.

One problem I'm having is not being able to move it in reverse. If I'm in an inverted hover, I've got the handles almost parallel to the ground and it's not moving. Is this normal?

You need more brake if that is the case. My handles are about 30° forward in a hover and reverse is done with adding a bit more pressure on the thumbs.

[Bob D]

How would I add more brake? Would it be an adjustment on the pigtails?

[Sailor99]

Yep, you've got it. Let the top lines out a bit or pull the bottom ones closer to the handles. There is a thread all about it in this section of the forum

[Watty]

To add more breaks, you will pull the bottom lines back more on the pigtails. But remember, that settings on the handles will not give you reverse flight. It takes lot of practice. Every day that you go and practice, you will get better.

[Dean750]

In flying with RescueRev this week with his new leaders I fell in love. With the handle set up that is.
I was already used to alot of brake, but his new leaders matched with the stock lower leaders gave about 3 more inches of brake to play with.
More brake=less input needed to go backwards. I'm even sliding and flying backwards horizontally now.

The 1.5 is so graceful, can't wait to try my 1 on these kinda settings.

Dean

[Bazzer]

In flying with RescueRev this week with his new leaders I fell in love. With the handle set up that is.
I was already used to alot of brake, but his new leaders matched with the stock lower leaders gave about 3 more inches of brake to play with.
More brake=less input needed to go backwards. I'm even sliding and flying backwards horizontally now.

The 1.5 is so graceful, can't wait to try my 1 on these kinda settings.

Dean

Dean, try this also,
Start the kite in reverse then take a half step back to power up. Rather than trying to ramp up the speed of reverse only with your hands. This technique will give you smoother/ straighter lines and give you more speed control. Eventually you will be able to hit that high speed reverse hand position without thinking.
use your body movement to keep good sail pressure. biggest problem when first trying reverse on full brake. it's allabout that loaded sail.
Bazzer

[Dean750]

Yep, I'm getting to where the sail is staying loaded which allows me to go backwards smooth and level. It's kinda slow, but I'm ok with that for now.
I did get to mess with these settings on my Rev 1 today at my sons birthday. Even my Rev 1 I've been complaining about is flying like I want it to. Even flew a square in reverse. Once. Actually got a vid of me flying it from a side angle. I think it's too big to post and I don't know how to edit yet. It's like 39 Mb in size.

Dean