23 replies to this topic

[Baloo]

Hi all,

I am starting to get a collection of Revs now. Rev 1, Exp, Rev 2 and a supersonic. The Rev 2 handles are shorter with a tighter bend. Rev 1 and Exp the same exept the foam bit is thicker on the Rev1. The Supersonic seems to have the same curve but a bit longer. Some have pigtails, (I know this is a usefull mod).

Can I reasonably use any of the handles for any of the kites or are the lengths/bends tailored to suit one better than the other? I have not been able to fly them all enough to do my own experiments as we are in the doldrums here at the moment.

Thanks for any advice.

Regards, Chris.

[Stephen Hoath]

There are as many opinions on handles as there are shades of grey in an English summer sky!

However, in brief, the longer the handle the more effect it has on the kite. So use the Rev 1 handle on your Rev 2 and you can flick=flack and and a whole host of other tricks, but it is much harder to control until you get acustomed to it as any error is effectively magnified at the kite end.

Most fliers will use as long a handle as possible as it allows for greater precision and control (indeed Mr J Mithchell uses extended-extended handles).  There is a flip side, long handles are a b****r in really strong winds as there is a great deal of pressure on your wrists.  

So, short answers, long is good,  shorter in strong winds, longer in light winds.  The best advice is to try some options and always go with what is best for you.

Hope that helps

[Sherman Myers]

I ususally use longer handles for all my Rev's -- 2, 1.5, 1, Blast. You might also want to add about six inches of pig tails to the handles, with knots spaced equally evey inch. This allows you to add more or less brake.

[antman]

i have 13 inch handles and 8 inch handles i also made a 15 inch set i huse the smaller handles for my speed series and my 13 inch for my 1.5s and 1 and exp my 15 inch ones are good for my blast but longer handles do make for better reverse you ll have to see what you like but you can use the 13 inch or 8 inch for any of the kites

[CLTKiter]

I guess I'm kinda in the minority.  I usually like to fly with the handles that "come" with the kite, with few exceptions.  

I use the standard Rev handles on the Rev I, 1.5, Shockwave and Supersonic.  Then the "extended" handles (perhaps 13"?) on my 1.5 SUL.  The Rev II handles on the Rev II.  

Exceptions are when the wind is light, I'll usually go up a handle size.  Also, when flying with 2-wrap spars on my Rev I, I'll use the very long (think 15"?) handles.  Also, when flying my Rev II stack, I need to use regular handles to get them to turn effectively.  I've also used my Blast handles on the Rev II stack when the wind was up a little.

The point of all of this is that you should use the handles that feel right for you.  I'm probably not a good enough flyer to use the very long handles because I tend to overcontrol the kite in those conditions.

Later, Doug

[antman]

it pretty much depends on what you like there is no real true set up i like the 13 inch handles but some might not so i guess it all depends on personal preferance

[stryker2]

I have been investing all my $ in kites and lines and have been flying all my Rev kites on my one set of 12" rev 1.5 handles in all wind conditions. I think it's time I experiemented and invested in a set of 13 " extended handles.

[antman]

if you bought the newer 1.5 they come with 13 inch handles ive never heard of 12 inch you should already have them my older 1.5 came with short 8 inch handles so i ordered 13 inch handles from rev

[stryker2]

Yes mine IS the newer 1.5. I bought it back this past July.
I will measure them again, but I'm sure they measure 12" when measured from tip to tip (not along the handle)

[RevWizard]

When it comes to handle lengths, it is everyone to their own preference.
The top US flier John Barresi prefers shorter handles.
The top European flier Guido Maiocchi prefers longer handles.
It more a matter of what you are used to and prefer.
I personally prefer the longer handles, which Guido adapted from me about 10 years ago.
As for your 13" inch handles, you can extend them relatively easy and see if you like them. If not you can remove the extension.
To extend them, you need a 2" or so piece of metal tube, stainless looks better and tougher, but aluminum will work. Important is that the id(inside diameter) are the same or very close. Then you need and inside solid ferrule which could be fiberglass, carbon or some type of metal such as aluminum. For the outside, if the outside diameter is not the same, you will need bevel the inner end of the extension to keep the line from snagging on it. This is assuming that the extension has a larger od then the original stainless metal. If it has a smaller od, you might develop a weak point on your handles.
For the test, you might want to use some type of glue that does not hold that well. (e.g. rubber glue) If your satisfied with the length, use something like epoxy to hold it into place permanently.
If you need and explanation of how to assemble the extension, I am sure one of us can explain.

[stryker2]

Thanks John, that makes sense and quite easy to do thanks to your explanation  
I'm definitely going to experiment with different handle lengths, as well as line lengths.

Thanks again, much appreciated.

[beach]

Thanks John, that makes sense and quite easy to do thanks to your explanation
I'm definitely going to experiment with different handle lengths, as well as line lengths.
Thanks again, much appreciated.

Your right John it's the flier that should decide, I use mostly the 13 inch unless it's very light then I go to the 15 inch. John I remember those long handles you had the last time I saw you and they were just different, neither better nor worse just different and that what I always tell fliers experiment and find what works for you. This is all about you and what works for you not what works for me.......................Ben

[stryker2]

Now that I have a beautiful set of custom Kevlar Rev handles (a VERY GENEROUS gift from Ben), I won't be using my other rev handles much
I'm in LOVE with my custom handles. THANKS again BEN

[alleykat]

stryker if you have a set of the long UL Rev handles that you do not need now let me know.

[stryker2]

If I have anything spare, I'm always willing to share, however in this case, I will still need them, as I am trying my darndest up here to attract people to this exciting sport and hopefuly get someone to fly with. I have been actively trying for 8 months now, even advertising in local publications, still without success. Lets just say that kiting up here is about as popular as skydiving WITHOUT a parachute - Not very popular!
That been said, it has not dampened my enthusiasm, and I continue to do my very best to attract others to the sport.
If I haven't been successful within the next couple of months, I will reconsider how's that?

As for my beautiful custom kevlar handles (a VERY GENEROUS gift from BEN - Thanks again Ben ) ...... I'm ONLY going to be using them, I just LOVE them

[Baloo]

Now come on Stryker, make your mind up. In your earlier post you said you wouldnt be using your other Rev handles much!!

I was going to say that you could give some to me but now you are saying you will need them in case anyone else wants to try flying with you.

I would have thought you would have wanted them to try your best handles to get the best feeling from the experience.

In which case you dont need any other handles than the Ben ones.

(hope you can follw my logic here alleykat)

[antman]

baloo does make a point the ben handles do work good with all the kites

[alleykat]

I really could use a longer set of handles

[Watty]

Hi all,

I am starting to get a collection of Revs now. Rev 1, Exp, Rev 2 and a supersonic. The Rev 2 handles are shorter with a tighter bend. Rev 1 and Exp the same exept the foam bit is thicker on the Rev1. The Supersonic seems to have the same curve but a bit longer. Some have pigtails, (I know this is a usefull mod).

Can I reasonably use any of the handles for any of the kites or are the lengths/bends tailored to suit one better than the other? I have not been able to fly them all enough to do my own experiments as we are in the doldrums here at the moment.

Thanks for any advice.

Regards, Chris.

I have heard that the longer handles are meant for lighter winds (I suppose this is because of the more movement you need to make in light winds). But if you are anything like me, you will disreguard this and play around with different handles and see what you like.

[antman]

well i seen the pic of joe hadzikis long handles i dont know how long they are but hey now im going to make another set im thinking 17 inch how would that work??