8 replies to this topic

[jimfielder]

This past few months I picked up couple of used EXP's to add to my bag. Mostly to have an extra kite in the bag to hand over to a newbie for there first flights.
My first EXP came with a leading edge the same diameter as my 1.5SLE. My second came with the leading edge of 3 wrap rods.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Jim aka boomertype

[monkey]

This past few months I picked up couple of used EXP's to add to my bag. Mostly to have an extra kite in the bag to hand over to a newbie for there first flights.
My first EXP came with a leading edge the same diameter as my 1.5SLE. My second came with the leading edge of 3 wrap rods.

The first EXP was modified to take an SLE (which, takes merely two washers on the end caps ;-) , the second sounds stock.

[jimfielder]

David, so how is the performance different between the two? Does the 3 wrap LE fly in lighter wind?

[monkey]

David, so how is the performance different between the two? Does the 3 wrap LE fly in lighter wind?

Yes, it will fly in lighter wind, plus some of us prefer the flex that the 3 wrap has (as witnessed in John's new signature kite). Once you get used to it, that flex can give you better precision as well.

[RevWizard]

Yes, it will fly in lighter wind, plus some of us prefer the flex that the 3 wrap has (as witnessed in John's new signature kite). Once you get used to it, that flex can give you better precision as well.

I would say:
If you want to be radical, use the SLE rods. It flies hard and fast which is not suitable for pairs or teams
If you want precision, use the .25" 2 or 3 wrap rods. It flies smooth which is great for pairs or teams

John M

[beach]

This past few months I picked up couple of used EXP's to add to my bag. Mostly to have an extra kite in the bag to hand over to a newbie for there first flights.
My first EXP came with a leading edge the same diameter as my 1.5SLE. My second came with the leading edge of 3 wrap rods.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Jim aka boomertype

Jim the kite comes with a 3 wrap quarte inch leading edge.....Ben

[romeosanpedro]

This past few months I picked up couple of used EXP's to add to my bag. Mostly to have an extra kite in the bag to hand over to a newbie for there first flights.
My first EXP came with a leading edge the same diameter as my 1.5SLE. My second came with the leading edge of 3 wrap rods.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Jim aka boomertype

I need help with my EXP. Do you have any tuning tips or bridle adjustments to help me increase my reverse flight?

[RevWizard]

I need help with my EXP. Do you have any tuning tips or bridle adjustments to help me increase my reverse flight?

The main thing you really need is a lot of training and constant wind conditions.
I found when I was learning, I tried flying upside down most of the time. I soon found that I could fly in reverse well.
I would also suggest that you relax and don't think too hard about what your hands are doing or should be doing.
In time your hands will kind of connect directly to what your eyes are seeing and you automatically react.

It also helps if you use the softer EXP rods, which you should have. The harder SLE rods make the kite too radical.
As for the bridle, check that the right side measurements to all points matches the left side as close as reasonable.
As for the sail, check that the looseness of the sail is the same on both sides.

[RevWizard]

The main thing you really need is a lot of training and constant wind conditions.
I found when I was learning, I tried flying upside down most of the time. I soon found that I could fly in reverse well.
I would also suggest that you relax and don't think too hard about what your hands are doing or should be doing.
In time your hands will kind of connect directly to what your eyes are seeing and you automatically react.

It also helps if you use the softer EXP rods, which you should have. The harder SLE rods make the kite too radical.
As for the bridle, check that the right side measurements to all points matches the left side as close as reasonable.
As for the sail, check that the looseness of the sail is the same on both sides.

Another thing I can add is to insure that all your kite lines are the same length, within a few millimeters. It helps!