40 replies to this topic

[dave sainsbury]

Thanks for your comments

Releasing the bottom lines simply makes the kite head toward the top of the window where it loses lift and occasionally slides backward out of the sky
I was amazed at how gracefully it refound the wind

Probably something wrong with how I attached the flying lines to the bridal

The lower bridle (black) has 2 attachment points along it's length and a loop in the end.
And there is a light weight line hanging from the upper bridle (red)

I have got the message about tucking the vertical rods through the bungies

I also suspect there is something different about how I should "tune" the relative lengths of the upper and lower flying lines

Dave

[dave sainsbury]

Found the answer on another thread.
My lower black bridles were only attached to the bottom end of the centre spars.
The big loop in the end was meant for the outer spars.

The lower ends of my outer verticals were just floating in the breeze

Now I have an inner and outer attachment point for the flying lines and everything makes sense

Duh

Dave

[Baloo]

It aint Duh Dave. If you have not seen One B4 it can be tricky to set up if it is not right in the first place.

Just put a post out to ask how many folks took thier first flights with the down spars on the front of thier Revs. I dare you.

I was One for a start.

[dave sainsbury]

What do you mean?
They don't go on the front?








:-)

[Baloo]

Hang on, let me pick myself up off the floor cuz I laughed so much.

Ooooppps, you ARE joking right?

[dave sainsbury]

Yes it was a joke :-)
Glad to entertain
Consider it a small thankyou for your help.

The other thread had some great drawings of the setup.
Reminds me to always search a question thoroughly before posting

It is raining here today, unusual for late summer in the driest state of the driest continent.
Today's task is to replace the heavy bridal on my old rev 1
I've had it for 15 years, like grandfather's axe.

I had to replace the verticals after a nasty incident
I have just got a race frame.
Made new handles with titatanium
Replaced the flying lines.
Lost the winder, so have a new one of those.

The sail has numerous patches on it where sun damaged fabric simply parted.
Just have to replace the sail and I'll have my old Rev back good as new.

Yes that was another joke.

But I am tempted to replace it with a zen weight sail but not sure if you can buy just a sail.

Dave

[dave sainsbury]

All better now.
10-14 mph relatively steady direction wind
The blast was just glued to the end of the singing lines...beautiful.
I think I am in love

[Baloo]

I have a REAL old Rev 1 that I have retired due to damage, replaced it with a pair of Sedgwicks, full and vented.

Just LOVE the full with Race Rods on 50 ft lines in a steady breeze.

As for the Zen sail only, worst you can do is ask. LOVE my Zen. I understand they work well with Race Rods, however not tried min with anything but the Zen rods as yet.

I am also lucky enough to have 2 Blasts so got the one vented. Cool fun.

[hyzakite]

don't have an actual picture, but here is one I quickly drew up.

Hope this helps.

stan, like so? in post #13

[dave sainsbury]

Can I confirm that the blast bridle has separate top and bottom bridles?

Dave

[awindofchange]

Actually, the Blast has three bridles, one on the top and one on the bottom of each wing. The two bottom bridles are connected to the top bridle with a single line normally referred to as a "down-bridle". Some pilots have removed this "down-bridle" and disconnected the top bridle with the bottom bridles. The claim is that it helps the kite fly a little better without the down-bridle on the kite but I have not noticed that much of a difference either way.

If your Blast is from the factory, it should have the down-bridle attached. This would give the appearance of one single bridle for the entire kite. If you purchased your Blast used, it may have had the down-bridle removed and therefore you would have a top bridle and two bottom bridles.

Hope that helps.

[dave sainsbury]

perfect, thanks

dave

[Doug L]

Ok, I'm almost afraid to ask this question. I'd like to try the race rods in my Blast. Whats the easiest way to remove the SLE center rod?

[RevWizard]

This is a friendly forum not a flaming forum. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
First make sure you have the proper length race rods for your Blast.
Then simply slide the SLE rods out the LE pocket. Slide the Race rods in and slide the end caps over the race rods versus SLE rods where the end caps go on the inside of the SLE rods.
If my explanation is unclear or incorrect I am sure someone will respond properly.

[Watty]

Ok, I'm almost afraid to ask this question. I'd like to try the race rods in my Blast. Whats the easiest way to remove the SLE center rod?

The easiest way to remove the leading edge from the kite is to pull it out of the leading edge pocket will maintaining a bit of a curve in the leading edge.
Here's a tutorial that shows how to change frames:


The video is on a B-Series, but the concept is the same.

[stroke survivor]

If you keep a slight flex to the SLE LE rods, they will remove as a single unit!! Another way is to lay the kite flat, remove one wing end rod, pick up that sail end and put the Race rods in, using the end of the new rods to push the SLE rods out!! Make sure to do what John said, check first to make sure they are the right length!!


Sorry Watty!! Your post came in at almost the same time!!

[Doug L]

Thanks! I'd watched the video before on frame replacement, but didn't know if it was okay to push the ends of the larger rods with the smaller diameter race rods. The center rod didn't want to move doing the bend and pull method, but maybe I'm just being overly cautious of breaking a ferrel or tearing the sail. I'm assuming they're the right length since they just came with the kite but will be sure to check before hand. Thanks again for the help!

[RevWizard]

Thanks! I'd watched the video before on frame replacement, but didn't know if it was okay to push the ends of the larger rods with the smaller diameter race rods. The center rod didn't want to move doing the bend and pull method, but maybe I'm just being overly cautious of breaking a ferrel or tearing the sail. I'm assuming they're the right length since they just came with the kite but will be sure to check before hand. Thanks again for the help!

Let me see if I can describe how to pull it out.
- Remove the SLE rod from one side.
- go to the other end, with the center SLE rod connected properly with the outer SLE rod, place other end of the rod on the floor.
- Press down slightly at about the point where the two rods connect.
- Pull the end of the rod slightly. You should notice that it pulls the center rod with it. If it is not pulling the center rod with it. Reconnect the rods and use more pressure until the center rod starts to move.

Now concerning the push method:
As far as using your smaller Race rod to push the SLE rod, I would be a bit hesitant about doing that. You could theoretically damage the Race Rod. Better is to use an "inexpensive" wood dowel.

[--Pete]

There is a simple way of removing a rod from ANY sleeve: Grab the far end of the sleeve and push the near end towards the hand gripping the sleeve. The sleeve will crumple and the rod will come out the other end. Done!

Anything else is un-necessarily complicated.

[stroke survivor]

Yes, --Pete, that does work, but......, with the Rev having screening at the LE, you run the risk of tearing or at least causing a bit of wear there!! Using rods to push other rods is safer, especially after you've done it a few times!!