30 replies to this topic

[John F]

I was flying in a strong wind and had both 3 wrap and 2 wrap rods in my 1.5. I had the endcaps on the 3 wrap rod ends and the two wraps were held in by friction. This was working fine except the two wrap rods kept sliding becoming exposed past the end caps which of course makes them vulerable. Is there a way to keep the 2 wraps in place. Maybe take a wrap of tape around the the ends of the 2wrap and 3 wrap rod ends. There is about 3/4 inch of rod exposed so that would be easy.

I like the way the kite flies with both rod sets in there but I am worried about messing up the 2 wrap ends.

I know I should buy a vented. Tell my wife.

[AldenMiler]

Ahhhh, easy solution.

Send your B series to me and I will send you my SLE...

-Alden

[Baloo]

Now thats what I like Alden, a good sensible solution. Better still, nope cant think of a better way of sorting it ;-)

(Alden, dont forget once you have the B series dont forget to send me cash as agreed for backing up your advice, I really think a B series is a good swap for a set of SLE leading edge sticks)

[Kitelife]

John, you mentioned the 2 wraps were sliding... Was this during normal flight, or were there some crashes involved?

I've not run into any issues with the spars moving on me, and I fly the exact same kite you have (100% stock).

[antman]

i too have never had a problem with my 2 wrap frames either .. this is a first

[John F]

John, you mentioned the 2 wraps were sliding... Was this during normal flight, or were there some crashes involved?

I've not run into any issues with the spars moving on me, and I fly the exact same kite you have (100% stock).

I think I might have had a couple of hard landings. Most sessions I do experience at least one. I think I will try the tape. I will use about 3/8" wide 1" long on each side just to stabilize and then I will not land hard. See what happens.

[Stone in Shoe Bob]

I think I might have had a couple of hard landings. Most sessions I do experience at least one. I think I will try the tape. I will use about 3/8" wide 1" long on each side just to stabilize and then I will not land hard. See what happens.

Just a thought, but you may find rubber bands a more convenient and less sticky alternative.

[Kitezen]

I've never had that problem either, I would skip using tape or rubberbands, unless absolutly necessary, because that just seems like too much trouble.

[AldenMiler]

Dang, I like the rubber band solution but it probably is going to keep me from trading my SLE for another B Series.

-Alden

[John F]

Dang, I like the rubber band solution but it probably is going to keep me from trading my SLE for another B Series.

-Alden

You could just buy a new set of LE's and presto you have a wanna be Barresi. The is whipped up pretty good and guess I will go try some rubber bands.

[antman]

well rubber bands might work i guess.. as for tape you dont want to do that or you could ruin your endcaps plus there is no need for it.. try tightening you shock cords on your leading edge that might work

[John F]

I found a solution to my concerns. If the 2 wrap slides just beyond the 3 wrap which has the end cap then the end of the 2 wrap is exposed if you land tip first. I do not like that. So I went to Ace and purchased some 1/4" thread protectors and put those on the end of the 2 wraps. Same solution on the bottoms of LE's on 2 lines. I tested today in about 12 to 15 mph winds and it worked fine and I was a little more at ease.

Next in line is get a vented. Please don't tell my wife.

[FortFlyer]

Flew today with a 4 wrap LE in 20-25 mph in both the standard 1.5 and vented it was nice and stiff with that little bend we all love, My SLE rods are now obsolete.

Just another option if your not comfortable with doubling up the LE's

[FortFlyer]

July 8th, Update: I tried 2 x 3 wrap LE's today as it was blowing 30-35 to see how it would handle ( in a reg 1.5 vented ) now while I didn't crash I did put a heavy thrashing on my kite spins, dive stops, along with allot of precision flying and some pairs with my son. we flew for 8 hours and in that time the loose LE did move slightly 2 or 3 times maybe a 1/2 inch so yes it is possible for them to move slightly even without crashing and slamming.

I think your idea if the thread covers is the best for this if it happens your protected, BTW great idea I used it today and the rubber against the end caps seemed to stop the whole slippage issue all together it takes 2 seconds and could save your LE from getting chipped in the meantime.

I give that Mod a A++

[Jim Foster]

John

I sometimes add a 2 wrap LE on top of the 3 wrap I usually use on my vented. I have never had a problem with the 2 wrap moving one way or the other, but I still have the rubber washers on the outside of the end caps as I use the SLE spars in very heavy wind. When I slide the 2 wrap spars in, I have to slide them over the washers, so there is always pressure pushing the spars apart at the ends. Perhaps that is why I have never had the problem.

I think your idea of protecting the ends of the 2 wrap spars is great. I have some 1/4 " vinyl caps, but have never thought to use them for that purpose.

See you at WSIKF. We'll be getting to Long Beach on Monday, the 13th.

Jim

[Watty]

WOW, you're getting there early! I don't tink the fest starts until the 20th (That's when I'm arriving)

[Kitelife]

I'll be arriving on the 20th (Monday), unless iQuad goes to the Niagara Kite Festival (still pending)... In which case, I'll arrive on the 21st.

[Jim Foster]

WOW, you're getting there early! I don't tink the fest starts until the 20th (That's when I'm arriving)

Yes, we plan to do lots of flying the week before the festival, including at Sunset Beach, south of Warrenton with Bob Serack on Friday afternoon, the 17th. We will be joined by quad line flyers Fran and Dick Wilson from Clear Lake, CA. Anyone else?

Jim

[John F]

Yes, we plan to do lots of flying the week before the festival, including at Sunset Beach, south of Warrenton with Bob Serack on Friday afternoon, the 17th. We will be joined by quad line flyers Fran and Dick Wilson from Clear Lake, CA. Anyone else?

Jim

I could go for that one. I will check later for details.

[djinnzfree]

well
stock there's 3 rod right!
when there's strong wind... you put just two more rod???
sorry i had to view to understand...
there's no schema stock than ready for strong wind?
2 rods going down... should put the pro or UL set for strong wind?
i've try to put a second set of rod(3) but the hole seems too small or too tight...
if i was able to put 6 rod in place... how easily i should remove those?

thanks!