Date: Wed, 22 Mar 1995 16:53:59 -1000 From: kweber@libws1.ic.sunysb.edu (Kristin A Weber) Message-Id: <3kqns7$n6q@adam.cc.sunysb.edu> Organization: State University of New York at Stony Brook Subject: 1st time Quad buyer seeks advice Hi, I'm pretty new to stunting (4 mos) and I'm interested in purchasing a Quad-line kite. I thought it wise to ask you kite gurus for a rundown on the basic models with advantages/disadvantages of each. Post, email, or direct me to a FAQ (is there a site for kites somewhere?) There is only one place nearby that sells stunt kites, and they don't know much about quads. Thanx in advance, bill = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 07:16:50 -1000 From: gilchgw@zoology.washington.edu (George W. Gilchrist) Message-Id: <3ksae2$1tlh@nntp2.u.washington.edu> Organization: University of Washington Subject: Re: 1st time Quad buyer seeks advice In article <3kqns7$n6q@adam.cc.sunysb.edu>, kweber@libws1.ic.sunysb.edu (Kristin A Weber) says: > >Hi, > I'm pretty new to stunting (4 mos) and I'm interested in purchasing >a Quad-line kite. Bill, I'm sure you will get lots of recommendations for Revs; I've only flown one once and it was interesting. I've really enjoyed my Ultra from TC Powers. It is a delta that is designed for four lines. I've seen a number of delta's fitted out for quad line, but they certainly don't fly like my Ultra. The kite does most of the stuff any delta can do (although I still don't have the hang of axels with 4 lines...). Beyond that, you can do some pretty cool stuff. The kite spins at high velocity around its midpoint. You can powerdive to inches above the ground, come to an immediate halt and, still nose down, slide across the wind window. You can take off pretty much straight into the air from any position, including nose-down. I think the kite is more attractive than the Rev (in stock form...) and that the tricks look cooler. It is pretty easy to learn 4-line flight on since if you lapse into two-line mode, the kite behaves pretty much like a dual line kite. The kite is very well made; parts and service are inexpensive and quick. The one thing I don't like is that the factory-recommended setup instructions don't allow you to easily relax tension on the sail in between uses. The leading edge is formed into a sharp curve by tension on the sail. TC claims that it is no problem, but in fact the sail will stretch out a lot if you leave it under tension. I've modifed mine so that it only takes about 30 sec. to tension the sail during each setup. Unfortunately, my sail is already pretty well stretched out. In all fairness, it still seems to fly quite well, but it lacks the crispness it had when new. I also have a Minergy (the small Guildworks tensigrity kite) that is a blast but quite difficult to learn on. The big Deca Synergy is a great looking kite in the air and I'm sure it would also make a good choice. I don't think it is nearly as forgiving of poor quad line technique as the Ultra. Cheers, George ============================== George W. Gilchrist gilchgw@zoology.washington.edu University of Washington Department of Zoology Box 351800 Seattle, WA 98l95-1800 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 12:05:33 -1000 From: Doug Foss Message-Id: <3kvfnd$6hq@tequesta.gate.net> Subject: Re: 1st time Quad buyer seeks advice I learned to fly quad on a Peter Powell Omni. I learned the hard way or rather the kite taught me the hard way. I spent 3 hours slamming into the beach the first day. That kite is STRONG! I now have another Omni and a Synergy-Deca UL. I fly the Omni when the wind is up and the UL any other time. Doug P.S. Peter Powell has changed into Caribbean Kite Company. (305) 776-5433 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =