Date: 7 May 93 21:22:36 GMT
From: daveb@pogo.wv.tek.com (Dave Butler)
Message-Id: <14776@pogo.wv.tek.com>
Organization: Tektronix, Inc., Wilsonville,  OR.
Subject: Anybody flown the Maxi Edge?

Has anyone flown the Spectra Kite "Maxi Edge?"  I've heard some great things
about it, but I want to hear some more before plunking down the money.

Thus far I know that it is rated down to 2 mph, and that it won the
International competition in Japan in dead calm.  I know that it has
the highest surface area to weight ratio of any kite on the market.  I know
that it is made with 2 wrap advantage rod, and that the top rating is 8 mph.  I
know that Dave Britain, flew one with 10 foot lines inside a television
studio.  I also know the lead time to get one is from 4 to 8 weeks, so I want
to know more. right now! 

I have a friend with one, and we're trying to set up a time for me to fly it
(he definitely likes it), but with with all the rain (and rain and rain) in
Oregon lately (3 rainless days in April, and over well half the average
rainfall for May, by May 5th), we are having some problems finding a dry day,
that doesn't have just too much wind, when we are both free.  Now, since
there is so much lead time on getting one, I want to get as much information
as quickly as possible.  So, has anyone flown one? What did you think?

Is it a gossamer butterfly that you just had to have for your own? Did it make
all your light wind flying that much easier? Did it increase your repertoire?
Was it worth $250? Was a Maxi Edge in 2 mph as responsive as, say a Phantom in
4 mph? Was it better than sex? If not, then was it better than whole, fresh
Dungeness crab with garlic butter, chased by a good micro-brewery ale? 
(Ie: if you were flying the kite and someone offered you crab and beer, would
you have to think about it for a second or two?)

If you've got input, I'd like to hear it.  Thanks.
  
				Later,

				Dave Butler

    Science, freedom, beauty, adventure: What more could you ask of life? 
    Aviation combined all the elements I loved...  I began to feel that I 
    lived on a higher plane than the skeptics of the ground; one that was 
    richer because of its very association with the elements of danger they 
    dreaded, because it was freer of the earth to which they were bound.  In 
    flying I tasted the wine of the gods of which they could know nothing... 
				Charles A. Lindbergh Jr.


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