Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 12:40:01 -1000 From: davidw@hp-vcd.vcd.hp.com (David Wetchler) Message-Id: Organization: Hewlett-Packard VCD Subject: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions I have been flying Trlby's for a few years and now want to get into something more exciting. I was hoping to get a few suggestions. I am looking for a 3/4 or full size delta stunt kite. Something that performs well in light winds (4-7) and can also be adjusted up to moderate winds (13-18). The kite must also be under $100 (plus line, handles, etc). Any Ideas? I have looked in the FAQ and archives. The Hawaiian Spin Off looks like a good candidate. But how does it perform in light winds? Also, where can I go to get the best prices? David Wetchler davidw@hp-vcd.vcd.hp.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 4 May 1994 05:06:36 -1000 From: davidw@hp-vcd.vcd.hp.com (David Wetchler) Message-Id: Organization: Hewlett-Packard VCD Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions Here I am replying to my own request :) :) :) I went through a bunch of kite catalogs last night and came up with a list of kites. If you have any comments about them please let me know. Reflex 9000 (6', 4-30 mph, $70 with lines & case) Hawaian Spin Off ($99) RazorWing (74", 4-25 mph, $70 with lines & handles) Tracker (76", 4-20 mph, $116) Ultra-Light Cheatah (What is the pull on this kite like?) Still Confused but learning more David davidw@hp-vcd.vcd.hp.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 4 May 1994 11:15:12 -1000 From: bb11807@medtronic.COM (Brian A. Blow) Message-Id: <2q9390$rd9@gazette.medtronic.COM> Organization: Medtronic, Inc. Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions David Wetchler (davidw@hp-vcd.hp.com) wrote (with some deletions): : I went through a bunch of kite catalogs last night and came up with a : list of kites. If you have any comments about them please let me know. : Hawaian Spin Off ($99) The Spin Off is 8' span and rated 5-25 mph, although I think it is frustrating in less than 8-10 mph. Maybe more talented and experienced fliers can get more out of it in low winds. The Spin Off is a great kite, since it gives the thrill of a delta kite at a modest price. Brian Blow email: brian.blow@medtronic.com Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN Phone: (612) 574-4030 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alcohol and mathematics don't mix... Don't drink and derive. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 4 May 1994 18:27:05 -1000 From: jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu (Jeffrey C. Burka) Message-Id: <2q9sip$jgq@umd5.umd.edu> Organization: University of Maryland, College Park Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions In article <2q9390$rd9@gazette.medtronic.com> bb11807@medtronic.COM (Brian A. Blow) writes: >The Spin Off is 8' span and rated 5-25 mph, although I think it is >frustrating in less than 8-10 mph. The Spin Off definitely flies well in winds well under 8mph (I'd put it's bottom around 5-6 for an average flier). Have you tried adjusting your bridles to bring in the nose a bit? >The Spin Off is a great kite, since it gives the thrill of a delta kite >at a modest price. It's also one of the true classics...a worth edition to anyone's bag. Jeff -- |Jeffrey C. Burka | "Everything is still with a fear of never coming out | |Suffering Bad Grammar| Never following through / Never ever finishing | |jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu | What we wanted to do." -- Melissa Ferrick | = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 4 May 1994 15:08:26 -1000 From: mgraves@leadingedg.win.net (Michael Graves) Message-Id: <382@leadingedg.win.net> Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions In article , InterNews 1.0@news.vcd.hp.com. (InterNews1.0@news.vcd.hp.com.) writes: >Here I am replying to my own request :) :) :) > >I went through a bunch of kite catalogs last night and came up with a >list of kites. If you have any comments about them please let me know. > >Reflex 9000 (6', 4-30 mph, $70 with lines & case) Azur makes this kite in a 5mm carbon frame. It seems to my mind the best value of the bunch. >Hawaian Spin Off ($99) Good kite, but a pretty heavy fibreglass frame >RazorWing (74", 4-25 mph, $70 with lines & handles) Don't know anything about this one. >Tracker (76", 4-20 mph, $116) Check out the "Trooper". It's basically a bit bigger version of this kite for about $100. I flew it at the KTA show and it handled nicely. >Ultra-Light Cheatah (What is the pull on this kite like?) Have only flown this briefly, but was not impressed. My 2 bits, FWIW. Michael Graves = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 5 May 1994 09:51:21 -1000 From: uspehmev@ibmmail.COM Message-Id: Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: RE:CONFUSED KITER NEEDS SUGGESTIONS ----------------------- Mail item text follows --------------- > In article , InterNews 1.0@news.vcd.hp.com. >(InterNews1. >Here I am replying to my own request :) :) :) > >I >went through a bunch of kite catalogs last night and came up with a >list of kites. If you have any comments about them please let me >know. > >Reflex 9000 (6', 4-30 mph, $70 with lines & case) I met a guy at the beach who had a Reflexx. He said he had a great deal of trouble with it until he discovered that the bridle was put on uneven. Once he rebridled it, it flew OK. I recently acquired the Tracker and think it is an excellent kite for the money. Dodd Gross proved it can perform in Master Class competition and win. I judged so many in Intermediate Class that I bought one and flew it in Ballet. I was very pleased with its performance. It tracks well (naturally), stalls well and axels well (if you know how to axel) It does fly considerably faster than a Spin Off. (BTW, I agree with Jeff Burka on the wind range for the Spin Off, but it also depends on what it's framed with.) Another excellent little kite is the Trixter, which costs less than the Tracker (Somewhere in the $80s dollar range) It doesn't track as well and hasn't been widely used in competition, but is a lot of fun. Can do most of the tricks. For a beginner, a fiberglass Spin Off may be safer because it's slower and less fragile but I've yet to break anything on my Tracker and Trixter and I've done some pretty crazy things with them. Mark Virgilio (uspehmev@ibmmail.com) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 5 May 1994 18:40:36 -1000 From: brian@nds.com (Brian Dockter) Message-Id: <94May5.214041pdt.8013@rainier.nds.com> Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions On May 4, 9:27pm, Jeffrey C. Burka wrote: > Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions > In article <2q9390$rd9@gazette.medtronic.com> bb11807@medtronic.COM (Brian A. Blow) writes: > > >The Spin Off is 8' span and rated 5-25 mph, although I think it is > >frustrating in less than 8-10 mph. > > The Spin Off definitely flies well in winds well under 8mph (I'd put it's > bottom around 5-6 for an average flier). Have you tried adjusting your > bridles to bring in the nose a bit? I have a kite which is very similar in design to the Spin Off, but it is marketed as a low wind kite. It was the second stunt kite which I purchased (the first being a Skynasaur Aerobat). The biggest difference which I know of, the the frame (made from Beaman Graphite, I think). I have been very happy with it, and still fly it regularly (whenever the wind is too calm for my other kites, which is quite often here in Seattle). In general, this kite works well wind above 2-3mph (well, what do you expect for US $100 :-). I do need to be careful about setting the bridle too high though, or else I pull the kite out of the sky too easily. Brian -- Brian Dockter | Northwest Digital Systems UUCP: uunet!nds!brian | Voice: 206-524-0014 Internet: brian@nds.com | FAX: 206-524-3440 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 7 May 1994 20:25:08 -1000 From: Steve Irby Message-Id: Organization: Delphi (info@delphi.com email, 800-695-4005 voice) Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions The "TRACKER" is the same size as the "TRIXTER", and costs about$20 more. Its extended keel gives it better straight line tracking ability. Worth it if you intend to fly in precision events...or not. The Trixter in 2100 frame and a Tracker in 2400 are a great pair to have in your bag. From 2 to 40 mph you are covered = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 7 May 1994 20:16:12 -1000 From: Steve Irby Message-Id: Organization: Delphi (info@delphi.com email, 800-695-4005 voice) Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions David Wetchler writes: >I am looking for a 3/4 or full size delta stunt kite. Something that >performs well in light winds (4-7) and can also be adjusted up to >moderate winds (13-18). The kite must also be under $100 (plus line, >handles, etc). I suggest you look at the "TRIXTER"from Skynasaur. Designed by Mike Simmons this kite will give you smooth performance, all the moves you can think of and 4-20 mph of range. a qualifier, I am a flyer-rep for Skynasaur in Washington State... Steve Irby steveirby@delphi.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 8 May 1994 16:43:30 -1000 From: stephenr@pipeline.com (Stephen D. Rappaport) Message-Id: <2qk80i$bgd@pipeline.com> Organization: The Pipeline Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions steveirby@delphi.com (Steve Irby ) wrote: > >David Wetchler writes: >>I am looking for a 3/4 or full size delta stunt kite. >Something that >>performs well in light winds (4-7) and can also be >adjusted up to >>moderate winds (13-18). The kite must also be under >$100 (plus line, >>handles, etc). > >I suggest you look at the "TRIXTER"from Skynasaur. >Designed by Mike Simmons this kite will give you >smooth performance, all the moves you can think of and >4-20 mph of range. >a qualifier, I am a flyer-rep for Skynasaur in >Washington State... Steve Irby >steveirby@delphi.com I would suggest the Trooper or Tracker, also from Skynasaur. The trooper is an economy version of the Tracer ($175) for about $100 and the Tracker is a 3/4 (6') model of the Tracer about ($110). The tracer is recommended if you're pretty accomplished. Both fly in the wind range, depending on spars. Stephen D. Rappaport = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 8 May 1994 19:08:21 -1000 From: windwiz@rain.org (Dan Rubesh) Message-Id: <2qkgg5$eeh@coyote.rain.org> Organization: Regional Access Information Network (RAIN) Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions David Wetchler writes: > I am looking for a 3/4 or full size delta stunt kite. Something that > performs well in light winds (4-7) and can also be adjusted up to moderate > winds (13-18). The kite must also be under $100 (plus line, handles, etc). With that kind of price constraint, I'd suggest the fiberglas framed Griffin by Chicago Fire/Condor Kites/It's A Breeze.. The Griffin is a full size (8' wing) Carrington sail and a great performer with a wind range of 5-18 mph (I've flown it in 4).. You should find the 'glas Griffin packaged with a 100' set of 100# recreational grade Spectra blend line and handles for under $120.00 from a mail order dealer (like moi!).. :-) Ob. Disclaimer: I am a stunt kite dealer and carry some of the above mentioned product(s). As such, my opinions may tend to be somewhat subjective. -- Tako Buggy Kichi!! Dan Rubesh AKA Member/Merchant Wind Wizard, Purveyor of danr@crash.cts.com GO Stunt Kites & Accessories windwiz@coyote.rain.org FLY A P.O. Box 5747 (805) 659-5654 (voice) STUNT Ventura, CA 93005 (805) 659-5769 (fax) KITE! Member: Kite Trade Assn. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 9 May 1994 06:51:01 -1000 From: davidw@hp-vcd.vcd.hp.com (David Wetchler) Message-Id: Organization: Hewlett-Packard VCD Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions Thanx for all of your suggestions. I decided to go with the Griffen. It seems to meet all of my requirements. I took it out to the beach this weekend and had a blast. I also flew it at a nearby park with almost no wind blowing. All it needs is something steady. This is a great kite! I recommend getting Ron Reich's book "Kite Precision". It is a good collection of information and tips. Great for a beginner, with lots of info for others too. David = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 9 May 1994 07:56:19 -1000 From: sasaki@das.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki) Message-Id: Organization: Harvard University OIT/NSD Subject: Re: Confused Kiter Needs Suggestions Let me also recommend the Griffin. It's a nice kite and I believe that the fiberglass framed kite is less than $100. A graphite framed kite is around $130... Regular readers of rec.kites can ignore the following, I've said it many times before: No single (framed) stunt kite can be expected to perform well under a wide wind range. Too much compromise is involved at either the high end or the low end. Wind ranges of 5 to 20 are very optimistic. If you don't have the money for two or more kites, find a kite that will fly well in the winds that you expect to fly in. -- Marty Sasaki Harvard University Sasaki Kite Fabrications sasaki@noc.harvard.edu Network Services Division 26 Green Street 617-496-4320 10 Ware Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Cambridge, MA 02138-4002 phone/fax: 617-522-8546 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =