Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1993 05:16:31 -1000 From: ye79@gec-mrc.co.uk (ye79) Message-Id: <1993Jul8.151727.28001@das.harvard.edu> Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: Flexis & Peels (wasRe: Side Jumps -- How are they done?) Andrew Beattie writes: > Anything that feels like holding onto an articulated lorry >will do the trick. :-) >A 6.4m Peel probably doesn't give the same max power, but gives it's power >round more of the window and is easier to launch and pack away. They look like a parapent don't they? >I don't like mixed stacks. it's just messy. Good, I glad it's not just me who thinks this. > Don't think that it stops >at 6 10's tho. If I buy any more flexies, I'll buy another 6, to take it >to a dozen (this is beginning to get expensive) but I regret buying >the flexies because Peels are so much better: And this from a Flexi guru! >Tighter turning (on less arm movement) That would be nice. >wider power window >much better max-to-min power ratio These two mean that the kite will pull even when vertically overhead doesn't it? Is this a good thing in all conditions? I've always thought that one of the advantages of the Flexi was that you could relax and have a rest from time to time. And wouldn't it be a bit disconcerting to be lifted vertically off the ground? My 2 sq metre Quadrifoil is like this, and that can feel pretty scary in high winds. >easier to launch >you can stall l them to fly them backwards (eg: for landing) If you can run fast enough you can do this with Flexies :-) >completely soft - less likely to kill bystanders Useful. >not stacked - no stack problems But you're stuck with a fixed size. And no upgrade path. >quicker to setup >more convenient pack size and shape What is the pack size and shape? >cheaper (than equivalent flexi stack) Higher start up cost though (I assume). Therefore a higher initial commitment is required. >slower (this is a significant advantage in buggy racing) I believe you can quad-line them too. I can imagine a Peel would be better for buggy racing, but can you use them for jumping? I wouldn't expect a slower kite to be as suitable for the normal downwind jumps, though thinking about it it would probably be better for side jumps and getting dragged about. >Hmm... Perhaps I should join their sales team :-) Perhaps you could start by giving me an indication of how much they cost :-) I'm beginning to feel as if I'm on a slippery slope. Chris (thinks, perhaps I shouldn't have started this!) -- Chris Willis (ye79@uk.co.gec-mrc) GEC-Marconi Research Centre, Essex UK = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1993 03:31:47 -1000 From: andrew@tug.com (Andrew Beattie) Message-Id: Organization: /usr/lib/news/organisation Subject: Re: Flexis & Peels (wasRe: Side Jumps -- How are they done?) In article <1993Jul8.151727.28001@das.harvard.edu> ye79@gec-mrc.co.uk (ye79) writes: >>A 6.4m Peel probably doesn't give the same max power, but gives it's power >>round more of the window and is easier to launch and pack away. >They look like a parapent don't they? I don't know what a parapent is, but Peels are large, soft with the outline of a thin elipse. >>wider power window >>much better max-to-min power ratio >These two mean that the kite will pull even when vertically overhead >doesn't it? Is this a good thing in all conditions? I've always >thought that one of the advantages of the Flexi was that you could >relax and have a rest from time to time. And wouldn't it be a bit >disconcerting to be lifted vertically off the ground? My 2 sq metre >Quadrifoil is like this, and that can feel pretty scary in high winds. Want to relax? Buy Quick-release handles, park the kite above you and lie down. The limit for doing this for me was the 15m^2 peel at about 15mph on 200' lines. On a normal peel, you shouldn't have any problem. The ability to go easily upwind is too valuable to loose. >>not stacked - no stack problems >But you're stuck with a fixed size. And no upgrade path. Fair point. There are three standard sizes. A serious buggyer will probably end up buying two. Buy the 5m first, then go up or down depending upon your experience. I reckon that a 5m is useful in just about any wind, particularly if you have a choice of line length. >>quicker to setup >>more convenient pack size and shape >What is the pack size and shape? Pack size is probably about 2 litres (perhaps less). The shape is up to you (that's the point) >>cheaper (than equivalent flexi stack) >Higher start up cost though (I assume). Therefore a higher initial >commitment is required. I don't know about that, a Peel is more expenive than a 10' flexi, but a single 10' flexi is just about useless. >>slower (this is a significant advantage in buggy racing) >I believe you can quad-line them too. True, but no-one seems to be doing it. >I can imagine a Peel would be better for buggy racing, but can you use >them for jumping? I wouldn't expect a slower kite to be as suitable >for the normal downwind jumps, though thinking about it it would >probably be better for side jumps and getting dragged about. I only like slow, gentle jumping... they are OK for that. Distance jumping is governed more by how much strain you are willing/able to put on your body. >Perhaps you could start by giving me an indication of how much they >cost :-) I'm beginning to feel as if I'm on a slippery slope. I'll answer this properly with a price list, but first I'll have to get one... Andrew -- Work: gaffer@plx.com Phone: +44 793 614 110 Fax: +44 793 614 297 Play: andrew@tug.com Phone: +44 256 464 912 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =