Date: Sun, 1 Oct 1995 10:21:51 -1000 From: ajs@stairs.nw.att.com (Alan Sparling) Message-Id: Organization: AT&T Enhanced 9-1-1 Development Subject: High wind Rev comparison I got out to the local field yesterday and the winds were in the 25+ mph range gusting into the 30s. A perfect opportunity to try a couple of different high wind Rev I options. Option 1 was my new vented Rev I, option 2 was a standard Rev I sail with a six wrap frame. I flew both kites on 75 foot lines, 150# test top and bottom for the vented kite and 200#/150# (closest set that I had to the set on the vented kite) on the six wrap kite. I moved a single set of Rev I extended handles back and forth between the two kites. The vented kite was amazing, even when the winds gusted into the 30s it remained stable. I was able to hold an inverted hover in the center of the window with little trouble. The pull was never objectionable, although it was certainly there. It was easy to control the speed of the vented kite. The bottom line is that it flew in high winds like a non-vented Rev I in normal winds. I highly reccomend this kite. The standard Rev I sail with a six wrap frame also surprised me. I expected more pull, but it was not there. I don't know if it was the weight of the frame or the lack of flex in the leading edge or both, but the kite did not pull as hard as I expected. However, it was faster and less stable than the vented kite, I would have to describe it as jittery. This is definately a viable option for high winds and is certainly cheaper than the vented kite. This kite would require a better flier than the vented kite to achieve the same results. I think I will practice with this kite in high winds as it will force me to refine my skills. -------------- Alan Sparling Naperville, IL USA ajs@stairs.nw.att.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =