Date:	Wed, 5 Jan 1994 06:54:55 -1000
From:	tanaka_be@swam1.enet.dec.com
Message-Id: <9401051652.AA21122@enet-gw.pa.dec.com>
Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Subject: Kite comments

Some years ago, when I first got my California Wasp, I put in an
AFC 2400 frame because the inland winds in Corona, California where
I flew had winds that often blew in the 10 to 20mph range with gusts
of 25+ mph.  A few months ago, Kobi Eshun let me fly his Wasp and I
was surprised at how much better his flew compared to mine.  It finally
dawned on me that the heavy frame I was using was inappropriate for
the smoother and milder winds at the beach where I now like to fly. So,
I replaced some of the spars with old Skyshark 5P's and Easton 330's.
There was an immediate improvement in performance.

More recently, I put a full set of the new Skyshark 5P's in my Wasp, re-
spec'd out the bridle, and put a slightly shorter set of whiskers in.  
Despite the rough winds that this kite has been through, the sail is still 
in excellent shape, and now this thing is just smokin'!  With the old heavy 
frame, my Wasp had a tendency to act nose heavy, and tippy, but with this 
more modern frame, stalls are very steady, and slides, rock solid.  And this 
is with no degradation to the hard snapping turns and quick acceleration that
are characteristic of this kite.  I consider the 5P to be a normal to 
slightly heavy wind spar, but have been able to do 360's in 0-3mph wind on 
150#, 105 foot lines with my Wasp which is pretty good for a kite that is 
just a tad under full size.

A few week-ends ago I had the opportunity to finally test fly a Maxi Edge.
It was an older one with an Advantage 2 wrap frame, and a custom ultra-lite
bridle.  Wind speed at the time was 0-2mph, but mostly no wind.  This thing
has good pull, even with low wind.  I was able to do 360's with it on
200#, 145 foot team lines by mostly just stepping backwards, with only
a short forward run when the kite was directly upwind.  Even with a ten
foot wing span, the Maxi Edge is still pretty agile and responsive and
reacts much like the smaller full size Edge.

Good Winds,
Bert Tanaka
Digital Equipment Corporation
West Covina, Ca.


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Date:	Wed, 5 Jan 1994 06:54:55 -1000
From:	tanaka_be@swam1.enet.dec.com
Message-Id: <9401051652.AA21122@enet-gw.pa.dec.com>
Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Subject: Kite comments

Some years ago, when I first got my California Wasp, I put in an
AFC 2400 frame because the inland winds in Corona, California where
I flew had winds that often blew in the 10 to 20mph range with gusts
of 25+ mph.  A few months ago, Kobi Eshun let me fly his Wasp and I
was surprised at how much better his flew compared to mine.  It finally
dawned on me that the heavy frame I was using was inappropriate for
the smoother and milder winds at the beach where I now like to fly. So,
I replaced some of the spars with old Skyshark 5P's and Easton 330's.
There was an immediate improvement in performance.

More recently, I put a full set of the new Skyshark 5P's in my Wasp, re-
spec'd out the bridle, and put a slightly shorter set of whiskers in.  
Despite the rough winds that this kite has been through, the sail is still 
in excellent shape, and now this thing is just smokin'!  With the old heavy 
frame, my Wasp had a tendency to act nose heavy, and tippy, but with this 
more modern frame, stalls are very steady, and slides, rock solid.  And this 
is with no degradation to the hard snapping turns and quick acceleration that
are characteristic of this kite.  I consider the 5P to be a normal to 
slightly heavy wind spar, but have been able to do 360's in 0-3mph wind on 
150#, 105 foot lines with my Wasp which is pretty good for a kite that is 
just a tad under full size.

A few week-ends ago I had the opportunity to finally test fly a Maxi Edge.
It was an older one with an Advantage 2 wrap frame, and a custom ultra-lite
bridle.  Wind speed at the time was 0-2mph, but mostly no wind.  This thing
has good pull, even with low wind.  I was able to do 360's with it on
200#, 145 foot team lines by mostly just stepping backwards, with only
a short forward run when the kite was directly upwind.  Even with a ten
foot wing span, the Maxi Edge is still pretty agile and responsive and
reacts much like the smaller full size Edge.

Good Winds,
Bert Tanaka
Digital Equipment Corporation
West Covina, Ca.


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