Date: Fri, 6 Aug 1993 18:09:54 -1000 From: bb11807@medtronic.com (Brian A. Blow) Message-Id: <1993Aug7.040954.28197@medtron.medtronic.com> Organization: Medtronic, Inc. Subject: Newbie questions about a Spin-Off I am considering buying a Spin-Off as my first 'real' kite. I have flown my dad's a number of times and I am hooked. My dad is also a beginner, so I'm asking the net experts for some advice. * The spin-off is available with fiberglass or graphite spars. What do you recommend? * How long of line? Dad uses 200', and I like the quickness/flying area mix. Is there any general rules about line length? What are the advantages of shorter or longer lines? * Is Kevlar the line material of choice? * Dad has a pretty nice set of handles: they have dense foam pads like a mountain bike grip or water-skiing handle. The cushion helps distribute pressure on the hand, but does it significantly affect feel? * Is bridle tuning of the Spin-Off difficult? Is it possible for me to mess it up enough so that the kite is unbalanced? * What do I have to do to care for the sail? Can I store it in the carry bag, or should I spread it out? * Has anyone had trouble with mail ordering? If it is painless and I can save $, I'll order. I'm in Minnesota, so I don't have either mountain or beach breezes. Most of my flying will be in 10-20 mph winds, and they will probably be gusty. This will be my only kite purchase, so is it a good general-purpose kite that is durable enough for rookie crashes but sporty enough for me once I get some experience? BTW I did read the FAQ files, and they were a big help. Post or e-mail responses. Thanks for your help. Brian Blow email: brian.blow@medtronic.com Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN Phone: (612) 574-4030 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 7 Aug 1993 09:04:08 -1000 From: jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu (Jeffrey C. Burka) Message-Id: <240ub8$e2m@umd5.umd.edu> Organization: University of Maryland at College Park Subject: Re: Newbie questions about a Spin-Off In article <1993Aug7.040954.28197@medtron.medtronic.com> bb11807@medtronic.COM (Brian A. Blow) writes: [wrt buying a Spin-Off] >* The spin-off is available with fiberglass or graphite spars. What do you >recommend? Considering that you describe yourself as living in an area with pretty good winds, I'd say go with the fiberglass. It'll handle a *lot* more abuse (between my 6 year old Spin-Off and Hawaiian, with fiberglass frames, I've only ever broken one spar). Graphite is more of a light-wind option. >* How long of line? Dad uses 200', and I like the quickness/flying area >mix. Is there any general rules about line length? What are the >advantages of shorter or longer lines? 200' seems outrageously long. Most line is sold in 150' or 125' premeasured lengths. I'd go with that if space isn't a problem. >* Is Kevlar the line material of choice? Kevlar *definitely* isn't. Spectra-1000 is the fiber of choice and it's available from a number of different companies, including Shanti (Speed line, which many consider to be the best on the market), High Fly (Top Shelf), Spiderline (the original, but not the smoothest braid), and New Tech. Spectra is lighter, stretches less, and is much smoother than kevlar. But it has a *very* low melting point. Don't let your lines touch anybody else's lines unless they're also flying on spectra. Generally speaking, kevlar will cut through anything, spectra can be cut by anything. >* Dad has a pretty nice set of handles: they have dense foam pads like a >mountain bike grip or water-skiing handle. The cushion helps distribute >pressure on the hand, but does it significantly affect feel? Handles like you describe (there are versions by Premier, Shanti, Moran, AFG, and many others) are the most popular sort you'll see. For increased feel, many people keep their index finger on the kite line or the harness that connects the line to the handle. >* Is bridle tuning of the Spin-Off difficult? Is it possible for me to >mess it up enough so that the kite is unbalanced? The Spin-Off has a nice thick dacron bridle that's easy to adjust. It's got a big black mark on it near the sweet spot so you can return it to it's delivered setting pretty easily. >* What do I have to do to care for the sail? Can I store it in the >carry bag, or should I spread it out? Keep it in the bag. Pull the bungees off the arrownocks on the wing tips to relieve stress. Remove the spars completely from the vinyls (don't just pull them out of the t-fitting and then fold them along the leading edge; you'll mess up the vinyls). When you fold it to put in the bag, make sure the sail isn't wrapped around the T-fitting or you could put a hole in it. If the sail gets dirty, just wash it with water. Don't use detergent and don't let a hard stream of water hit the sail. If possible, remove all the sticks and soak it in a tub of water. Removing the entire frame and bridle can be *very* scary the first time. Make sure you have your Dad's kite handy in case you haven't any questions when putting it all back together. ;-) >* Has anyone had trouble with mail ordering? If it is painless and I can >save $, I'll order. Mail order is great if there's no local shop or their prices are out of control (I've been in stores, such as the Great Atlantic Kite Co. in Cape May, NJ, where the prices were well beyond exorbitant). But if you *do* have a local store, I'd recommend frequenting it. Stores can provide much-needed support, particularly to a newcomer. Often they'll give lessons or are willing to help out with things like sleeving line. Jef -- |Jeffrey C. Burka | "When I look in the mirror, I see a little clearer/ | |SAFH Lite [tm] | I am what I am and you are you too./ Do you like | |jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu | what you see? Do you like yourself?" --N. Cherry | = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =