Date: Thu, 28 Dec 1995 10:23:25 -1000 From: Steve Brorens Message-Id: Subject: Q: Small, V. Fast stunter... I'd like to build a small very fast two-line stunter just for those days when it's *really* blowing. My only current stunter is a "3/4 size" (leading edge spar of about 30") and goes like nobody's business in a good strong wind. This is a lot of fun, and it pulls pretty hard too, and does very smart turns and tracks well. I'm looking at building: - smaller again - less "baggy" sail (less drag more speed?) My current kite (Ground Zero "Slash") is a "Firedart style" with long spine and standoffs. Should I build this same general style? What advantage would there be in buildin a Speed-wing - surely the weight factor would not matter in high winds and I fear less precision without a central "keel". ...or should I just try to get one of those Microns (?) a few were enthusing about here some time ago? - --- Steve Brorens | Phone: (021) 332-289 CommArc Consulting Ltd | Fax: (03) 365-9115 Christchurch | MHS: sjb@COMMARC (via EMXNZ) New Zealand | Internet: sjb@commarc.co.nz = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 29 Dec 1995 03:53:50 -1000 From: fsiegel@linet02.li.net (Frank Siegel) Message-Id: <4c0rte$72f@linet02.li.net> Organization: LI Net (Long Island Network) Subject: Re: Q: Small, V. Fast stunter... Steve Brorens (SJBCOMMARC@emxnz.co.nz) wrote: : I'd like to build a small very fast two-line stunter just for those days : when it's *really* blowing. Steve, I've been very happy with a small kite, made by New Tech, called the "Mini-Lotus" for those high wind days. It has a 4' wingspan, Icarex and Carbon, has standoff, and is a small version of the 6 and 8 foot kites. It is *very* fast in high wind. (small kites are also cheap) I think it retails for about $35. The pull is light, and it will get too fast to control easily before the pull becomes any kind of issue. I've seen, but not flown for comparison, the prism. Frank = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 29 Dec 1995 05:42:32 -1000 From: bluekites@inmind.com (James Ervin) Message-Id: <4c0upe$2pg_001@everything.inmind.com> Organization: In Mind, Inc. Subject: Re: Q: Small, V. Fast stunter... Steve Brorens wrote: >I'd like to build a small very fast two-line stunter just for those days >when it's *really* blowing. Good idea. snip> >I'm looking at building: > > - smaller again > - less "baggy" sail (less drag more speed?) yes, as you reduce drag, your speed will increase and so will lift if your sail if at all efficient. There is then a trade off of reducing drag and optimizing lift. snip >What advantage would there be in buildin a Speed-wing - surely the weight >factor would not matter in high winds and I fear less precision without a >central "keel". The speed wing is in the "near perfect" zone for the drag vs. lift trade off. It will pull a good bit and will be very precise. (BTW, IMHO the keel of the kite has nothing to do with precision, to affect precision the keel would need to be _behind_ the kite in the air flow, not in front of the kite) The Speed Wind will be precise enough for you, but may pull too much. I can send you the plans for a small kite that is framed out of micro carbon, if you are good at guessing the assembly steps then you should have no problem. Email me if you want more information. James Ervin/Blue Ridge Kites/Check out the new kite page at bluekites@inmind.com/ http://www.inmind.com/people/jervin/kites.html (540) 586-9590 And the new Benjamin Kite Cartoon at http://www.inmind.com/people/jervin/ben.html ____________________________________________________________________ Can I go home now? My brain is full. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 29 Dec 1995 16:00:36 -1000 From: mark@murder.compulink.co.uk (Mark de Roussier) Message-Id: <4c26r2$rlq@zinc.compulink.co.uk> Organization: damage Subject: Re: Q: Small, V. Fast stunter... Steve Brorens wrote: > >What advantage would there be in buildin a Speed-wing - surely the weight >factor would not matter in high winds and I fear less precision without a >central "keel". > Well, the speedwing isn't a 'precise' kite by traditional standards - if it loses forward momentum, the sail collapses, lift and control are lost, and it drops out of the sky. It may recover on the way down if the breeze is strong enough, but which way it will be pointing is anyones guess. But when the sail is properly formed, its *extremely* fast and *very* responsive. These two factors again mean that it is not a precise creature - in a strong blow it'll test your reactions to the limit just to spin it a few times and come out pointing towards the sky as opposed to into the ground. If you want a fun kite for a breezy day, its a blast - but don't expect to be able to practice figures with it ! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ************************************ Final thoughts, as breath is taken, Fall to rhythm, and the Edge of pure obsession, Resting in the wind blown cradle, Nothing moves, the world is still... ************************************ = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =