Power Kite Forum

Big Mama Rabbit Tuning?

Brent_P - 30-8-2011 at 04:40 AM

I have had several sessions on my 15m Big Mama and require some advice/direction.

When flying WELL POWERED UP the wing tips have a tendancy to want to fold in. I have the rear lines connected to the "FAST" setting (Closest to the tip) for fastest turning and most bar pressure however it seems in gusts or when well powered and I sheet in on the bar the kite looses shape and the tips seem to bend in (see picture below for example)

Note, this image is for example only, click to enlarge or drag to your address bar...


Note: I have adequate pressure pumped into the LE however it seems that the LE is bending rather than changing the AOA when sheeting...

sparkin_larkin - 30-8-2011 at 09:34 AM

Hey BP
I do not have a Wainman but in general Deltas choke or pinch easily on the rear lines. Try giving it plenty of depower at the cleat and see if that changes things or move the rear lines away from the top knot. This should help. Of course it might not turn like you want but it should not choke any more.
L

tridude - 30-8-2011 at 03:56 PM

whats the overall tuning......upwind, factory, or downwind?

sparkin_larkin - 1-9-2011 at 06:06 AM

I was wonder where Tri was. He can give you the real skinny on this.
L

Brent_P - 2-9-2011 at 05:30 AM

Ok, sorry for the delay, weather was the #@%$#!s and needed to get the kite out of the bag to have a look at the settings.



Link to full size image
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t171/brentpottle/Kiteboar...

Picture speaks 1000 words... Any input is appreciated (tridude?)!!!

tridude - 9-9-2011 at 09:02 PM

Bret,

Looks like your bridal is in the factory setting which is fine...................check line lengths and ensure equal length. Use the top knot on the rear lines. The Wainmans perfer tighter or less slack in the rear lines. Ive never had tip fold issues. After your pumped up try folding one of the tips. If she folds with little resistance try a few more pumps to ensure tip stiffness. I think your tip problems are something simple. Please keep me posted!

DenisLaMenace - 10-9-2011 at 08:12 PM

Brent

only flew the big mama only once, but did not have this problem, and the day I was riding with it, I was pretty well powered.

I own 3 rabbits (Boss, Smoke, Gypsy) and none do it.

However my boss and the big mama I fly them on the upwind setting since they are big kites

your big mama is the default setting which is middle. If I were u, I would give a try on the upwind setting just for fun. it cost nothing, and especially that the BIG Mama is not a kite that goes upwind well for its size

also leave your fast turning setting. the 15m is the slowest turning one. don't change that. BTW closest to the tip is FAST TURNING & LESS BAR PRESSURE

you may also try to give some slack on rear lines, but I ride my Boss on shortest

last thing I should add is I find that rabbit are very powerful for their size (very grunty), and are not necessarily the most fun to ride in their top top end range. in the gusts, you feel them a lot because this sit further in the window

but they are so good in normal range. I love mine

getting wainman 2012 soon



Kober - 10-9-2011 at 09:17 PM

I am just starting to kiteboard so not much knowledge here.... however I have 3 sessions with Big Mama and no issues expect that in 10 mph wind I can't keep kite in one place ..... drops from the sky like a rock ..... when worked I was able to ride upwind along other kiters with downwind / fast turning setting that kite was set to when I got it from previous owner .....
In 20 mph gusty wind bar pressure was making me want to pack up and go .... after few runs I change to 11m and have way more fun .......