Peter25 - 4-4-2012 at 09:19 AM
So, I bought a used PL Scorpion 13m it flies like a champ! Unfortunately I also managed to cut my hand open (while using the Scorpion) to the point
where I need 6 stitches lol. I've been pretty bummed out that while my hand is healing I can't fly which means I can't learn how to properly use this
amazing kite. does anyone have any tips and or suggestions on how to get the kite in the air without battling it every time or just flying in
general... thanks!
Flyfish - 4-4-2012 at 09:45 AM
Hey Peter,
I've never flown a Scorpion, but I think the best advice is a good pre inflation. Don't skimp there.
When I first was launching I bummed it up a bit and the guys on arc uses set me straight.
Here's that thread
http://arcusers.net/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=607
It's basically pull center lines to raise downwind tip, then transition to the bar for back line steering the kite off the ground. Meanwhile keep
walking backward slowly during the process to keep everything moving fluidly. If the kite starts stalling or doing weird things, go back to some pull
on the front lines.
Hope this helps some. You'll get great help here.
doneski - 4-4-2012 at 09:50 AM
You're kite is not going to launch easily unless it is really inflated. One trick is to use a leaf blower or air pump. If it launches but doesn't
fly right you can use the FAQ to figure out why. The main test is to pull the bar all the way towards you with the kite at zenith (directly
overhead). This shortens the rear lines compared to the front and the kite should stall and start to drift back into the wind window. Let it out
about an inch and it should stop stalling. If not, adjust front lines to make them longer with your flight adjuster until it stalls. Drifting left
or right means that one of the lines is shorter on a side. Someone who knows ARCs would be able to show you this really quickly. Doing it on your
own takes time.
Here's some resources:
ARC set up info. Look at Launching, Landing and My Kite Doesn't Fly sections
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/mx5alan/arcs/ARCsetup_FAQ.htm
ARC forum
http://arcusers.net/
ARC wind range calculator- Gives a rough idea of when it's safe to use your 13.
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/mx5alan/arcs/wind_range.htm
ARCs can be inflated by the wind but I use a leaf blower to inflate. If you try and launch without it being FULLY inflated you'll have problems.
This shows someone using an inflator and then doing a hot launch. Only do hot launches in low winds. Otherwise launch like shown in the ARC set up
FAQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&...
Youtube has lots of set up guides for ARCs.
Go to WildWood next month and you'll see lots of ARCs and get lots of help from great people.
snowspider - 4-4-2012 at 11:08 AM
At the low end of their wind range they are very difficult to launch. Having come from good open cell foil experience I was a little timid of their
size so I kept trying to launch in winds that were too light. Invest in a cheap leaf blower and try in a little more wind. I've been flying mine for a
short while and am still struggling to get it right , I have yet to be able to pull the down wind end up and have it lift up into the wind like I see
on the videos.
Peter25 - 4-4-2012 at 02:12 PM
Thanks for the feedback! As far as anchoring the kite into the ground would I just pull the safety release and anchor the kite with the chicken loop?
doneski - 4-4-2012 at 02:43 PM
To get the kite on the ground pull the safety and it will lose it's shape and float to the ground. You can then put the chicken loop around a ground
stake, get to the kite ASAP and put something like sand or water bottles on the edge of the kite close to you; just like setting up to launch.
Instead of a ground stake you can keep holding the line the chicken loop is attached to and walk to the kite.
Bigbear97e - 4-4-2012 at 07:37 PM
Peter25 .... just a quick preach .... PKF people are big on safety as well as flying ... don't know if it would have saved your hand, but hope you are
wearing a helmet and gloves ... I wear both even static flying 3.0 and 4.5m FB's .... better safe than sorry.
Can't offer any ARC flying tips ... I got the Scorp16 to get lessons and try the d'arc side .... then found this brand new, still in plastic, never
flown Phantom18 and bought it .... kind of a kiting bucket list purchase :bigok: .... still trying to line up the ARC lesson ....
Best of wind to you
Peter25 - 4-4-2012 at 09:41 PM
Thanks doneski that makes a lot of sense! @big bear I actually just bought my gloves today. I have been using my helmet anytime I go to kite and my
knee and elbow pads are being shipped lol. Yeah I normally am pretty safe about kiting I just happened to over look the gloves :/