tamsinward - 29-4-2012 at 05:59 AM
Hi,
I have a bullet flexifoil 2.5 kite which I think is the 2003 model, and we have been having a problem with the flying lines. When we put it up in the
air it just spins around repeatedly... and I was wondering why this might be? And whether it was because the lines need replacing because they have
become stretched?
I am a beginner and so any advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks, Tamsin
beachrights - 29-4-2012 at 06:16 AM
I have the same kite and it sounds like a classic case of different line length. Lay your kite out on flat ground and look at your power lines [ones
on the "top" of the kite] they need to be the EXACT length- even 1/2 inch will cause the kite to turn one way or the other.
Secondly, do the same with your flying lines- do they have multiple knots in them? Check the length.
Somewhere you have a line that is longer than the other.
This kite is kind of twitchy, meaning SMALL inputs need to be given to turn, could you just be overturning it?
AnnieO - 29-4-2012 at 06:49 AM
+1 on above post. I have this exact kite and after having recently putting a newer line set on it went through the same thing. It's no big deal,
just do as described above check all the line lengths first. Once you have done that it's time to "tune" the lines. I would first check to make sure
your brake lines (ones on bottom) are not too tight. The brake lines need a good amount of slack on this particular kite. This may be accomplished
one of two ways. I prefer to just shorten my power lines by placing a knot closer to your hands on the top leader lines of your handles where the
power lines attach. Again, the knots on the leaders need to be the exact same place on both leaders or line length will not be equal. The other way
is if your brake lines are not on a knot at the end of the bottom leaders, then make sure you move the brake lines out as far as you can away from you
on the bottom leaders. It will take some experimentation but this is how kite lines are "tuned." Lastly, Beachrights is correct about the Bullets,
they are very fun but twitchy kites. The smaller ones can be very susceptible to overturning from input that is just too harsh through the
handles-try at little more finesse with your turns, especially if the wind isn't really nuking . Good luck, you'll get it figured out!
Bladerunner - 29-4-2012 at 08:07 AM
If your kite is spinning you can be almost sure the brake line on the side it is spinning is being effected somehow.
Check all lines are equal in length.
Check the bridle for issues.
Check that the knots are equal on handles + at kite.
Start with your brake lines as long as possible. Both should have a bit of slack and arc while flying. Once it is stable on front lines tune in your
brake lines so that you can back the kite down but they don't come into play without your input.
tamsinward - 29-4-2012 at 02:52 PM
Thanks very much for all your help! Much appreciated! I will try the things you have suggested!