Power Kite Forum - NASA kite China style

NASA kite China style

Ed Cline - 24-10-2016 at 02:17 PM

Gentleman, found this 4 line on AliExpress. Is it the same a Born? Of course it isn't.

But since my search for a NASA showed me how many successful home made NASA kites worked out well, and since the "try me cost" is fairly low kite only, I'm in for a try.

They need a 100.00 usd for lines and handles. For the same money you can have 25m lines and ProLink handles from Flexifoil. Flexifoil I trust, Chinese handles, well.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4-line-Nasa-kite-sport-kite-...

Randy - 24-10-2016 at 05:19 PM

Let us know how it goes.

ssayre - 25-10-2016 at 08:31 AM

What size did you get? Will this be for static or buggy?

Ed Cline - 25-10-2016 at 09:01 AM

ssayre, I'm going to try a 4m. Please don't go all kite snob on me. I have read enough to know y'all have favorites. I haven't had a buggy ride yet. 5 try's so far but without wind that " I can use. It'll get better soon. I expect bugging with the NASAsia would be even more challenging.

I will use a NASA expression though "Failure is not an option" and static fly it. I am new to this type of kiting, but I am determined. I am also tired of scrubbing grass stains off my blue jeans, so it's got to happen.

I have static flown my Peel 5, Peel 8 a little, 3m twister, 7.7m twisterII, 5.5 new twister, Quadrifoil Competition 4m, and some unnamed China toys. I have a Raider 220sq ft. Sport chute I'm not sure what to do with, I may try to fly it but I'll need to take up drinking first, or something to impair my judgement. :frog:

bobalooie57 - 25-10-2016 at 09:34 AM

I expect you will do fine with 4M, I've flown a few NASA's, and I think they would have to try hard to mess it up. Not too lifty, but pull like a truck. I think my HQ 4.8M is my most used kite.

alf - 25-10-2016 at 09:35 AM

I don't see where is the price of bar and harness ? NASA on deposed bar is great

ssayre - 25-10-2016 at 10:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Ed Cline

ssayre, I'm going to try a 4m. Please don't go all kite snob on me. I have read enough to know y'all have favorites. I haven't had a buggy ride yet. 5 try's so far but without wind that " I can use. It'll get better soon. I expect bugging with the NASAsia would be even more challenging.

I will use a NASA expression though "Failure is not an option" and static fly it. I am new to this type of kiting, but I am determined. I am also tired of scrubbing grass stains off my blue jeans, so it's got to happen.

I have static flown my Peel 5, Peel 8 a little, 3m twister, 7.7m twisterII, 5.5 new twister, Quadrifoil Competition 4m, and some unnamed China toys. I have a Raider 220sq ft. Sport chute I'm not sure what to do with, I may try to fly it but I'll need to take up drinking first, or something to impair my judgement. :frog:

You don't have to worry about any snobbery from me. I haven't bashed any kite that I can think of.

There are some minor differences in kites that I have owned which I prefer, but I have liked all the kites I have owned so far and I don't comment on kites that I haven't flown unless it's answering a very general question.

ssayre - 25-10-2016 at 10:03 AM

4m is a great size to have in a nasa. You might give it a try and with and without z bridle to see which you like better. z bridle would probably make buggy a little easier when starting out.

Ed Cline - 25-10-2016 at 12:42 PM

Thanks for the advice, I saw a pic of a z bridle. Looks like it adds brake input automatically when you pull on a flying line. China hasn't added this accessory yet. So much intellectual property to steal and so little time!

They do offer bars. Just push the button on the website to see their combinations. I have a three line with a bar, it's not much. With China kites you pays yo money and you takes yo chance. When they figure out how much we care about consistent brand name quality they'll be a serious competitor.

I want to at least try my Lynn crossover bar. It works okay, but doesn't seem to take much power off my twisters. I think the kite resents it. I've only just discovered how much the prudent use of brakes can increase my control. Softly, softly, catchee monkey.

ssayre - 25-10-2016 at 01:02 PM

NASAs require constant brake tension to prevent the nose from collapsing. z bridle keeps tension on all bridles making easier to fly. Without out it, you have to balance between power and brake to fly properly. Z bridle has no brand affiliations, it's just general to all NASA. It's not a must have. They are not too hard to get used to without. In steady wind I would go without.

Ed Cline - 25-10-2016 at 01:57 PM

I've heard of steady wind. The kite flyers who've spent time at the beach talk about it .

Ed Cline - 18-11-2016 at 03:57 PM

Mr. Randy, Here is how it went. This is the text of my dispute with the Chinese supplier.
I am sure they will arbitrate it in my favor. I told me so!

"The kite you sent in no way resembles the listed product. The kite I bought has multiple colored panels, which is the advanced design pictured in your description. Instead you sent a kite of the simple design with only three panels, which is less efficient but easier to produce.

The listing photo is not the same kite I was sold, but a photo borrowed from a French website.
http://www.sendrabazar.fr/details.php?crit4=1011&idprod=...
These borrowed photos do not represent what you are selling.

The only choice was size of kite, with no color choice. The only color choice was the combination pictured twice in your listing, which is rainbow colors. Instead you sent a hot pink kite in one color.

Since you misrepresented the product completely in style, construction, design, and colors, I deserve a refund, or supply the kite you picture in your listing. I am sorry for complaining but I must demand you investigate my claim. Thanks Ed Cline, Raleigh NC. USA."

Now I have a 4m Hot pink NASA. It's very pink, and looks well built. Tomorrow I fly my girly girl kite. Maybe it'll be great, I thought it best to post today in case I die of embarrassment.:moon:

Bladerunner - 19-11-2016 at 10:43 AM

You get what you pay for in this sport.

You got a sub par product at a sub par price.

Cheeks - 19-11-2016 at 12:05 PM

Real men wear pink.:P

ssayre - 19-11-2016 at 12:36 PM

With the exchange rate of 1.06 right now the 4m NASA star is $153. Of course shipping adds to it but it doesn't look like you saved much money. Hopefully it flies well enough for you to decide if Pursuing more nasas is what you want. I shopped around and for the money vs quality, it's very tough to beat born kite.

Bladerunner - 19-11-2016 at 07:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

With the exchange rate of 1.06 right now the 4m NASA star is $153. Of course shipping adds to it but it doesn't look like you saved much money. Hopefully it flies well enough for you to decide if Pursuing more nasas is what you want. I shopped around and for the money vs quality, it's very tough to beat born kite.

It is a shame you didn't take the advice you asked for. I have a strong feeling Susan's price would have been very close to that? Born kites aren't much more.

These Chinese knock off companies are bottom feeders who don't give anything to the sport. If anything they hurt us by taking advantage of folks entering the sport and putting them off.

Please let us know if they make good on their satisfaction promise.

Note how their knock off buggy is shown with the wheel bolt falling off. Sort of truth in advertising since that is what they are famous for.

Brant - 19-11-2016 at 08:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Cheeks

Real men wear pink.:P

It's true, I wore a pink shirt to my graduation. Wore another one to my wedding, much to my wife's chagrin.

Ed Cline - 20-11-2016 at 12:42 AM

Mr.Bladerunner,

I think you. confused me with someone else, yeah must be, I hardly ever ask advice without taking it. I was just telling you something I was going to try. Please don't worry too much about me getting discouraged, this steerable aspect of kiting deserves much more attention. Pilot 131317 .
My 3.4m two line led to a 2 and a 3 line 3m, then a couple of PL twisters and 2Peels, and a Quadrifoil. My first three were Communist kites. Can I have some more please?
I will own some better kites as I discover and can afford them.
I have done business with this company in China several times for a 22m soft single line, a 36m soft single line, a 3.5m caterpillar, and an 8' duck..... they'll make good.
I looked at that buggy with the uninstalled bearings and wondered, where would I ever find a part for it, and how strong is it, too much risk for the bug.

I figured 110.00 shipped in 4m was fair for the learner, since its pink I'll pay less.
Yes it's true that there aren't any real bagains in China kites, but I've had fun with mine and they helped me figure out which qualities were important in my designer kites.
First time out was yesterday for this rag. I think I'm in love.

Brant, Okay, its you and me buddy, oh and that panther.

Bladerunner - 20-11-2016 at 10:18 AM

All Good. I am happy that you are enjoying the kite. That is what it's all about!

It just bothers me seeing a company stealing designs and cutting corners.

Ed Cline - 20-11-2016 at 02:07 PM

Okay here's the perfect blend of poor flying and poor video ing. With the iPad leaning on the Dakine harness setup. Nothing but the high class best for you guys.

YouTube link. https://youtu.be/9PVXLOd_Sxg

Be gentle it's my first flight.

adambweird - 20-11-2016 at 02:19 PM

That is a very pink kite! Hook some black light leds to it for some sweet night flying! And maybe, sit on a trash can lid or a saucer sled to protect the jeans, lol.

Windstruck - 20-11-2016 at 02:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Ed Cline

Okay here's the perfect blend of poor flying and poor video ing. With the iPad leaning on the Dakine harness setup. Nothing but the high class best for you guys.

YouTube link. https://youtu.be/9PVXLOd_Sxg

Be gentle it's my first flight.

That actually turned out to be a nice video. I liked how you had a photographer to immortalize the action. Agreed, that is one very pink kite. Remember, a man comfortable with his masculinity can fly any kite there is. One of the best looking Peak-1s as a matter of fact is the venerable black and pink 6m. Highly coveted.

Ed Cline - 20-11-2016 at 03:05 PM

It still feels and looks like flying big panties. Bloomers that lifted me off the ground at steady zenith, but pink bloomers none the less.

adambweird - 20-11-2016 at 03:59 PM

Rock it! Nothing wrong with being different!

ssayre - 20-11-2016 at 04:39 PM

I like it.

Unk - 21-11-2016 at 03:17 AM

You have noticed somebody has pinched your buggy in the video? :lol:

Ed Cline - 21-11-2016 at 06:33 AM

Maybe I should should have posted in lost or stolen?

Randy - 21-11-2016 at 02:00 PM

Hey Ed - fun video. I have bought various kite fabrics in assorted colors, which always included a yard of pink. I hated that stuff and usually reserved it for kites I was giving away. However, I got used to it, and when you get down to it - people generally could care less what color kite you are flying (or even if you are flying a kite at all.) Most of the time they are looking at their cell phones anyway. It could be worse - they might have sent you this one (at least its not pink):

You mentioned in your post that were disappointed that the model sent was a "simple design" with only 3 panels rather than the "advanced design" pictured. It appears to me that the kite in picture is an NPW 5 the same as the one you received. There are various ways to build any kite, and I have made NPW-5's with both 3 and 5 panel construction. Bottom line - should not affect the flying performance in any way. As it is, it looks like you have a pretty powerful kite. As you noted, however, the color scheme clearly isn't what was pictured so perhaps you can get them to refund some of your money.

BTW - if you care to try a little bit of sewing and bridling you can substantially improve the performance of the NPW -5 design by adding extra rows of bridles in the wings and two more darts. This tells what you need to do. I feel like this mod makes the NPW 5 very close to the NPW 9 but it is still easier to fly.

http://users.telenet.be/claeskites/page1.htm

Ed Cline - 21-11-2016 at 03:00 PM

Mr Randy,
Thanks for the video and the link. Good to know I'm not the only one with flying knickers.
The pterodactyls are very alright. I'm going to try my hand at a wala and a frelein? Next summer. Single lines have been the big deal for me until recently. Working a large single line close to the ground is fun, sometimes they'll even look up from the phone if it's close enough.
Sorry I cannot sew, even my stacking loops and repairs are ugly. I will leave the experts to their work.
Why can't you hear a pterodactyl go to the bathroom? Because the pee is silent.

Randy - 21-11-2016 at 05:15 PM

Nice shirt - you should wear it when you are flying your kite!:D

Ed Cline - 26-11-2016 at 05:38 AM

The snaps. I had just met Andre, who asked if he could take my soul with evil black box.

https://youtu.be/nTrlTiYykYk

Randy - 26-11-2016 at 01:43 PM

Goes well with your t-shirt.