Power Kite Forum

competition xl

sunrisekites - 7-7-2008 at 01:16 PM

I have a competition xl kite that some one has broght into my shop. It doesnt want to fly. I am not familiar with that type of kite. how does this kite need to be set up to fly? we set it up just like the Beamer 4m we have, but it doesnt seem to want to lift off. Any clues as to what we are doing wrong?
Thanks Dean

KYTE SLINGER - 7-7-2008 at 01:20 PM

let more line out on the break lines

welcome to the forum

Bladerunner - 7-7-2008 at 01:26 PM

YES,
It is likely the length of the back lines. ( to bottom of handles ) When they are too tight the kite won't lift off. They should hang with a bit of slack when the kite is sitting overhead. Too loose and you won't be able to back the kite down by pulling in on the bottom of the handles.

KYTE SLINGER - 7-7-2008 at 01:52 PM

Hey blade

would the power ring make any differance if it didn't have them?

I never took mine off

Bladerunner - 7-7-2008 at 07:32 PM

Sorry, I have never had hands on with the Comp series. I go to Ripsession for my info on these old favorites. He or Spelio are likely to have tried them with and without ???

ripsessionkites - 7-7-2008 at 11:38 PM

From my experience on the Comp X Series, you can fly it with or without the power rings.

No Power Rings - stable, i read in the instruction years back it was ideal for beginners to fly at the beginning without the power rings.

With Power Rings - little less stable, more power turn, keeps correct brake tension on the trailing edge

Cant remember that far back, but from memory I only took off the power rings once.

sunrisekites - 8-7-2008 at 07:56 AM

Thanks for the info, I will have the fellow try legnthing out the brake lines a little.

speleopower - 8-7-2008 at 03:23 PM

It's an older kite now and may just be worn out. My older XL is finally getting to the point that it doesn't want to fly well. I think it is due to bridle line stretch coupled with canopy stretch.

Good luck with it.
Scott

ripsessionkites - 8-7-2008 at 07:01 PM

my old XL has been around for like 8+ years and gone through different owners. Its no longer Red but pink. Its no longer crisp, and doesnt hold its shape too well, and a little bagged too.

I guess the lifespan of a kite isnt more than 5 years, the sail material and bridle start to break down by the elements of mother nature.

sunrisekites - 9-7-2008 at 08:17 AM

The kite it self seems to be in very nice shape. It doesnt appear that it has been used very much. It is still very crisp and clean the color is still very bright. So stretching is something I wouldnt think would not be the problem. But we will check it out. Thanks For the input.