Power Kite Forum

PL kites, whats the difference?

Dagon - 2-3-2009 at 02:27 PM

what is the difference between the Bomba, Guerilla, phantom, etc. Is it just aspect ratio or is there more?

nwsurfwakeskate - 2-3-2009 at 03:16 PM

this site is really useful for seeing all the technical differences between the various ARC's

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/mx5alan/arcs/ARCsetup_FAQ.htm

Phantoms were the Highest aspect ARC's ever made which gave them superior upwind, bar pressure, top end and speed but they tended to lack low end grunt and they were a little more difficult to water relaunch.

awindofchange - 2-3-2009 at 07:48 PM

I thought the F-Arc had a higher AR but could be mistaken. The Phantom is a much better kite than the F-Arc though.

tridude - 2-3-2009 at 08:04 PM

AWOC youre right...................FArc was 7.5 AR

WolfWolfee - 2-3-2009 at 09:09 PM

Don't sell the Scorpion's short when it comes to speed. The ability to tune your tips makes a huge difference and they will crawl way out front and pull like a train when set up nicely. Really starting to feel mine out, one little adjustment at a time till I fully understand how it effects performance etc. Sure is fun learning a new kite, everyday is a new adventure.

IMHO the auto zenith is the coolest factor in PL's, not having to land your kite to have a drink or smoke. Here in our gusty inland winds I've just seen nothing handle them like an Arc, they just suck up the gusts. If I had been on a fixed bridle I'd been airborne or on my way to a good OBE...lol

WolfWolfee - 2-3-2009 at 09:14 PM

Most guys I have met seem to like the Phantom's the best in the buggy. It would appear with the AR and the buggy's low resistance its a good match. There is something about the graphics and IMHO they are the best. Very cool in the air and you know what it is there's no guessing.

nwsurfwakeskate - 2-3-2009 at 09:43 PM

according to this site the F-ARC 1200 was 6.5 and the F-ARC 1600 was 7.0

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/mx5alan/arcs/ARCsetup_FAQ.htm

if you're comparing F-ARC 1200 to Phantom 12m then the aspect ratio is the same

nwsurfwakeskate - 2-3-2009 at 09:44 PM

in my opinion the lack of grunt in the phantoms actually gives them better gust muching since they don't have that low end torque to superman you off your butt.

WolfWolfee - 2-3-2009 at 09:56 PM

I would agree they do have a higher AR but with the other changes made with strap adjustment and bridle changes on the Scorpions and Synergy there a different beast. IMHO

acampbell - 3-3-2009 at 06:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by WolfWolfee
Most guys I have met seem to like the Phantom's the best in the buggy. It would appear with the AR and the buggy's low resistance its a good match. There is something about the graphics and IMHO they are the best. Very cool in the air and you know what it is there's no guessing.


Probably nothing illustrates that good point better than this...

http://www.coastalwindsports.com/ZiggySunset.html

Ziggy is part of the Ontario gang at NABX and they are experts with ARC's

WolfWolfee - 3-3-2009 at 07:23 AM

Sweet picture, that is just a beautiful site.

Thanks Angus

BeamerBob - 3-3-2009 at 08:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
Quote:
Originally posted by WolfWolfee
Most guys I have met seem to like the Phantom's the best in the buggy. It would appear with the AR and the buggy's low resistance its a good match. There is something about the graphics and IMHO they are the best. Very cool in the air and you know what it is there's no guessing.


Probably nothing illustrates that good point better than this...

http://www.coastalwindsports.com/ZiggySunset.html

Ziggy is part of the Ontario gang at NABX and they are experts with ARC's


Whoa! That has to be the coolest buggy picture I've ever seen. I love the cool graphics of the Phantom as well. Is there a full res version of that pic available anywhere?

Angus, I remember you talking about racing the sunlight across the desert floor at sunset. That lighting is surreal to say the least.

PHREERIDER - 3-3-2009 at 09:40 AM

nice pic

i run 15p completely wicked out .front leaders are a good meter plus

and trim a little on the main

for land it's hard to beat

lift, speed and slower turning rate

float ...truly the big easy

even in light air its fun

recovery on water if you get it wet is slow

Bladerunner - 5-3-2009 at 04:34 PM

Dagon,
I think what you need to do is get out and FLY one of those Guerilla's you are wondering about. Then you will have a base point to work from. They don't fly a whole lot different control wise to your Frenzy. Just launching and landing take a bit of learning. Then you will get a feel for the bar pressure , auto zenith and such.
From what I understand the newer Arcs are far more adjustable but your kites should give you a feel for arcs in general.

WolfWolfee - 5-3-2009 at 09:25 PM

Funny, same thing I had told Dagon. Take the one you have out and fly it, some people can't get over the size of the kite and others learn to love them. You seem to have a pretty good arsenal already, slow down and enjoy it. In time you'll find your favorites and life is sweet. IMHO

BeamerBob - 6-3-2009 at 04:42 AM

Does the Phantom have the pulley bridle system at the kite or just 2 pigtails?

tridude - 6-3-2009 at 04:47 AM

2 pigtails on each end............checkout the link I sent you................................:lol::duh::duh:

BeamerBob - 6-3-2009 at 04:54 AM

I went through that once looking at the family tree and when models came out, but I haven't looked at it in great detail since I don't have a kite to check it all on. Thanks.