This seems like an easy question for you guys, but Im wondering...

I just got some synergies :wee: and am looking at the launch video and the guy sets the kite up at 45, connects leash only, pull the depower strap in all the way, and launches the kite unhooked, then once its up, hooks in. Being unhooked makes the bar rest against the chicken loop (at full power). So Im basically just pulling the depower strap all the way in to counteract being unhooked?

I saw another video of someone launching hooked in and holding the bar out when launching. Which is better? seems like unhooked I could let go if something is wrong and the kite flags out but I dont have the ability to depower at all (like I would if I was hooked in).

Im probably thinking about it too much, but it'll be my first flight with an arc today! got a 10m and 15m.

FIRST- Make sure the kite is fully inflated before trying to launch this will make launch a lot easier as for hooking in or not- i prefer to be hooked in and then will pull hard on the power lines with one hand and using other hand to modulate the bar- tighter rear lines wil help prevent the evil bowtie. Remember to set up and launch 45% so that the leading edge of the far corner sort of curls up first. The launch assist tabs will help with this.
Scott

I know several of the videos say to launch unhooked but I just don't feel in control unless I'm fully hooked in. Partial pull in of the trim strap and a little bar pulled in and its all good. Your Synergies are easy to launch too. And yes, have your leash attached properly and know how to instinctively pull your safety, then you have the best of both worlds, control and safety.

Thanks guys! the kite sort of launched well but the tips were folding... yeah... I forgot to put the spars in, lol. :dunno:

Then I realized it but when I went to put them in it started raining so I packed up and before I even put the kite in the bag the wind and rain got pretty strong, Im glad I decided to pack it up! Will try again tomorrow if its not raining.

I launch hooked in, at full power. If the kite isn't inflated properly (sometimes this can't be avoided), and the kite is depowered, the kite will go forward and the nose will collapse. The kite then drifts toward the center of the window and inflates. Yank.

When launching, I move the bar to keep the kite from going to fast, until it is visibly inflated.

Quote:

Originally posted by geokite I launch hooked in, at full power. If the kite isn't inflated properly (sometimes this can't be avoided), and the kite is depowered, the kite will go forward and the nose will collapse. The kite then drifts toward the center of the window and inflates. Yank. When launching, I move the bar to keep the kite from going to fast, until it is visibly inflated.

I second Geo on that. I think even the PL manuals say to launch unhooked (as do a few other companies) but for myself and everyone I ride with launches hooked. I'm not advocating one way or another I'm just sharing what we do.

What we don't do is launch at a 45deg angle. We clamshell launch hooked and hot.

http://youtu.be/bMmVygMdJ9o

@Feyd.... question.... when you solo launch from the clamshell what do you have on your tips for weight? I see you gave a yank and then the kite opened up and there is a cylinder thingy left on the ice........

nice way to launch BTW........ first time I have seen an arc launched like that......

unhooked launch is an old c-kite technique.

depower kites kinda derailed that habit. they operate better.

i still do both , hooked in is easy and sets u to jet and go.

if you haven't flown or trimmed an arc for unhooked an arc my be a bit more tweeky if not nicely trimmed