I am just now starting to fully accept that I must have one of the early Synergys. I have heard that they work better with extensions ?

If this is the case it would seem to me I need extensions on the back ? Is that correct ?

I have always found I fly this kite heavy on the trim strap and I guess this is why ?

I have always had issues with this kite stopping travel and having to tweek the front lines to wake it up. Yesterday in super low winds I found I was constantly too heavy on the back lines following the dive and stalling.

Am I on the right track ? If so, how long should I make the extensions and what should I be looking for to know I have it right ?

Thanks

Sounds like you are right or your powerlines have stretched a bit with all that high power boosting you do. Do a length check. Either way some rear line extensions will be a move in the right direction.

just got my first arc a few months back (Synergy 15 m). had it out twice..thinking about shortening the De-power Line connections so I won't have to reach so far to the bar...I believe that means I will have to extend the rear lines. 1st time out was in winds around 10 mph, kite would try to stall w/ trim pulled all the way in .was able to pump it back up by pulling on the front lines. Van had suggested to add rear extensions .I thought I read somewhere to add 8 inch rear extensions in lower winds, have not tried this yet. going down to beach in the morning, light winds predicted..might experiment with it and shout back. Herb

I have used 8" extensions on the rear lines since new and for all conditions. I also have all adustment buckles set to 50% and the VPC set to the middle in all conditions. All lines are equal with the trimstrap all out and bar fully pulled in (then add the extensions). It should be very hard to stall with this setup, even at the kites lower wind limit (~10 knots).

Thanks ,

I made up some extensions with multiple knots.

What is funny is that I have gotten used to these quirks. This is my favorite kite in good winds, as is. ( although I ride it heavy on the trim strap. ) This is why I have been on the fence since I heard some early models need the extensions.

8 inches seems like so much ! Almost the same as a full pull of the trim strap ? I thought I read it should be that much. If that is the case it seems I would be flying a very different feeling kite ? Never able to set it to the trim I found perfect before in good winds ? ( about 75% trimmed in ) . I guess I am stuck on the large length of these extensions.

My instinct was to make a multi knot leader from Qline like I did and making the back longer until I hit a sweet spot. Just not certian how I will know ?

As to stretching the lines boosting big like Bob suggested. I think we can rule that one out !

I would think you would want the trim strap all the way out when you feel like you are out of "light wind" territory. Set your pigtails so that's the case. Then you have some trim strap to adjust for lighter or heavier winds instead of just cranking it down and not having any room to trim it out regardless of conditions. I'll be tinkering with all sorts of bridle combos on the new PIIs including trying straight bridles without the VPC. I'll do that the same as you did with adjustment knots to find the optimal length.

I think part of my confusion on if I have to add extensions is because I fly my 18m Phantom with a similar trim sequence.

I had the phanny out yesterday in wind from 6 - 12 kts averaging 8 . 6 kts is just enough to get a ride and I seem to get best results with about 75 - 80% trimmed in ( depowered ) . When the winds picked up to 10 - 12 and I would have expected to trim out to 50/50 I was feeling so much power I was happy to be trimmed in ? It is like I never find the right wind to open my strap on that kite?

It seems similar with the 15m Synergy. Until I got wind of the bad Syn's I thought it was just that my Charger liked a different trim ? ( 50 / 50 )

Looks like today may have a bit more wind. I hope to try the pigtails and see what it's all about !

I think your lines are stretched. When the wind is low you have to trim in to keep from choking the kite. When the wind picks up, you have to leave it trimmed in because you get so much power from the tight rear lines. All this points to needing some breathing room on your rear lines.

You would need it trimmed in at 6 knots but should be letting it out between 8 and 10. Then trimming back in by 12 given the small wind range of the 18. If you are seldom able to pull your bar in very much, that's another clue. Rear extensions will give you some room to work with your trim and your bar position.

BTW, I feel a little conspicuous giving you advice! :embarrased:

I always consider the source Bob. I'm just happy for the input. I am the only one flying arcs around here so ...

Today was another 6 - 12kt day.

I started with the Syn and about 6 inch extensions. 12kts . It was Flying nice but the wind dropped. Swapped to the Phanny only for it to come on strong. Boy could I love that phanny in 12kt winds with some room ! At 12kts I seem to need ( want ) to back go to about 85% depower or as you suggest I'm pushing out too much? At 8 -10 trimed out was nice. My lines seem to measure out OK although a tiny bit longer ( 1/8" ) on one front line.

Looking for 3 days in a row / 4 or 5 in a week. That will be a 1st locally in 2 years ! Getting days in a row is so helpfull when trying to work these things out ! :Ange09:

So you think the extensions helped a bit or too little to tell?

Might have worked a bit but too little to tell. Only 6 inches mind you ! Sweet ride on the Phanny was a good trade off.

:wee:

OK . I am convinced that the pigtails have made a difference on my Synergy. I never measured , just matched and added a few knots. I would say I am at about 7" extension at the moment and have found I finally like the Synergy at about % 50/50 trim. I always enjoyed how this kite flew even before. I just raerely let it out much. I haven't had a chance to try it with them further down but am pleased with the changes so far !

It makes sense I had a bad Syn' since it was a pretty early one. Now I am convinced. Still , I love the kite and am in no hurry to change up !

The 18m Phanny has eaten away at it's low wind start up. Lovin' being powered on that thing in the 10 to 15 kt range!!!!!! SWEET transitions !!!

:roll::bouncing::roll: