I got the chance to run the 3.2m NS3 back to back with the 3m Long Star. It was an interesting shootout - even though the Long Star has the wider window when static flying and it makes a lot more power than the Nasa Star 3, it couldn't match the Nasa Star for speed - which surprised me. They both seem to sit around the same spot in the window although sometimes I really felt the Nasa Star 3 sat a little more forwards. The Nasa Star also responded less harshly than the Long Star when the occasional gust hit it.

I think in a light wind, short course race, the Long Star would have the edge making more power than the NS3. But once you get on a long run, the NS3 seems to have more legs. The Long Star was a little more 'fun' to actively pilot having more 'swoop' and 'whoosh'. - highly technical terms :D

Now there's a video I can sink my teeth into! Thanks for doing that. Was considering somewhat the same thing for next month at IBX (Ivanpah). With that work done now I can concentrate on flying!

Noticed an NS2 snuck in there at the end. I don't know all my NS2 colors; a 4m perhaps? Just having tried them so far on separate outings I'd also give the nod to the NS3 for increased maneuverability; akin to a tighter turning radius on a car. Makes sense based on the way the ripstop is distributed in the two kites.

It was difficult to tell the color, but I think it was green or the ns2 2.5

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

It was difficult to tell the color, but I think it was green or the ns2 2.5

Looked green to me, so the 2.5? I still prefer the vertical panel colors more so than the horizontal. Wish Steffen had stayed with that.

Petty cool how many hang gliders fly off those bluffs! I'd hate to see them tangle up with a kite! :o

Great video and music. I was impressed by that dog (or was it a dingo? )- pretty fast.

Excellent video comparison. I never tire of watching your videos, John.

Thanks John! Another awesome video.

Cheers guys.

Steve, it was the 2.5m NS2 at the end. The wind had come up to about 17 knots towards the end of the session and with lots of dogs and people on the beach I thought I'd put up the 2.5m....I should have kept the 3.2m up. The NS2's/NS3's will pivot on a wing tip very snappily where as the Long Stars tend to turn more like a regular foil and hold good power through the turn.

Randy, it was a Boxer. And the darn thing kept running around me kicking up sand in my face. Probably chased me for a mile completely ignoring the owner's yelling at it.

The last couple of years at 13th Beach has seen HG's and PG's becoming more and more popular. They seem to be there every time I turn up. I usually do my best to keep the kite in the opposite bit of sky to them. I must get some decent footage of them one day....

love the vid john.
your beaches look perfect.
the longstar looks nice,but the nasa always looks like a powerhouse.
i have a boxer and yes its bloody mad as well.
big muscles ,tiny brain he will run until he collapses,then run some more.

Great stuff John!