hello I am basically brand new to this and have just bought a blade III. I havn't been out yet and was wondering if anyone could tell me how to adjust the brakes and or shorten strings or if there is anything else i should know

Have you flown other kites before? That is going to be a handful of kite to learn with. If the kite doesn't want to launch well with more than a tug then your brakes could be a little tight. If you can't use the brakes to get the kite back down in front of you then they are a little loose. You can adjust them at the kite or on your bridle at your handles by adding a knot on your leaders. Let us know how your first flight goes and don't take it out in more than about 7-8 mph winds the first time or two. This kite could hurt you or others around you so be careful. It has the power to lift you and if you are very heavy, not enough float to ease you back down.

i have flown once before on a 3.5m but not a blade and even then my cousins own it so it was already adjusted and up in the air

It's not too tough. As Bbob explained you can add knots at either end. If you aren't sure of the attachment method for the lines search " larks head knot " .

Basically you want the back ( usually smaller, lighter ) lines to hang in a bit of an arc when you aren't applying any brakes. Not so loose that you can't apply them fully but not too tight . That will keep the kite from flying freely overhead .

Bbob is also right about 7 or 8 mph being the best wind to figure things out in. Don't try it in too big a wind at 1st or you will get spanked .

Careful or that kite will kick your glutius maximus--lighter winds perferred and would recommend taking someone with you. You can shorten your brake lines at the kite bridles or at the handles. Id recommend tieing a knot about 5 to 6 inches up on your brake bridle, then tweeking it from there on your handle leaders. Remember to wear a lid, and kite killers. If all else fails, just let go (unless your airborn which in lower winds shouldnt happen). I would caution you taking this kite out in winds 10kts or higher until you have some decent flying time under your belt!

Feral,
You should post where you are located and try to hook with some experienced kiters in your area. You may find there is a group in your area only too glad to show you the ropes and where the best spots to fly in your area are. Having someone around who knows what they are doing is really helpful and can save you hours of time.
Light wind is important but so is steady wind: not shifting direction or speed. Light shifty winds will have you doing the walk of shame.
S

A bunch of kites from Prism Micron to 10m Reflex.

I got out today, I tightened the brakes a few times at the handles but think they are still a bit loose. Thankfully i didn't break anything, the wind varied from 4-11mph when I checked it. The kite seemed to go straight up and satyed directly above me, is this due to the brakes or was there something i was doing? also sometimes when i ws trying to get it off the ground it spiralled uncontrollably, was i in the wrong place realitive to wind direction?
All in all I had a great time but had no control

Here is a spot I have posted my most usefull links for getting started.
http://www.powerkitecanada.com/viewtopic.php?t=31

Start at kitesurfingschool.org and learn about the wind window. If it sits nicely above your head that means you have a good wind for that size of kite.

You were spiralling because you had one sides brake applied and didn't realise it.

You GO GIRL !!!!

I've been out a few times now and I have checked the brakes on both sides of the kite and they seem to be the same and yet when I try to get the kite off the ground it usually spirals (always to the one side) and even if it doesn't spiral it veers to that side until it is directly above me. What is going on?

How are your main lines? Are they even? Maybe bridle stretch? Was there not something wrong with some of the Blade 3's Guy's? I think I may have read something fimiliar To what you are describing here on the forum somewhere. Hang in there and someone will help figure it out. I know it is frustrating Being new. I struggled with my kites at first also.

try flying it 2 lines ( front line ) only. If that works then look and see if your brake bridle is knotted or something. check again that both brake lines are = and so are the leaders off your handles. If the kite won't lift off and sit overhead , the brakes are too short ( or not enough wind ) . If it will go overhead but spinning persists make the brake line on that side longer. Anti clockwise is left brake clockwise is right.

If it won't fly on 2 line then you definately have a bridle problem. Hold it overhead holding on to just the bridle knots and see if there is any obvious stretch.

[Edited on 3-6-2008 by snowbird]

way to break it down for her Snowbird!

I'm grateful for all help I can get because I know little to nothing, btw I'm not a him! :P
no offense taken haha

Sorry miss, mam, It won't happen again.:tumble:

I was going to say something but with "Know it all" stuck under my name I held back ;-)

Feel free to keep asking questions and once again,
YOU GO GIRL !!!!!

Thanks Snow bird! You could have shot me a u2u and saved me some embarassment.:moon:

I once spent a lot of time trying to figure out where a brake line was mis-adjusted at the bridle, only to find out the problem was right in front of me at the handles. The lower pigtail had twisted into a knot with the brake line wrapped on it- effectively shortening it one one side. Don't rule something like that out.

nice to have more female representation in the kite world

Hi,

I am Northern Ireland based also. I have been power kiting for approx 2 years now. Hope you are getting on o.k with your kite. If you find that it is too powerful for you I have a flexifoil rage 2.5 Petrol 2007 I am looking to sell, it is in excellent condition and has been well looked after.

The beach is probably the best location, as it provides the least likely hood of damaging you, your kite or someone else!

If you need any further advice or are looking for a less powerful kite let me know.

Cheers.

yeah i took it down to the beach on monday past with a few friends, there was still some problem with the brakes but i just loosened them and flew anyway. I still have very little control but I'm learning but thanks for the offer.