Hello,
I need some advice for my fixed bridle foil kite. The kite is a Peter Lynn Twister II (2) 4.1m. I got a big discount on a package that included a control bar instead of the handles, so I grabbed that one. After attempting to fly several times in adequate wind, I always encountered the same problem. It seems as though the cells in the kite do not fill with air. The kite will NOT launch, in any wind, unless I hold the bar with my left hand and tug the main lines with my right. When I do this, the cells inflate and the kite takes off. Obviously, however, this is not an effective way to fly, and when I have to let go, the kite cannot sustain itself, the cells deflate, and it plummets. I have tried adjusting the bridle settings, and even added a fourth knot, but nothing seems to work. Does anyone have any advice for me? It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I almost wish PL would stop selling the Twister II on a bar !

Your issues are not uncommon and a real pain for new flyers IMHO !

Kites want to FLY on their front lines. You can fly it on front lines only but that is mostly a trouble shooting technique. The trick is to find that balance between front line positive pressure and enough back line input to aid in steering. Set your kite up with the most positive possible front line input. Odds are it will fly but steer like crap. Adjust things so you add tesion to the back lines a bit at a time until they work to your satisfaction.

If I was you, I would be out to get a set of handles. You will get SOoooo much more out of your kite on handles you won't regret the extra $$ I am SURE !!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much! I had a good idea that handles would enable me to fly better. I'll just do that. The kite was sold with a PL control bar for only $10 more, so I thought I'd give it a try. At least I didn't pay something like $70 for it. HQ quad handles are inexpensive, I'll just buy a pair of those. Thanks again!

Now you are set to have fun !

Just a word of warning! 4.1 can be a tricky size. You have a lot of lift and very little canopy there. You are going to want to jump and this kite WILL lift you. I persnonally would not use this kite for jumping because once lifted I don't trust my flying skills or the conditions ( ever ) enough to keep this little guy powered.

Be EXTRA vigilant with it in high gusty winds and avoid spending time with it sitting overhead in those winds. This kite is best kept low.

Don't be scared. It's a great kite ! Just be very respectful of it's lifty / not floaty nature !

Seanny,

If you want some Peter Lynn handles, I have some new sets sitting here. Ship Monday they would be to you Tues. Let me know if I can help as I'm in your neighborhood.

This kite is very strong for it's size, I'd say. It is not my first kite, and I have flown other, bigger kites (Ozone Access XT 8m, LF Envy 10m, Phanny 12m) but I have never had this problem before. The Twister caught me off guard on a gust once static flying when I did manage to keep it in the air, and I ended up spraining my ankle. xD It also has a habit of lifting you then dropping you, like all kites that size. Great fun though. BTW how much are the PL handles? I am definitely interested.

-Sean

Mike- your website construction has "cut out" your accessories page! couldn't find linesets/handles, NADA!

Yes,

I'm getting close but haven't gotten to those pages yet. I'm out for the evening but shoot me an email and i can look up the pricing tomorrow afternoon. I am pretty sure they are between $20--$25

the twister II flies up to the 5m fine on the bar ... however you need to make sure your lines are setup correctly. very simple to do, as you just need to tie a knot into your Bar leaders.

like BR's great advice, you can use handles. I would suggest these first to learn the kite than go back to the bar later if you plan to land kiteboard.

your dealer should help you setup your kite as well and should be able to give you the guidance to adjusting your kite.

Handles are $22.00 USD

I tried tying extra knots in the LE ropes and tweaking pressure on the rear lines, but it's a major pain. I'd rather just get some handles and have it work the way it should, the first time...

Oh, I was offered a direct trade, the bar for a new set of HQ handles (courtesy of Mike). Worth it? I know the bar by itself costs more than the handles, but I didn't pay all that much for it, and it's pretty useless to me. I can't use it with any of my bigger kites, and if I for some reason get another fixed-bridle foil, I'll probably just use handles. Still, I'd like to know what you think.

Thanks to everyone for posting replies.

Cheers,
Sean

I'd just buy the handles, you might want to try the bar again later. Just my 2c.

I think that's what I'll do. I wish I could get it out today... I have yet to test the Twister II on a board, and the wind is blowing at about 20 knots sustained right now... I should be able to get going, I'm quite light.

Thanks for the offer, Mike! I think I'll hang on to the bar. But I would be more than happy to buy a pair off of you from your shop!

Cheers,
Sean

for the handles...it will work better for sure.

I have purchased from Mike and he will take good care of you.

Caution--Thread Hijack......I am in Kerrville not far away if you ever want to get together to board....is there a good spot where you are at?? Biggest I have is one football field.

That is nice of Mike to make the offer. As you suggest, odds are you won't want to go to the bar once you have handles. Trading out isn't crazy?
Having to buy a storage shed to keep your kite gear ??? I bought the shed so I'ld keep the bar :dunno:

Make a crossover bar! They rock

Bahahaha no, I don't think I'll be needing a shed ^-^ Not yet I hope... The moment I realize I need a shed is the moment I realize I just spent all of my college tuition on kiting gear.:shocked2:

Kerville? Hmmm, no, that isn't too far out. I'm still in search of a better spot also. I don't really have a permanent one yet. I live in a small town where people have not even heard of power kiting. The only time they ever say the word "kite" is if it's a cliche term in reference to getting high. :p It'd be nice to have someone to fly with. Hopefully though, I'll be shipping off to college soon... thinking A&M... I know there's a whole lot of nothing surrounding College Station.

Ohhhh, how do you make a crossover from scratch?? I consulted the all-knowing power of Google, but nothing came up :x

Cheers,
Sean

Start here:

Slingshot Turbo Bar!

ATB,
Sam

There's a thread on here EDIT : good one, iWolf

... basically, when you turn the bar it pulls the brake and the front line slightly less so the kite flies nicely. You get a smidgen of control over the brakes by sheeting in and out too ...

Really, if you have all the parts floating around and you like makin' stuff, then do it else just buy an Ozone Turbo bar or the erm other ones :D

Try search cross over bar on this search engine.
Here is one link of many. http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=3107&pa...

Funny thing happened in the kite shed . My extra large Peter Lynn Kiteboarding decal on the wall got damaged.

Now it reads Peter Lynn KiteHoarding ! :bouncing:

I think that was a different Mike. The bar is worth more than the handles. hold on to the bar...as said, you may want to play with it later.

LOL!
Thanks for the links guys ;D

I will definitely give this a shot.
Well maybe. It depends on how much motive an energy I can come up with to tinker with things just to get a 4.1m PL flying :p

I don't want to give up and buy a set of handles just yet. The crossover setup is worth a try. But in the end I'll end up with them.

By the way, where did you get that decal? :piggy:

EDIT: Oh, and yes, that was a different Mike. I feel dumb now. :p Sorry for the confusion.

Cheers,
Sean