It's now official. After a couple years with fixed bridles, I have finally made it over to D-arc side of things.
With my 16m Venom II and sparkly new Navigator bar in tow, I made it out to the soccer fields today. Winds were fairly steady at 14mph and chilly!
Rolled out the Venom, pre-inflated it, hooked up the bar/lines and gave it the launch. I decided to tether the chicken loop to an anchor to assist in launching, since I am just learning with arcs. This really seemed to be a huge help in launching for a newbie. Besides a couple issues with tip clapping and a little stalling, it wasn't that much of a chore.
I can see why an air blower of some sort would work so much better for pre-inflation. I seemed only able to get the arc 80-90% full with the side zip alone. I'm thinking that was the main culprit for the difficult launch. Once internal pressure increased it flew fantastic. This arc definetly has tons of grunt!
It was unfortunate that I couldn't really find out its potential, since I mearly was flying static. For now I just wanted to get the bar and kite setup properly before I get into motion. Cant wait till the next time I can get out!

Welcome to world of arcs! When inflating just remember to zip and squeeze air down the wing and repeat!I find it kinda strange that you would spend more on the bar than a kite!Enjoy.....aj

I remember my first flight and my first solo launch. Now I have 5 of them. Only 3 bars though. No Navigator. Welcome to the d'arcside.

Action: I purchased the Venom as kite only. I needed a bar, lines and a leash. It seemed like about the time I got a used bar, new lines and a leash, I'm just about to the price of a Navigator already, so I said what the heck. You only live once. The price of the Navigator bar also included lines, extensions and a leash as one package.

The Navigator is a great bar, I really like it ... I had a total 'mare trying to launch a Synergy with it though even fully inflated - 20 knots plus, trust me it was inflated
Found that trimming in 1/2 way made perfect launches every time ...

Welcome to the D'arc Side

The arcs are a unique animal. Auto zenith is a real life saver sometimes when flying my other kites after flying the arcs for a while I forget they won't "fly themselves" and end up dumping the kite. You will find that they really start to perform best in the upper end of windrange, but I have just as much enjoyment playing around at the bottom end too!!! The best part about the arcs is no bridles, and HUGE windrange!!!!! Welcome to the D'arc side!!!!

Cheers
Shaggs

congrats and alwayz make sure you use protection..............................:duh::duh:

welcome to the club mate

I think my shot at soft water is over for the year. Nights have been hovering in the upper 20's to low 30's F. Too cold for my blood! I'll wait for the hard water to arrive.


Thanks everyone for the warm welcome to my arcumcision!

Sound like you are enjoying the kite. I'm happy to see it go to a good home!!!

:wee:


Cheers