So, I just got to wondering... Did Peter Lynn originally design their ARC kites with AutoZenith on purpose? Or was this maybe designed
unintentionally/by accident and they stuck with it?
I haven't done my research. Peter Lynn Twinskins are the only line of kites to have the AutoZenith feature, yes?
You can always ask the man to his face at the next NABX he attends.
Morrie Williams
Westport, WA, USA
Peter Lynn Comp Buggy
Peter Lynn Peel 5m, 10m
QuadTrac 3m, 6m, 9m
SkyTiger Hi 10, Hi 15, Hi 30, Hi 60
C-Quad 2.2m, 3.2m, 4.2m
Peter Lynn - Reactor II 3.5m, 6.9m
NAPKA - US86
Blokart with 2m, 3m, 4m, 5.5m sails
NABSA - us89nw
AFAIK, PL twinskins are the only kites on the market that autozenith. I'm not certain if PL had this as a goal from the outset, but I'm certain he
was aware of the phenomena since the first Sarcs were developed.
The main factor for autozenith is that the center of lateral resistance of the kite as it falls off to one side is ahead of the center of gravity.
This creates a torque, or moment, that turns the front of the kite up. Tube kites generally have a center of gravity that is far forward of the
center of lateral resistance, due to the mass of the leading edge. This causes them to fall off further. If you are a sailor, it's like describing
whether your boat has 'weather helm' or 'lee helm.'
For autozenith to work, there has to be enough lateral area to develop the turning moment. Other foil kites don't have enough arch or 'C' shape to
present sufficient side area.
Must admit I'm not familiar with newer PL Arcs - haven't flown a Synergy or Charger. But it sounds like the Chargers are light on autozerith, while
steering is really responsive. Makes sense - a property that leads a kite to positive stability in any axis will tend to make it less responsive to
user input along the same axis.
krumly
Flying:
1.5 m Ozone LD Stunt
2.2, 3.2, 4.2 m C-Quads
2, 3, 4, 5.5, 7.5m PKD Broozas
9m PL GII, w/ adjustable rear strap mod
Dual mode mod PL GI 13, HArc 6, FArc 12
Cab 5m Convert, 7&9m Xbow, 12m SB
Lots of stunt kites and a Rev Supersonic
Riding:
Libre Special buggy, PL Comp buggy
Line skiboards, & Lib-Tech Park & Pipes
Cabrinha Prodigy kiteboard
If we ever stop hearing from Krumly all of a sudden, I bet it's because he was taken down by a Peter Lynn undercover operative on grounds of knowing
too much, and plotting to undermine the company. :o
The monthly newsletters on http://www.peterlynnkites.com/news/news_archive.htm go back to 2001. You can follow the history of Arc development in those, along with all the
other developments in show kites, bugs, kiteboats, etc.
krumly
Flying:
1.5 m Ozone LD Stunt
2.2, 3.2, 4.2 m C-Quads
2, 3, 4, 5.5, 7.5m PKD Broozas
9m PL GII, w/ adjustable rear strap mod
Dual mode mod PL GI 13, HArc 6, FArc 12
Cab 5m Convert, 7&9m Xbow, 12m SB
Lots of stunt kites and a Rev Supersonic
Riding:
Libre Special buggy, PL Comp buggy
Line skiboards, & Lib-Tech Park & Pipes
Cabrinha Prodigy kiteboard
Whatever it is, Peter Lynn has been perfecting the formula for years, and has never failed to produce a completely satisfying product. It's neat that
somebody else figured it out, though. But meh. Why buy French when we have Peter Lynn? :D
I think the mandibule and the 1st arcs came out about the same time. Not sure how long they made them but I don't think they have done so for a long
time.
Maybe that new Flysurfer Viron qualifies. Don't know about that patent-pending depower reefing though... gotta think there is enough in the public
domain to make that old news, but maybe certain aspects of their approach are unique.
I got lots of other kites that autozenith - are on one line, though!
krumly
Flying:
1.5 m Ozone LD Stunt
2.2, 3.2, 4.2 m C-Quads
2, 3, 4, 5.5, 7.5m PKD Broozas
9m PL GII, w/ adjustable rear strap mod
Dual mode mod PL GI 13, HArc 6, FArc 12
Cab 5m Convert, 7&9m Xbow, 12m SB
Lots of stunt kites and a Rev Supersonic
Riding:
Libre Special buggy, PL Comp buggy
Line skiboards, & Lib-Tech Park & Pipes
Cabrinha Prodigy kiteboard
For sale! Super stable kite, all new TWO strut design, diamond wingtips, SUPER stable, AutoZenith, MASSIVE depower, variable line length, flies in
almost any wind! Perfect for beginners to advanced riders! Comes complete with kite, line, bag, and struts!
Last weekend I needed to take a breather and warm up after some time in the cold water. Autozenith came in handy as I took a break. Wind was in the
20's and gusty but that did not bother the ARC.
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