So for our light winds here, I've been looking into also getting a larger kite to experiment on. I know for starting out I should stay away from a C-kite but this one wasnt even $100 bucks shipped and I'd figure it be fun to play with later on and in light winds.

2001ish 18m SlingShot Fuel?

Not exactly sure the year. Thats one of my questions.

1st - By looking at the picture, is anyone able to identify the year of this kite?

2nd - I going to need new/used lines and bar for this. What size bar and lines would I need? I also would like to add the 5th line. Bladerunner posted a manual/PDF file that shows how to do it.

3rd - Who or what site would have the bar and lines for this kite?

Thanks,
Kevin

I just searched Google and found this:
http://www.kite-lessons.de/2009/07/25/slingshot-fuel-2001-me...
which identifies the kite in their pics as 2001. The marks along the leading edge and the struts look just like yours.

You can see they're flying on a 5th-line bar setup. For an 18m, I wouldn't go less than 55cm in bar width.

As far as where to find the bar, you could search google, search craigslist, post a want-ad on ikitesurf, or check ebay constantly. If it's not the original, you'll have to do some experimentation/tuning to get the kite to fly properly.

Be safe when you put this beast up; old C-kites were not known for their wind-range or stability..

I'd say burritobandit is pretty much spot on. I flew the 15m version of that kite and then bought the following year model. The Slingshot Fuels were considered decent kites back then, the 18 was slow and grunty as I recall. Back in 2001 they were amongst the better kites of the day, but of course, nothing compared to now a days. They weren't designed for a 5th line but there's nothing keeping you from adding one.

Good find BB! I've been searching around for reviews and specs on older SS Fuel kites but found nothing

As for the bar size, I'm looking at getting 2 more kites, one being a - 15m Globe Trix 2008 - and the bar that comes with that one is a 55cm/21in.

So how about lines? The person I purchased this kite from didn't remember what the bar or line lengths were. He mentioned "I believe there is less than a foot diff between the front and back" ....So that really doesn't help. Guessing I'm looking at 20-23 meter lines with the rear line being a foot shorter??? :puzzled:

Again I know this kite will kill you if used with little to no experience kiting. That's why its more like a project kite and when its very light winds, play with it and see how she handles compared to my other "future/newer/non-C" kites.

yeah you just need a big bar i wouldnt worry about getting the exact correct size, just mke sure its big.

Make sure you have some one help you launch and land, and start out in very light winds.

Make sure you know how to get away from the kite when you have to so practice the saftey a couple times

Thanks AirHead and bigkahuna.

I've done lots of reading on this kite how its a death trap and has no safety but no one talks about the bar size and line lengths. One person was saying 27m lines??

I know this kite will try to kill me if I take it out in any kind of wind over 10mph but I so far the wind here has been <10mph. And eventually once I have it all setup, I'll try it out static and do as you recommended, practice using the safety or knowing how to ditch without killing myself. Then take it out for a session on the water once I know how powerful it is and how to get away if needed.

So what would you recommend for line lengths? And also which knots to use?

Also if you know where the manual is at that would be great! Not finding anything earlier than 2005.

I've found 5th Manuals, one on PFK and one from another site.

Attachment: 5thLine_manual.pdf (210kB)
This file has been downloaded 409 times

I have a bar from a 02 16M Fuel. I can measure the width. It has no safety on the CL and it pre-dates donkey dicks.

Oh ya?
U2U sent

Hey Kevin,
Don't you know helo's are more dangerous than C Kites! Take it from a fixed wing guy! They want to implode!
Seriously though, if you are getting a modern bar, then use that. Any 4 line bar will work, but the newer bars have WAY better safety release systems. Much better to have a bar that's maybe a bit too small but really good safety than an old 2001 death bar!
The lines should all be equal length. Again, any newish bar and lines will work.
Fly it just like your Helo, think think think! Think about the conditions, the terrain, and your out and you'll be fine!

Haha Thanks Flyfish and good to hear from another pilot. And by the way, Helos safer than fixed wings :frog:
We won't get into that.

But yes, Im not jumping into a large kite for "my kite is bigger than yours" but b/c of the conditions we have here....very light wind...
Also ride a GSXR 750 motorcycle. Started out small with a 600 and moved my way up with experience. So going to take these larger kites slow and practice autorotations...um...I mean engine outs... ;-)

And I may just wait on the older bar till I get the newer bar and see if its compatible and easy to switch out.

Another thing to consider is how much depower throw to have with this kite. If you have too much depower, you will front-stall the kite and it'll hindenburg. Too little, and it'll be powered up and could backstall. There will be a sweet-spot between where the kite won't do either (given the winds are relatively stable and steady).

When I had my Cabrinha C-kites, the amt of depower throw was only about 5-6 inches. Newer bars usually have at least 12 inches of depower, if not more. If the bar you put on that kite has a stopper ball, use it to limit your throw to prevent stalling the kite.

Wow, well I hate to admit it but that's over my head. Im sure it'll make more sense when I have the kite, bar and lines in hand and can adjust them. Good to know tho! Im sure questions will arise once I am able to tinker with it, but thanks for being proactive and answering them before hand. I'll definitely take all the advise I can get!

I should have mentioned that I only have the bar because I would not dare use it or sell it as is. The safety is all wrong on it with no quick release. You are better off getting a new bar as mentioned above. Sorry for not clarifying. The bar width is 27" so If you want to use this kite it would require a bar that long because I am sure it is a slow turner. I bought mine in 03 intending to get into the sport but it never happened until 09. It is amazing how the technology has changed. You will learn much faster on newer equipment and you will have far less frustration. LEIs and their safety systems got better by about 07.

Ah ok. Ya I have two more kites in mind that are newer than 2007.

This one is just something to work and play with.

2001 18m kite = 2011 12m kite

I wouldn't buy older than 2009 now simply cos the material break down and I'm totally paranoid.

Dude, check out Switch kites - new kite for used prices. Element looks like it could be awesome...

I'm with Kami, unless you get it for almost free and you're absolutely broke, try to get a more modern kite. The newer kites have much better performance / stability and the new releases are much safer. If you do get an old kite, remember that they didn't come with safety releases so you'll need to add / retrofit them. I don't remember my '02 Fuel hindenberging and I always used a longer depower / center line than most people. But as good as it was in 2002, it's nothing compared to my '08 Bularoos. Incidentally, that '02 Fuel was my last LEI before switching to PL's. Back then a Guerilla had more depower and stability than any of the LEI's I tried.

my depower bar with a stopper ball works great for my C-kites ...the stopper ball makes it happen. my naish bars circa 05 are by far the c-kite bar of choice.

narrow sweet spot for sure.

Finally got my hands on the kite today. Looks in great condition. Haven't tried to pump it up yet tho. And not seeing exactly where to add the 5th line.... Using the picture below as a reference - same kite, but 12m.

People used to add a 5th line to the pump leash connection near the center strut. But if I recall correctly, those kites didn't have a pump leash connection, if so, adding a 5th would be a PITA and probably not worth the cost / effort.

If you get us a close-up pic of the center of the leading edge, we could see if there is any hope.. If not, you'd have to sew in some reinforcements to the center of the kite and then the 5th-line connector loop into that reinforced area.. I'm not sure how much that would cost you, but doing LE sewing work is usually sort of expensive when done by a pro-shop. Usually they have to open the LE, perform the work on the affected area, then sew the LE back together.

Ya there is nothing really there to latch it to. Noob thought would be to use a broad line and wrap it around the strut. Below is a picture.

The 5th-line connection point would go where the 1 is in the 18, or a Y-setup could be used as well, but would require more sewing.

I found some diagrams to show the differences: http://www.kiteboardingevolution.com/kiteboarding-kite.html

You might end up having to fly this one in 4-line mode :/

AZKevin .... everyone .... if blade runners 5th line "how to" pdf has pictures, has anyone tried the Switch Kites Warehouse to source parts for a home made bar similar to what Lamrith did for his PL19 VII?????

http://switchkites.com/warehouse_comp/index.php?

Just thinkin this might be of help

Depends on the kite but the old C-kite I had used the pump leash loop as the fifth line attachment point - right in the center of the L.E. there.
Don't loop line around the strut - you'll garrote it when it gets loaded...

"Don't loop line around the strut - you'll garrote it when it gets loaded..."

Thats why I thought it was a noob thought. BUT to my defense is that the 5th has no tension to it UNLESS you are using it to bring the kite down for safety or to relaunch.

You can loop it around the strut no problem.. I set up a 5th that way years ago..
Just use some webbing to spread the load. The 5th is not under much tension..

Spending any money upgrading that kite is a waste..

Dave, I agree. Im not wanting to spend any money on this kite. Its going to be fun to play with but nothing to get deep in. I like your idea of doing some webbing to spread the load. And hey, if it breaks it, no loss really.

AND I just purchased another used kite. The bar and lines will work for the old beast aka 18m SS Fuel.

2009 Best 55cm bar with 27 + 7 meter lines

Sorry I would have spoken up sooner but some early kites had a pump leash attachment that doubled and you sounded sure ?

I paid $35 to have a tab sewn on my old Airush.

You will just keep throwing good money after bad at this kite. Better to spend a bit more and get something newer. Not older than 2005 even on a tight budget !

That PDF I posted was to convert a 4 line bar. Far better to buy a newer / safer stock 5 line bar if you stick with the kite.

All good info and I really appreciate it! Can't wait to play with this beast in light winds and see how she performs compared to my other kite I just bought.
And of course I'll play with adding a 5th line to it eventually if I feel the need.

Thanks again for everyone's input! Really appreciate and know I can count on you guys :bigok: