In general, what sort of ripstop nylon is used in making kites? Is there a standard or anything like that? Is it rated in denier like most cloth? I have a friend who is thinking of sewing one, she wants to know if it is typically treated with silicone or some other type of waterproofing. Most of my Ozones don't seem to be too waterproof, although i do seem to remember reading that Flysurfer kites have a waterproof coating. Anyone know anything about this stuff?

thanks!

Ask susan... That woman knows her kites!
theres also a kite making forum... Lol she's on there too

She's kitemaker4 here, and she's made a tone of kites, she'll help ya out!

Most foils are made from coated ripstop nylon. The coatings vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. All of them should be able to shed water. The trademarks for the fabric used by the different manufacturers will also vary.

Dual line kites and Revs are made from either coated nylon or coated polyester.

While the focus is on some of the spendier materials used for paragliders, there's some crossover to the materials used in foils and you might find this article of interest:
http://www.ojovolador.com/eng/read/reports/porcher/index.htm

Material weights for kites is generally measured in grams/oz per meter².

ATB,
Sam

I think this will help, interesting reading anyway!

thanks!

If you friend is really interested in making kites she needs to contact me. I can send her in the right direction to get rip stop material at cost.

Susan (npw goddess)
kitemaker4@hotmail.com

What is termed .75 oz ripstop nylon spinnaker cloth is typical weight for most traction kites. A lighter weight, but more fragile, option is .5 oz ripstop nylon spinnaker cloth.

0.5 oz polyester is usually used in framed stunt kites, sometimes in foils (like the old Quadrifoil Kitesurfer foils). Much lower strecth than nylon and more hydrophobic. The lower stretch of poly in a canopy is not always a good thing because it means loads get transmitted to stitching and seams more directly without absorbing energy.

I've had good luck with material seconds purchased from Kite Studio: http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/

I'm sure Susan has more resources.

krumly