You know I just have to ask this. I felt it from the first day out. I could tell (and maybe you could too) that in my posts regarding the Rev there was some excitement missing. I thought it was cause the first day was a really bad flying day just trying to figure it (the Rev) out. Then I thought , well the second day the wind was just not there which made it difficult especially for Day 2 of my Revolution Kiting experience. So maybe 2 days of bad kiting were just a bummer. Then came yesterday and today. These were days of decent winds and decent flying time/practice time. I mean I am out there flying the kite. I'm sure my technique is ugly but I am flying left, right, figure 8s, I even did practice inverted today. I even did (don't remember the name) a couple of manuvers where the kite is upside down, high in the window, flies down toward the ground inverted and you stop it, spin it and take off. The maneuver was sloppy, yes, but it's new and exciting right? Or is it??
It's not like I am not actually witnessing first hand what these kites can do. But you know what? So far i just don't feel the excitement or something's different compared to the way I feel during and after flying the 4m Beamer or the 2.4m Sting. Neither of these 2 kites are capable of doing anything close to some of the maneuvers the Rev can do. It's not about that.

So I am wondering... my question to the forum, to you guys with years and years of kiting experience... is it that there are 2 different kinds of flyers, i.e. either your a foil flyer or you're a Rev flyer? Is it that most people go in one direction or the other and rarely share equal passion for both?

Why am I not feelin' the LUV from the Rev 1.5 SLE? Am I just a 4 line foil guy?

From my experience, it is mostly one way or the other. That said, I'll bet you will find more foil guys with a rev or a stunter in their closet then you will fancy stunt flyers with a 5m blade in theirs. I started with framed power stunters when I was in my early teens. I enjoyed trying to fly precise maneuvers (or at least as close to them as my short attention span would let me,) but it always came back to stacking them up, how much pull could I get. I still enjoyed "dog fightiing- aka chasing each others kites around with some hilarious mishaps." But shear power was what I was really after. Almost 20 years later, a buddy mentions he is getting into kites and that rekindles my interest. 9 months and lots of impulse buying later, I am ready to move to the buggy and cant get enough of this stuff. Would I buy a rev? If I had the cash and came across a deal? Probably. Any one else?

I figured out in about an hour that the rev and I just weren't going to get along. I too didn't feel the feeling with it that I get when one of my foils takes off. I see the foils like birds of prey in the sky to be respected for the power they have. The rev didn't give me that feeling and it also didn't seem to do what I told it. Foils and Arcs are enough for me I guess. I still get excited when I launch either one.

My 2-4 Rev is perfect with the Dirtsurfer when the winds are around 20 mph.

Didn't really dig the ground handling/launching of the Arcs.

I like both foil and Revs

I get a real kick out of an ARC curling off the ground and taking flight. It's cool that there are all different kinds of kites for different tastes.

I know a lot of good kiters who are "bi" and fly both, but know a great many more that swing one way or another. Go to any AKA event with a foil and you will immediately feel like a third wheel, banished to some corner of the field

That said, and I've said it before, you can always tell when a Rev flier picks up a foil; even when launching an 8m, they feel compelled to launch then spin three times to the right, then three times to the left and all the while neither their arms nor body ever move.

I am resolved to continue to hone my Rev skills, as I know it will make me a better flier all around

Quote:

Originally posted by acampbell Go to any AKA event with a foil and you will immediately feel like a third wheel, banished to some corner of the field

...and only be able to use it after dark as well :yawn:

Hey ... it is cool to be able to ride a buggy/atb through a field of giant single lines now and then. Best if you know the people/kite club though before doing it since many of their kites have price tags that make a new foil seem like pocket change.

There's a lot of kite flyers out there who only fly single line kites. Some of them take a lot of skill and finesse, along with knowledge of proper anchoring and other tasks.

Everyone who kites has a favorite style to fly... I prefer four lines to two... but now and then break out a flowform and some line art, grab a chair and a beer... and chill :singing::singing:

I am fascinated by the REV thing. never flown one. I have an old diamond stunt and i think elemental for anyone who is interested in the kiting equation.

the difference i think DL is reffering to is a general experience

the stunt flyer......brain /eye/ hands feedback.. more of a thinking experience, input with effect for the most part a demonstration of control.

with foils a graduated full body experience.... where reflexes and balance are experienced the higher parts of the brain are actually turned off and body experience arrives ...the acceleration, the dynamics of movement. this is the geeky part.. with inner ear and balance the lower parts of the brain automatically increase heart /lung adrenal output because it just takes over. that's the FEELING even in the mild of cases even with static on a big stunter.

psychosomatic

we are all just getting hi

some like the cerebral trip

some want the full body elevation

this would be a good stopping point ...its just the wind

I enjoy flying both also. The revs are more technical of a kite and it takes some time to get the hang of them. You can't just pick it up and start yanking on it like a foil.
Some of the best foil pilots I have seen have a background with revs and fly them like pros. To me flying a rev really takes your foil skills to a higher level.

Quote:

Go to any AKA event with a foil and you will immediately feel like a third wheel, banished to some corner of the field

Errr....ummm... Ouch. I think that has a lot to do with the demographic of the local affiliate/hosting club. I think it also has a lot to do with how much free airspace is available at a given event.

At one of my first AKA events, a very large foil was given center stage on the demo field. I believe buggy rides were also given at the event to the general public, which is always a good thing.

As for the corner of field, given how vulnerable Dyneema lines are to the polyester line of single line that is attached to the 8 year old running balls to the walls across multiple marked sections of the flying fields.... well the back 40 starts looking pretty good after awhile.

Quote:

That said, and I've said it before, you can always tell when a Rev flier picks up a foil; even when launching an 8m, they feel compelled to launch then spin three times to the right, then three times to the left and all the while neither their arms nor body ever move.

My friend prefers Decas over Revs. Doesn't really fly foils much, but it is embarassing what he can do with them...truly.

I can't wait until the next "pairs ballet" competition for foils :singing:

ATB,
Sam

Didn't mean to 'dis AKA or members (I am one). You are right, Sam about the need for space. Just that when foils show up at other kite events, they devolve into two very different events somehow.

I should add that I am always made to feel welcome at Treasure Island Festival- we are just forced to be separate.

Quote:

Originally posted by acampbell ... we are just forced to be separate.

Which is probably good thing since your foils could probably EAT their kites.

:D

Donald, I think what most here are saying is this. Most have a two stunt or a rev. We take them out from time to time to dust them off. I believe that if you continue to practice with the rev, it will only improve your foil skills. It can only help with confidence and your ability with the foil.

Revs can/are frustrating at first. Just keep at it, and it will all fall in to place.

Have fun.

The Rev Power Blast series seems like an intriguing compromise to me. But, they also sound like a completely different animal to learn and may only frustrate people used to normal Revs and foils.

I entered serious kiting from the other far end - Fighter Kites - teeny, maneuverable, featherweight single liners!

I guess the need for more speed and excitement led me to the "Dark Side" of Traction Sports! :D

Quote:

Originally posted by ragden Which is probably good thing since your foils could probably EAT their kites.

Do foils like calamari?


Premier Squid Kite

ATB,
Sam

for me flying Rev's evolved to developing precision control flying. i challenge myself to do precise: hovering, turns/spins, stops, slides, and stuff. even with the Shockwave in really high winds. of course i'll put the Shockwave into a series of 360s and go scudding for ever too. for simply power kiting (scudding and working out) foils are the ticket.
*I posted a while back re:buggying and real high speeds (stopping/slowing for turn).
i mentioned how i sometimes find myself getting ready for a turn (in the highest of winds i have experienced) by hovering the kite just off the ground and side sliding it parallel with buggy as i am still moving close to top speed. the technique is not considered the "norm" but it feels so natural for me and works well. the kite is at that position already and i simply turn/spin it 90 degrees and side slide it while i make the buggy turn. it is my first instinct and i must make the effort "not" to do it so much because the technique does not work with kites on bars and i buggy with de-power a lot too.
after your first posts about Revs, it dawned on me where this hover/side slide technique came from. Flying Revs. parked about 10' or less and hovering is where i tend to start/stop Rev maneouvers when doing most of my flying. i don't know any other Rev flyers so the aerial ballet stuff is not a part of my repertoire.
precision work is for Rev power/grunt work is for foil.
saying that, i'd have a go anyday with a large Rev and a buggy.

Quote:

Originally posted by acampbell Didn't mean to 'dis AKA or members (I am one). You are right, Sam about the need for space. Just that when foils show up at other kite events, they devolve into two very different events somehow.

Not taken as a 'dis. so not a problem. Not particularly militant or overzealous about the AKA. Perceptions are just generally funny. I know that among certain groups foil pilots are seen as the "bad boys of kiting".... I expect YouTube can take some of the credit for that.

I used to think SLKs were as boring as all get out. The Blue Moon 61/49 put that theory to rest but good. Very,very active kite.

Even when flying foils, I might have some SLKs staked out, partially as eye candy and partially as aerial scarecrows for the gulls.

I think the number of SLKs, Dual Lines, and Foils I own are running neck and neck with a smattering of Revs, Non-Rev quads and a couple of fighter kites & Roks..... late comer to kites... wind baby all my life.... sigh.

ATB,
Sam

Still have my Griffin, 2 Hawaiians (gotta' love the 80's color schemes,) and 3 Flexi stackers.

We had some wonderful SLS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s painting the sky at JIBE, thanks to Peter Boyton

Lots of us on here are either current or former AKA members. I always looked forward to getting the magazine myself... there are some absolutely beautiful single line kites out there. Anyone who kites will find something they like about it.

In the summer, I like to put a red flowform up with a big red tail and a pink/purple catherine's wheel attached to the line as a marker for where my truck is parked.

I know Rev flyers who don't fly foils... and foil flyers that don't fly Rev's. As long as your getting outside and enjoying yourself, that is all that matters

I see myself evolving in to Rev's as I get older.

Like others, I find that the best foil fliers tend to fly Rev's as well.

I see myself driving circles in my electric wheel chair as I fly my indoor Rev at the Old Folks home !

We are very fortunate to share the same park as our Rev group. We all enjoy + respect each others choices / space.

It's really amazing... I see everyone's point of view and understand each one when I look at each different point of view from outside of my own. Don't get me wrong it's not like after 4 days I hate Revs! It's not that I am so discouraged that my judgement is tainted and I am not thinking clearly. It's a little like BeamerBob said... he knew in the first hour he was not a Rev guy. I also believe that flying a Rev will sharpen your skills, no doubt. Angus says some are 'bi' and Heliboy says most are "one way or another" and I see both perspectives.

This may (or not) surprise you but while I was flying my 4m Beamer today and lovin' it, I was actually thinking about which Rev would be my next Rev. I was thinking it might be a Rev with some grunt... wouldn't that be a Power Blast?

Of all the responses, well let me correct that... these aren't responses, this is 'feedbacS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-... feedback is a response with a whole lotta experience backing it up.. Of all the feedback, I have to say that Phreerider sums it up best for me... I think (now this is for me) it is the full body experience as opposed to the technical experience. I find the Revs to be amazing as the dart from point to point and carve the air. But I am enchanted with the my largest (4m) foil and the way it paints broad sweeping strokes across the sky. I like the way the foils make me swoon

Rev flyers, please take no offense! I own a Rev, will get another Rev, and probably a 3rd... you see I am a collector of things as well but, thusfar, I think I am a foil flyer with an interest in Revs and not the other way around.

As usual, thank you all for your feedback. This forum only adds to this wonderful discovery I've stumbled upon (no pun)

The cool thing is that we have all these options!

Quote:

Originally posted by DonaldLL The cool thing is that we have all these options!

I have both Rev's and foils plus other two line stunt kites and I prefer the rev for static flying. I think between my son and I we have at least one of every rev but a b-series. As it has been commented on better rev skills will make you a better foil flyer but more time flying a foil will make you a better foil flyer also. Living in Ohio we have lots of gusty winds with sudden direction changes the revs allow me to be safer If I am in a park situation because you can control and dump power faster. But a foil will draw a bigger crowd. While I fly my 1.5 a lot my power blast gets pulled out when I want to "feel" the power. Chip's favorite is the 2/4 Blast you can fly it in almost no wind and still buggy with it when the wind picks up.
I was on the road a lot a few years ago and carried a Q-200 foil and shockwave with me to relax and fly mainly at rest stops. Generally flew the foil because it was faster to launch and put away. Also I was looking for power to give me a stretch and some exercise.
They are just different tools to do the same job. If you are looking for another Rev buy the 2/4 Blast it is a lot of fun.

Slightly off topic - I was told by an AKA event organizer that any 4line foil was considered a "traction" kite and violated the AKA insurance.
I assume that it could depend on each event and space available and maybe that persons bias.

Desperately trying to get my hands on a Rev I hate waiting for emails (hint hint)

Variety is the spice of life ... I dug my old 2-line out of the closet the other day - I'm going to refurbish it and play with that too

gbrown

quote;
Slightly off topic - I was told by an AKA event organizer that any 4line foil was considered a "traction" kite and violated the AKA insurance.
I assume that it could depend on each event and space available and maybe that persons bias.

end quote;

Right your are! I fly everything from zero wind indoors, fighters, SLKs, duels, quads and a pretty good ground display

many west coast events I'm invited to to provide such a wide spectra of kiting in many forums and fashion ,different types of flying opens up a wider perspective on kiting and kites but also in how the public see kiting .

no matter what the wind is blowing I'm ready to fly or buggy

Hey Y'all,

I think to me, my kiting is like my motorcycle riding.

In motorcycles, I would be considered a "Rider" because I have ridden it all. Dirt bikes, sports bikes, touring bikes, harleys, race bikes, etc etc etc.

In kiting, I take solace in being a "Kiter".
I have 10x single lines, 18x Stunt Kites, 4x Revs, 23x Power kites and 4 buggies. So needless to say, I enjoy doing anything wind related. I have friends that will only power kite and some that only stunt kite.

So the final conclusion I think would be. Do whatever makes you happy and don't worry about what people think. Come on, we're a bunch of grown adults that play with toys. I don't take myself that seriously.

Cheers
Todd
"Scooter"

p.s. I think the signature says it all.