New Tech Kites

jdb1007

My headache is that by the time I get home from work, the winds have typically died to nothing - dead calm. I find it a challenge to keep my Flashlight in the air. I spose I could have switched to lighter, shorter lines and adjusted the bridle some on the Flashlight, but rather, looked for another kite to add to my UL collection (it's a great excuse after all).

After a good day flying the Flashlight at Gasworks Park, Seattle, I stopped at the kite shop hoping to purchase a Desire UL. I've read lots of good stuff regarding the Desire and have picked up many great low-wind flying tips from watching Dodd's training video (Excellent work Dodd - it's helped me tremendously!).

Unfortunately, they didn't have them in stock. They did, however, have the Precision Kite Company's Indoor Wren by Jeff Howard. So, here's the review from a newbie with little flying experience (my view).

The Wren came with no instructions or support that I've been able to find, however it's assembly is very straight forward. I found it easy to put together. The quality of the Wren is exceptional in my view (this was before I was aware that it's hand made & signed by Jeff Howard himself). Certainly a step above my entry-level Prism kites (though they're not bad) and on par / slightly above my Big Bang (clearly my most advanced kite).

Since I'm flying it outdoors, I chose 50# Spectra Gold lines that I cut to 30 ft. Figure I can make them shorter if need be. Off to the field I go (middle school football field, 2 min. walking distance from the house, completely vacant on the weekends). The winds are 0 - maybe 2 mph - variable in direction.

I had a ball flying the Wren!! I guess the best part was that with no to very little wind, I was flying a sport kite! I had several people walking the track mention to me that they were amazed to see a kite flying - the winds were mostly dead calm.

I found the Wren to very responsive to my control inputs and provide good feedback on the lines. After an hour or so, I was able to walk 360 degree circles and keep it level in horizontal flight. It tracks very well to me. I also managed a couple up-n-overs, but had help with the wind changing direction. I think if I had a set of 30# 20 ft. lines, the up-n-overs would be easy on the Wren.

The most fun was when the breeze came up slightly; 0.5 - 1.5 mph. Then the Wren felt quick & responsive. I could feel the wind window on the 30 ft. lines and worked on my rudiments (like that term, thanks Dodd). Accomplished many good snap stalls. The Wren seems to axle nicely (very flat), many times on it own accord when the wind completely dies and I'm not moving. Tried to do some flic flacs, but no success. Got the pancake, but not over to the fade (certainly due to my lack of experience). Many times I got it all screwed up and just let it helicopter down. It was fun to drop the lines and walk over and catch it before it hit the ground. Other times I would let it land softly, then practice ground recoveries - I was pleased with my success there.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the Wren. The exercise of flying a zero wind kite is good for me and it's added greatly to my flying time. I now have a kite suitable for indoor flying (should I find a place to do that around here) and outdoors in the 0 - 2 mph range. I have an UL for the 1 - 5 mph range, and my big kites for anything above that. I highly recommend a zero wind kite for anyone struggling with my same headache.

The only downside for me was the cost; $95 at the kite shop. I probably could have found it at a better price, but like having the kite shop locally. Ultimately, I'm waiting for Dodd to develop a better SUL at half the price .

How about it Dodd, any SUL designs in the works?

JDB

P.s. - the headache is gone now, I'm flying and at peace with the world!
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Kitebag Includes - NTK French Connection & Big Bang

Dodd · High Flier Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 184

I am happy you solved your low wind problem for now, sorry I didnt have something for you sooner.

Last year I showed a few fliers in Wildwood and other events one of the many designs I have in progress, which included a few low wind models.

They were put on hold for awhile, but I will see with the GMs help if I can get them back in the air and eventually in production for you.

Modles included light wind and indoor.

Dodd

Theresa · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 4:04 am Post subject: