New Tech Kites

Schook · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 5:55 pm Post subject: Got a Techno

Just received my new kite, a Techno (Trance). Very Happy

I really like the colors of this one. Pictures just don't do this one justice. This is my next step up from the Cherry Bomb and I can't wait to get it in the air. Only been flying for about 3 months so just a newbie. Getting darker earlier and colder here so might not get a chance to fly for a while.

If anybody has any tips for my first flight, let me know.

Thanks for listening
Jim

In the Bag:
Techno
Cherry Bomb

kitepilot · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 4:20 pm Post subject:

OK, Jim. here’s my two cents worth of tips.

First, a little background. Started flying a Flying Wings Beetle 2100+ last May. Upgraded to Techno (Trance) last September and fly it several times a week. My skills include sloppy snap stalls, side slides, turtle, and fade (well, almost). But practice makes perfect, and the Techno helps me do that. I also use the New Jam for learnin’ tricks. I work out the basics of the movements with the big and slow New Jam, then continuously practice the new maneuver with the Techno. (Tie 100’ of crepe paper tail to the center tee and you’ll be scribbling in the sky as you make the kite dance! Throw on a set of headphones with your favorite tunes!)

The Dodd Gross Flight School DVD has been my favorite flying instructor. Including shipping, this DVD shouldn’t cost more than thirty dollars at any online store. The DVD format allows quick reference to everything from beginner’s kite set up to the difficult trick combinations. Follow Dodd’s plan and work hard on the basic stalls and recoveries. Don’t get impatient, and practice, practice, practice!

I joined the San Diego Kite Club. The camaraderie is great, the monthly meetings a blast. Members give me advice and show me different aspects of kite flying (fighter kites and revolutions are a big thing out here). And don’t forget to become an AMA member. The magazine alone is worth the price.

Keep the Cherry Bomb. You can use it at the flight sites to teach someone else the basics. It is a good thing to teach others the pleasures of our playtime.
Plan to buy the Desire UL next, if you agree with my theory. The Cherry Bomb flies well in moderate to heavy winds. The Techno flies well in light to moderate winds. The Ultra Lite for those nearly nonexistent winds. My idea of a balanced kite bag.

Spend lots of time in the kite forums. These are my favorites:
https://newtechkites.com
(read Dodd's Flight School Instruction - On Line)
[url]http://kitelife.com [/url]
(an outstanding e-zine and forum board)
[url]http://aka.kite.org [/url]
(converse with the most well known people in the kite universe)
[url]http://www.gwtw-kites.com [/url]
(a heavily used forum with lots of good advice and ideas)

That’s it, my two cents worth. OK, a dollar’s worth. It’s all my own opinion and definitely not shared by all. Hope it helps you some. Keep it up! kitepilot
_________________
'If a boy can interest a crowd with a little kite, why can't a man interest a whole nation?' S.F. Cody

Schook · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:34 pm Post subject:

Thanks Kitepilot,
Some good tips. I also picked up the Flight School DVD at the same time. I have watched this a couple of times.

Unfotunately I haven't been able to let the Techno have some air.
The wind has been OK, but I thought it would be too hard to dodge the snow flakes. The weather is supposed to warm up the weekend, so hoping for a breeze.

I'm still working on the basics at this point. Snap stalls, side slides, fade etc. I have done a few axles but know I have to get the stalls better first. I've got the fade launch down now, for some reason I seem to always land the Cherry Bomb on its belly Probably not giving enough slack to the kite close to the ground. Needless to say, I have spent a great deal of time on the ground recovery portion of flight school.

Good advice on the range of kites. I already have given some thought to a low wind kite. Frustrating when I finally get the time to fly, but the wind just isn't there. Most likely will wait until next summer to do something about that. I have to give Dodd credit for designing such a durable kite in the Cherry Bomb. Took it out one day when the wind was blowing good and quickly decided that it just wasn't a good trick kind of day. Did a couple of nose plants complete with sending the spine shooting from the kite. Later found out that the wind was 15-20 mph with gusts to 30 (Vented Cherry Bomb anyone?)
By the way, the kite is still in one piece and flying well.

I have been spending some time in the various kite forums. I like New Tech's and GWTW the best. North Dakota is not known as the hot bed of kiting, so not much of a kite club here. But I have found a few people that share my interest.

Sorry this got so long.
Thanks for listening and thanks for the input.

Jim

In the bag:
Techno
Cherry Bomb