New Tech Kites

Captain · Wind Seeker Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 1

I watched the video of the Ignitor, Detonator, and Cherry Bomb. I was especially interested in stacking 3 kites together like in the video.
But I'm concerned about the amount of pull you have to deal with.
It looked like the stack of Ignitors was much faster...and the Detonators had much more control.
Which stack is better in lighter winds?
I didn't see a stack of Cherry Bombs...maybe that is getting too big.
What would you recommend Ignitor or Detonator?
Are there directions in how to stack?

Slow Dog · Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 6:10 am Post subject:

There are some generic directions Here

stringystuff · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:28 pm Post subject: stacking kites.

Here is some additional advise to help you with stacking "any kites you
wish to". Consistency is the most important thing!
As a rule, your stacking lines should be approx. 2/3 the length of one
leading edge of the kite.
Next, All stack lines must be Exactly the same length!! The info from the
previous post is good but this will improve it. Each stack line should be
paired with a pigtail, this is a loop with the knot and no line beyond.
I make mine 6 inches long, again, all perfect in length. Attach the pigtails
The pigtails will point rear-ward from the kite and the stack-line will
point forward from the next kite. Intermediate kites will have both of
these attached at all 5 frame positions.
I always stradle the fittings with these lines. Remove the spar, ie: upper
spreader, slip the pigtail loop under the LE, around and straddle the fitting
then put the knoted end thru the loop and pull tight. Do this at 4 spreader/
LE fittings and the center Tee.
Now do the same thing with the stack lines on the next kite. And then
add the pigtails to the second kite. Continue thru all the kites to be
stacked.
Using a larkshead knot, attach each stack line to it's matching pigtail.

I frequently fly, an Adrenaline 7-stack, a Micron 15-stack, recently added
a Vortex (10 footers) 3-stack and some others. It is loads of fun and a
big crowd pleaser to fly stacked kites. Just be prepared for strong pull!!
Good luck, Roger

here are some of my stacks.
http://community.webshots.com/user/stringystuff
click on the "Stacked Kites"
_________________
Roger's Stringystuff

DemingDuck · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:39 am Post subject: New to stacking

Hi, I'm new with kite flying. Want to stack either the beetle or micron. With the beetle, I bought the stacking kit. but I would like to learn how to make them to experiment with other kites. Like joining the Alpha with the beetle etc...
I kind of got the concept but still confuse as to how to attach them onto the kite; and using the pigtails. Do you have pictures? Thanks.

Demingduck

TGunn · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 5:55 pm Post subject: Re: New to stacking

Demingduck,
Read the post directly above your original post. It contains some great instructions for stacking stunt kites. []

stringystuff · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 5:58 pm Post subject:

Hi,
First of all, if you are new to kiting, start out with simple challenges.
It is not generally possible to stack kites of different sizes. They will have
different lift, speed and response for steering. It is just not worth the
effort you would spend for a poorly flying stack.
Second, if you have a Bettle stack line kit why not try that out first??
The booklet should show a little about how to install the kit and by
studying the lines and learning a few basics you could later make
your own.
Read through my previous instructions and relate that to what you have
with the Bettle.
Sorry, I cant find any detailed pictures yet but am looking.
Go ahead and start trying things and it may come clear quicker.

If you have not learned the LarksHead Knot yet it is what you need
most. It is probably shown in the cards that came with your kites.
More later, Roger
_________________
Roger's Stringystuff

TGunn · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 6:19 pm Post subject:

stringystuff · Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 1:29 am Post subject:

DemingDuck · Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 10:57 am Post subject: Thanks for the great tips

Woowww.. Thanks a bunch. I will get started with the train kit lines and go from there. Living here in New Mexico, all we have is wind and dust. But the interest of flying kites have not caught on. I wonder why??? Maybe the lack of opportunities to watch experience flyers performing their art in the sky.
I already have purchase the upper spreader for the Beetle and and wind booster spar for the lower spreader so flying them soon is not a problem. But being so new to stacking, which one is the front kite? The one you connect your lines to or the one that's fartest from you? And can I put the additional upper spreaders to all the kites in the train? Thanks.

stringystuff · Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 1:05 pm Post subject:

Yes, I would put the upper spreader on both kites.
Put the wind booster spar for the lower spreader on the front kite and
this is the one that you attach the flying lines.

Since I dont know how much "searching" you have done I have some
suggestions for you to expand your knowledge quickly.

The AKA calender and the region 7,8 calender will tell you where
kite festivals are scheduled. Whenever there is one nearby you should
go. Yoo will be amazed!!! And anyone will help you if you ask them.

http://www.aka.kite.org/
http://members.tripod.com/~TKOGunn1/kitecalender.htm

Two other great places for information thru forums, articles, links and
purchases are;

http://www.kitelife.com/
http://gwtw-kites.com/

Through these sources you can find access to almost anything and
anyone you want to know about kiting.
So go look, read, learn and Fly. I hope to see you at a
festival or fun-fly soon.

For a look at some of my stacks go to this link and then click on the
"Stacked Kites" photo.

http://community.webshots.com/user/stringystuff
Good luck, Roger
_________________
Roger's Stringystuff

TGunn · Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 1:35 pm Post subject:

stringystuff · Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:35 pm Post subject:

Hi Troy, Yes, I know who you are. I visit your web site often.

WOW, I can't imagine 15 Hawaiians. I had one, when I first started and
found it to be 'brutle'.
I live in Rockport now, we are trying to get a mid-winter fun fly going
but having a little trouble. The park doesnt "reserve" fields or portions
of the beach, so that is a problem with organizing something.
I am retired and on a somewhat limited budget so getting to many
events has been a problem, especially with gas prices!!!

I will watch the calender, San Marcos should be do-able for me.
Also I will be at SPI festival in the spring.
I hope to meet you somewhere.
Roger
_________________
Roger's Stringystuff

DemingDuck · Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:22 pm Post subject: Many Thanks

Great, more kite related vocabulary. I will visit those web sites and get more familiar with kite flying. Looking forward to being in one of the kite festivals.

TGunn · Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:38 pm Post subject: