Setting up your kite...
leading edge assembly
Click on the thumbnail image for a larger picture.
top of pageI've added a short video on tensioning your wingtips.
leading edge tension...
The leading edges on our sport kites are encased in either 3.9oz Dacron or 1.5oz. nylon. The perfect tension is one that just takes the puckers out of the leading edge. Over-tensioning your leading edge will cause the fabric to stretch prematurely.
We ship kites with the leading edges properly tensioned, but the fabrics may stretch slightly over time. If you need to re-tension the leading edge, loosen and re-tie the overhand knot.
If you need to make small adjustments to L/E tension, just put a couple twists in the closed-end loop before you hook it over the nock.
Please note that the nylon used in our UL kites will expand when wet and may cause temporary less-than-optimal tension. Please don't re-tension the leading edge of your kite when it's wet. The nylon will recover to its original size as you kite dries out.
standoffs...
- When we ship our kites, the standoffs are not attached to the sail. To install them, just twist and gently push into position.
- We don't recommend removing the standoffs on a regular basis. Doing so could prematurely stretch the holes.
- With the exception of the outer standoffs for the Mamba, the sail-side standoff fitting doesn't get or need an o-ring. The o-rings are for the tail ballast kit.
- The standoffs on all of our kites cant inward slightly. This isn't a mistake, it helps push the spreaders into the T fitting.
- Mamba - Shorter carbon standoff next to spine, long carbon in the middle, thin fiberglass at the wingtips. The fitting for the wingtip standoff should point down (parallel to the spine).
• Fittings (measured from the center T to the inside edge) should be at 6 3/8"(8.6cm), 14 5/8"(37.2cm) & 28 5/8"(72.8cm)
Mantis - As of 8/06, both standoffs are the same length. If your kite has one standoff longer than the other, the shorter one should go towards the spine. Recommended initial setup is with both standoffs in the center reinforcement hole.
• Fittings (measured from the center T to the inside edge) should be at 9 1/8"(23.2cm) & 15 7/8"(40.3cm)
Exile - Shorter standoff goes nearest the spine. Again, recommended initial setup is with both standoffs in the center reinforcement hole.
• Fittings (measured from the center T to the inside edge) should be at 8 1/2"(21.5cm) & 15 1/8"(38.5cm
knots...
This is the knot we use to attach two lines together that need to be adjustable. An example would be the tow-point pigtail.
The sheet bend is our knot of choice for the activator and anti-foul lines on our bridles.
bridle diagrams...
Tail weights...
