DELTA (kite) Shapes

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madsailor
madsailor
QLD
71 posts
QLD, 71 posts
24 Mar 2010 12:47pm
hey everyone,
just wondering what the general consensus is on delta shapes ?
I haven't tried any of the f-one's or the new slingshot key.

From what i've seen (and correct me if wrong) its only really the outer wingtips of the kites, which are actually a delta shape, the rest of the kites are pretty much a bow kite.

The other note, is that from what i've read about delta designs in general, ie aircraft design,
they absolutely suck at slow speeds, and are very hard to control. But are very efficient at high speed. The classic example is the Concorde.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_wing

is it really part of the kite shapes, or just a marketing gimmick to get people to switch brands or trade up ?



richswing
richswing
WA
724 posts
WA, 724 posts
24 Mar 2010 12:46pm
I think they have a tendency to Hindenburg in light winds and depending on the aspect ratio can overfly. Look at the new f one, not so much delta shape, longer wingtips I think to balance the weight more backwards and to improve turning. It looks more like it's predecessor ( can't remember name ).

I think the only good features are the grunt and the easy relaunch.

Cheers
Rich
olitwist
olitwist
VIC
56 posts
VIC, 56 posts
24 Mar 2010 5:03pm
^^^^^^
U mean the tribal?

It's true it is becoming less and less delta...
yeehaa
yeehaa
QLD
123 posts
QLD, 123 posts
24 Mar 2010 4:36pm
Hey I used to ride a slingshot bow for a few years, and this year went for a 9m B3.

I notice a huge difference in the delta, it's true it has bugger all low end. I'm 85kg and i can get out in 15kts with it, just. But as soon as it gusts up a little and we start to get some speed HOLY CRAP!!! The top end turns on really fast, I don't ever remember the standard bows doing that they were always a bit more predictable.
Anyway i didn't like it at first, and it took me a few rides to get used to it. Felt like I was learning to kite all over again. The power comes from a different part of the window because it flys so far forward (maybe because of the delta? not sure) In the low end you have to turn it a bit and send it through the middle to pump up the speed. But i'll never go back now. As soon as you get used to how they fly it's amazing what you can get out of these things. The power at the top end comes on hard and fast and is very useble
richswing
richswing
WA
724 posts
WA, 724 posts
24 Mar 2010 8:58pm
Tribal

That's the one.

Cheers
Rich
Mattress
Mattress
NSW
120 posts
NSW, 120 posts
25 Mar 2010 2:38pm
85kg on a 9m in 15 knots that sounds about right. What do you expect from 9m? If you want a low wind kite at that weight get an 11m or bigger.
NSW, 1613 posts
25 Mar 2010 2:53pm
Delta kites are awesome in my opinion. They generally offer the perfect step before "c".

these are major attributes of Deltas based off my experiences with North Evo's and Naish Charger

-Delta kites have amazing low end but do suffer instability in the upper range.
-Fastest relaunch out of any kite (tend to bounce right back into the air)
-Unhook with no issues, and sit nicely back in the window making them better for wake style riders than freestyle.
-Their tendency to sit back in the window also makes them great for "down the line" wave riding.
- plenty of De-power

Alex
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