1 posts
Kiters, I have a quiver of 2009 flexifoil atoms 9,12,15 that I am flying out here in American Samoa. I am sticking with them, unless convinced otherwise- no kites sold on island and shipping is costly and difficult. If anyone has any tips for these kites, I would greatly appreciate it. As of now I am able to ride them a bit upwind. However water relaunching seems more difficult than it should be- it seems like water gets behind the main bladder and weighs it down, making it unable to get to the edge of the window for relaunch. To combat that, I pull my safety, drain the water, and then reattach and it seems to work alright. Otherwise it might be 20 minutes of manipulating it. Can be very frustrating. Anyone have any tips for these kites? Has kiting technology improved so drastically that these are going to make learning too difficult? Should I just buck up and buy 2 more newer kites?
WA
1615 posts
Hi pgjhmb
The ease of relaunching any kite is always directly influenced by the actual wind speed at the surface of the water. If you're trying to relaunch 2009 kites in less than 18 knots and in deep water (not standing) with some current or waves...it's understandable that you may be struggling. More modern Delta/Bow kites are definitely easier to relaunch especially in lighter winds, so yes you may notice a big difference when upgrading your kites.
Also make sure you inflate your kites firmly so you cannot easily bend the leading edge in half.
Based on pictures of your kite I just watched Online, it seems that your leading edge has a very thin diameter, this would explain why you're easily getting water lodged in between the Leading edge and the intrados (inside canopy of the kite).
To put it simply, If you see other kiters next to you relaunching their kites very easily in the same conditions, then you obviously know your equipment is to blame to some extent.
Christian
QLD
72 posts
Unfortunately the Atoms were a dog to re-launch. If it's a major issue I would ditch them and start again with a Delta style kite like a Pivot.
QLD
1084 posts
Link to video please Christian?
ps. I've been to A.Samoa and the "other" Samoa. If I didn't have businesses, bills, kids, wife, houses to manage, I would live there in a flash. Samoans are some of the friendliest, funniest and dedicated people I've ever met. Loved my time there.
QLD
202 posts
Switch kites delivers worldwide for cheap. just saying....
Even if the kite has too much weight on board it should still move to the edge if you flip the bar around and pull the opposite site towards you. When it is at the edge, pull really hard on the steering line at the edge which will hopefully lift the wingtip slightly out of the water and get rid of some water. Keep on doing this, it might take a while.
Compared to modern kites the 2008-2012 kite era had much more difficult relaunch. I'd say 2013-2017 there isnt much difference, hence kite manufacturers are now inventing more new tech rather than improving on things. Like North's fancy new bar...
