jump links -
Setting up your kite...
Wingtip tensioning
coming soon...
Leading edge tension
- The leading edges on my 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.
- I 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 of 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.
- You'll find a short video on YouTube about tensioning your kite.
Lower spreaders
It's important to connect the two halves of the lower spreader at the tee before inserting the ends into the leading edge connectors. Making the joint at the tee last risks cracking the female lower spreader.
Standoffs...
- When I ship kites, the standoffs are not attached to the sail. To install them, angle the fitting in the hole, twist, and gently push into position.
- I don't recommend removing the standoffs on a regular basis. Doing so could prematurely stretch the holes.
- You'll have a pair of carbon fiber standoffs. These go in the hole closest to the center tee.
- The main standoffs on my kites tilt inward slightly. This isn't a mistake, it helps push the spreaders into the T fitting, and tensions your sail as intended. Moving the standoffs to be perpendicular to the spreaders will add extra tension to the sail and may hasten sail stretch and wear.
- For the Mamba, you'll find two .080 white fiberglass standoffs, which go furthest out on the spreader, towards the wingtip. Insert one end into the pocket sewn to the trailing edge, and be sure to push it all the way in.
- There's really no need to take the outer (white) standoffs out when you break your Mamba down. They lay right in the fold when you go to store the kite. Even if you're breaking it all the way down, just pull the free end to the back side. You'll see when you break it down.
- There should be a silver paint dot to mark the standoff positions.
- Fittings for the Mamba (measured from the outer edge of center T to the inside edge of the s/o fitting) should be at 10.5"(26.7cm) & 26.0"(66.1cm).
- The standoff fitting for the Tsuru should be at 12 1/8"(30.9cm).
Tuning
coming soon...
Misc. notes -
- If you have time and space before your first flight, set your kite up completely, and just let it sit at least overnight. That gives the tensioned sail a little time to settle in. You may notice slightly more pronounced lines in the sail near the upper leading edge.