From:	KITEJAG@MOTHER.COM (John A. Gabby Jr.)
Subject: Chevron 5 Meter in the United States
Date:	Fri, 24 May 1996 03:19:36 -1000
Organization: Mother.COM
Message-ID: <4o4i5l$a7v@pa.mother.com>

After what seemed like an eternity, a new Chevron 5 meter kite arrived
in the mail this past week.  This kite represents some of Andrew's
latest thinking and sports such goodys as high aspect ratio, three
demensional taper and the lightest materials that will do the job.  

I know many people knew this kite was coming but the British and US
postal services conspired to keep the package lost for over six
weeks!!   

After trying the kite, I sent Andrew the following message:

			QUOTE

I had a chance to go to the local park yesterday afternoon (Tuesday)
to try the new kite  out. The winds were kind of choppy as often
happens when we have a North  wind...causes lighter winds at ground
level (15 mph yesterday) with much  heavier winds above fifty feet
(estimate gusts to 25 or so).  On the off  chance that I got the hang
of the kite quickly, I also took a buggy along.
 
In a word, phenominal!!  I had no trouble launching the kite by
myself. I  think the larger center cells help in this area...not only
are they larger,  but because of the design they inflate quicker or at
least at the same speed  as the tips.  Once airborne, I was amazed at
the kite's willingness to stay  parked directly overhead while I
fumbled and plotted my next move.  Bringing  the kite into the window
builds power but gradually so the kite remains  totally controlable.
 
After ten minutes or so getting pulled around, my ass was sufficiently
warm  to warrant the cooling effects of a buggy seat.  This kite is
really no more  difficult to buggy than a quad...in fact, I think with
some practice it will  be easier.  The kite turns faster than any dual
line bag I've flown and this, coupled with predictable overhead
manners, should keep even new dual line flyers (like me) out of
trouble.  I spent about an hour buzzing around two soccer
fields...bring  the kite low and it slowed because of the
winds...climb to a hundred feet  and it was like afterburners...saw 38
mph on my speedo which has been calabrated with radar gun...keep in
mind, this was on grass!
 
I went back to the park last evening after the winds calmed
down...found  eight mph is still doable buggy wind...fun, in fact.
with the lighter winds  I tried intentionally to bag the kite in the
air...possible, but you have to  work at it.   Once deflated all you
have to do is stop doing whatever it is you were doing and the kite
starts flying again.  Despite repeated attempts, I never got the kite
so balled up and out of shape that I couldn't recover...and you
know my skills (lack of) with dual line bags.
 
You've got a winner.  Will be showing the kite at Berkley this
Saturday if anyone's interested.

			UNQUOTE

In addition to having the kite at Berkley this Saturday, I'll  also
have it at San Ramon on Sunday and Monday and will try to make it down
to El Mirage for a couple of days next week.  If you want to try the
Chevron, just let me know.

Disclaimer...no financial interest in Andrews kites, etc, etc, etc.

John

 

Think Kindly Thoughts.



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