quirky rev 11

green turtle kiter · Since 11 Jul 2009 48 Posts

I have several rev's ranging from size 9 to 15. I flew the 11 today and I let someone else (an instructor) use it. He confirmed what I thought was just a coincidence.

The kite tends to boost even when fully sheeted out. I even depowered about 4 inches (any more causes the kite to handle poorly) and the kite still boosts with gusts. I do not have this problem with my 9, 13, or the the 15.

The instructor say the the kite flew like a c kite. He suggested adjusting the bridles, but there are no adjustments except at the line attachment points.

Any suggestions on how to correct this? Is this an abberation or a design (flaw?) unique to slingshot 11?

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

check your bridles for wear - at the spot they run thru the pulleys - if it looks hammered, twisted, beaten.... time to replace

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Definitely consider replacing the bridles, especially if the kite is more than 1 year old.

We just replaced our bridles on our Revs and they fly like new now.

lineman · Since 05 Feb 2009 170 Posts Stoked

I had the 11, it was my favorite size, never had a problem.
Talk to customer service.

Nak · Sun Mar 21, 10 9:49 pm

I'll third the bridle suggestion. It can make a substantial difference in the way the kite flies. My 11m Rev started flying really funny last year. Changing the bridle was like buying a new kite...

Pepi · Sun Mar 21, 10 10:16 pm

Definitely agree with the bridle comments.

2 other things to regularly check on a Rev kite(or any performance kite), are:

1) Check your Pulleys - make sure that these are free spinning 'all of the time'. Like all kites with pulleys in the bridle, they will clog up if you let the kite sit for any short period of time on a beach (wet pulley with lots of dust = jammed pulley). This is also very noticable if your kite seems to want to turn one way much quicker than the other way.
Just rinse off the pulleys each time you use the kite, before and after your session, then run your fingers over the wheel to loosen it up. Dry Teflon lube is excellent for keeping these baby's rolling well.
2) Check your line lengths - owning a kite with lots of boosting power is like owning a muscle car. The same reason a muscle car will wear out the clutch/transmission, is the same reason that a punchy/boosting kite will stretch out your lines (power). Stretched lines will make a kite feel out of whack and lacks consistency in performance.

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

green turtle kiter · Since 11 Jul 2009 48 Posts

Thanks for the tips.

I went to the slingshot website to order the bridles and I found a video for stretching the lines and making sure the lines are symmetrical.

Is the rationale for replacing the bridles based on asymmetrical stretch of the bridles? If that is the case shouldn't all my kites be similarly affected?

By the way I live in Florida and the relative use of each is inverse of what may be expected where you guys are. The 15 is my bread and butter with occasional use of 11 and 13; and rare use of 9.

The 11 has about ten sessions on it. So any new ideas?

Sometime today I will try to contact customer service at SS to get some advice as well. Do you know any specific person who may offer the most wisdom?

I will be leaving for Turks in a couple weeks and I would like to have all this sorted out before I leave.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 22, 10 9:37 am

I forget who the specific warranty guy isbut I would talk to Shay (shy) or the guy who helped design them- amery. Be sure to tell them you own a whole quiver and the forum suggested you contact them. Seems like something is wrong. I've got around 50 sessions on my 11 with no issues

slingshot kites are expensive but their customer service is top notch for sure. Check your line lengths and pulleys before you call.

Cheers