rpm tuning issues

moondog · Sun Aug 07, 11 8:17 pm **rpm tuning issues**

I need input on keeping my 6 meter 2009 rpm from constantly backstalling while riding waves in the gusty gorge conditions. Lines lengths are equal. I used the factory settings out of the box. It is a new kite. I have 2-3 inches pulled on the depower strap. I have tried neautral knots, the same knot on the front and back lines. I have tried first [end] knot on the front lines and second knot on the back lines, no better. Today I tried second knot on the front lines and first [end] knot on the back, no difference still stalling out. Whenever the bar is sheeted in it stalls out. Does a kite that small have to constantly be signing in these conditions going down the waveface? Serious answer are appreciated!

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I don't have experience with an RPM or very much with wave riding so take this with a grain of salt but . . .

Backstalling under normal conditions is generally caused by sheeting in too much for the wind conditions. The more you sheet in the more your kite is a big anchor in the air. If you sheet out it will fly like a kite again and move forward. So if possible try to rid with the kite not sheeted in as much. Also it might not windy enough to be using that small of a kite.

Secondly, I have heard from people that do ride waves that it isn't terribly difficult at all to outrun your kite. I'm not sure what you can do about that one; one of the wave riders will have to chime in there.

tonyc · Since 18 May 2010 74 Posts Hood River

I had the same problem with the rpms except it was when i unhooked. they are great kites, but then i switched over to the fuels and i have never experienced backstalling since.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

FYI my old T2's are "bow kites" I'm not sure how similar an "Open C" (i.e. RPM) flies to a bow kite but I know on my T2's especially in light wind I can make them backstall on command by sheeting in all the way. Once you notice the backstall just sheet out real quick and it will jump forward in the window then you can bring it back in. When you sheet out make sure to keep a little tension on the upper steering line or the kite will dive into the ground/water.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

John, on the 2009 6m RPM move the REAR connection pigtails --not talking knots, but the long tails--two spots forward towards the LE of the kite. Pretty sure I had mine one spot back from all the way forward. About 95% sure that's what I did to my '09 6m RPM to eliminate backstalling. I almost always have about 2" of depower pulled as well just as standard operating procedure on all of my kites. As you know I ride a surfboard, and am constantly riding directly at my kite which invites stalls. I am on 2011's RPM's now which I ride straight out of the bag. The 2010 RPM's I preferred on the WAKE setting over the FREERIDE setting on the LE bridle, and the rears where stock setting. The 6m RPM, and 2008 6m Rebel are outstanding high wind kites for surfboards in my experience.

If moving the rear pigtails forward, your line lengths are equal, and an inch or two of strap does not correct the problem, I would give the Slingshot customer service line a call, as stalling is not a characteristic of that kite when tuned. Or I should say, it is a very popular kite in high wind and I have not heard that issue come up amongst my friends who ride the kite, of which I have many. It has been my experience that SS will go out of their way to resolve any issues that come up.

Best,
Eric

moondog · Mon Aug 08, 11 7:55 am

Thanks Eric, I will give that a try.

moondog · Mon Aug 08, 11 8:01 am

Thanks Eric, I will try that this week.

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Yeah move the pigtail in towards the center of the kite. When you hook the lines up hok your centers to the closest knot to the kite, and your outsides furthest from the kite. From here you should be able to adjust with sheeting. Just make it so that when you pull the bar all the way in, the kite is almost stalling but it isnt.