Liquid Force Havoc '07 for beginners?

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

I just wanted to see if I could get input on pros/cons for learning on this kite. I bought the 10 and 14m and I'm about 215lbs.

I bought them last week and just was hoping to get some advice on what I should know, tips, etc.

Thanks!

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

last post not producing fast enough for you...

now that you own them you may want to concentrate on the previous one. Wink

you need some tension in the steering lines to steer the kite no matter how old or crappy , not that LF is crappy.

good luck and don't get to frustrated you will be enjoying it in no time. Wink

Chooch · Fri Sep 19, 08 11:57 am

Forrest, Natedogg, and geneK all ride havocs. I'm sure if you contact them on the forum they will be more than happy to help.

Pepi · Fri Sep 19, 08 12:00 pm

The 07 Havoc kites are pretty quick kites, so as a beginner you may find the 10 to be possibly 'twitchy' as a result of your newbie kite handling skills. The 14 is a super quick kite for being a bigger kite as long as you have a bigger bar (works best on a 23" bar).
Relaunch is excellent for both kites.
Registered is spot on with the comments about keeping the steering lines tensioned for positive steering.

Pepi

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

Thanks everybody for the help.

As for keeping tension on the steering lines, what's the best way not to lose the tension?

I'm assuming not setting it in neutral or too far over the head unless neccessary, and then for as short a time as possible would be my best bet?

You guys rock! Twisted Evil

Nak · Fri Sep 19, 08 2:03 pm

What they're talking about is sheeting in on the bar to turn the kite. As you sheet out with the bar, you lose turning control, some kites faster than others. Maximum turning control occurs when you're sheeted all the way in. (Fully powered up.)

What you're thinking about is when a lull hits your kite. If the kite is at 12:00, it can drop straight down, eliminating the tension on all of your lines. This can make it difficult to regain control. Some kites will tend to back stall, slide deeper into the window, in this situation. Other kites will drop straight down.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

I usually rigged the '07 Havocs with the back lines on the 3rd knot (closest to kite) or even made an extra 4th knot (even closer to kite). I'd recommend doing the same. That shortens the back lines and give you more steering input. Also, if you feel like you're lacking steering power check that you haven't pushed the bar too far away from you depowering the kite. Pull the bar closer to the body if that's the case. Keep that in mind and you should be fine. Play around with each kite a bit to see at which point you've sheeted out too far or sheeted in too much. All kites typically have a sweet spot for front vs back line lengths so it's good to know where they are.

Have fun!

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

Thanks Gene, I actually had more of an opportunity to play with it this afternoon and had it rigged to the 3rd knot and it was much more controllable. The problem I had yesterday was mainly wind quality (thanks to Nak for pointing that out). It seems like a great kite, I just need more practice!

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

I have a quiver of fuels and have found that I prefer the most powered placement of the lines on the knots is this due to my weight 220 or is it personal preference?