Dri Lube or wax?

jimmyc · Since 04 Aug 2005 74 Posts Cape Cod, MA

Just got my REVs and wondering which way I should go? Don't want the lines to wear away so quickly....

Also, did someone here mention putting a pulley on the center ring to lessen abrasion?

Thanks... Wink

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Yaaay for REVs! Sorry I can't help ya with the chicken loop stuff. Wink

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

how about donkey dicks, can you help with those? Very Happy

Nak · Thu Feb 28, 08 8:36 pm

I added a pulley to my Rev, I really like it better. It's not so hard to uncleat the de-power rope too. I did the same with my Turbo 2, also pleased with that. I dumped the Rev to it's safety to test it about 10 times. No problems so far... Maybe Shy can chime if they did some testing that made them lean away from a pulley?

I added a pulley to the stainless steel ring the line originally went through. I then used some self adhesive rigging tape to wrap the joint & prevent tangles. Then I added a neoprene cover that covers the pulley as a further aid to prevent tangles. The end result looks nice & works well. Also, you have to add an extra pigtail to each rear line to make up for the longer center line & equalize the line lengths.

If anyone is interested I can post pics tomorrow.

jimmyc · Since 04 Aug 2005 74 Posts Cape Cod, MA

Thanks Nak, yeah, I'm interested in seeing the pics. Can't wait to try the REVs, too bad it's only mid 20s (F) here right now. Tuesday looks like high 40s, that might brrrrr....eeeeee the day. Wink

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

Madd Rev Dude.

screfugee · Since 15 Jun 2007 14 Posts

NAK: Please post those pulley pics if you get a chance. My only complaint with the REV is the effort needed to adjust the front lines (CL). With that solved, these kites are close to perfection. Thanks.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

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

That's funny because I almost potsed "KY Jelly" on this thread but then I thought better of it. Wink

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Feb 29, 08 8:57 am

REV nation baby!!!

Pics of the pulley would be great. My REV has yet to see any action. Sad

Also, does anybody know anything about that UV protectant spray you can put on your kites? Drew bought a kite from a guy that had applied it, he said the kite was still crinkly after half a season of use..? UV rays love to eat nylon, seems like a good idea.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Brian,

I used to use 303 Aerospace UV protectant on the stock of my AR to prevent fading. Seemed to work pretty well, though the thing never really sat in direct sunlight for long periods. It'd probably be worth a shot on the kites if you're really worried about them...

http://www.303products.com/tech/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=428&CFID=11147961&CFTOKEN=59435886

Nak · Fri Feb 29, 08 11:22 am

Here's the photos... First off, let me apologize for the picture quality. I don't have time today to set up for some better photos, but you'll get the idea. Second, I dug around looking for a spare pulley so I could post photos of it being attached to the ring, but no have got. It's pretty simple though. If you're not comfortable making changes to your gear, or if you're not sure you'll REALLY know if it's all put together safely, don't try this without experienced, qualified, assistance.

This change does not work miracles. It does make things better, in my opinion. The biggest reason that pulling the depower line is difficult is that you don't have any leverage when it's so close to you. You have to take the bad with the good. De-power below the bar = cleaner, easier to reach, harder to pull. That said, there is additional effort required to pull a line under tension 180 degrees through a steel ring. The pulley mostly eliminates that additional effort.

Step 1. Go to a marine shop for supplies, I went to West Marine in Portland. You need a pulley that has a removable pin so that you can attach it to the bottom steel ring. you'll also want to pick up some Amsteel line because you will probably need to make a new Chicken Loop line. It's difficult to feed the old one through all the hardware because it "poofs" out with use... Look at the first photo, "Lines". I chose Amsteel one size down from the stock Slingshot line. Working strength is still plenty high, and it fits better. Last, get some Rigging tape. It looks like Electrical tape, but has no adhesive on it. It only sticks to itself. Pretty cool stuff and useful to have around. Last, you'll need a "Fid" to make an eye with the rope.

Step 2. Take your old De-power line apart and remove the Chicken loop assembly from the bar. Attach the pulley to the steel ring the depower line used to go through. I used a little Blue Loctite to seal the pin threads. This will prevent the pin working loose, as well as seal water out of the threads.

Step 3. Wrap the area where the ring and the pulley attach with rigging tape. Make sure and wrap in such a manner that the pulley can still swivel. See the picture "Pulley". There's a little space between the pulley and the tape.

Step 5. Get some neoprene sleeve... I have no idea where. I had some lying around from an old control bar I had taken apart for parts. Slide the sleeve over the pulley and the bottom steel ring. Wrap the area at the top of the steel ring with rigging tape, nice and tight. This holds the neoprene sleeve in place.

Step 6. If you can re-use your old depower rope, reassemble it now. If not, make your new depower line. Take the old one completely apart. In the chicken loop housing it passes through a bearing, you'll need to tap this bearing out. (If it's old, consider replacing it.) I took my new, smaller diameter rope, and made an "eye" with a fid. (They showed me how to do this at West Marine.) Leave the extra line hanging, don't stuff it back in the rope yet. Cut about a 3/4 inch section of rope. (Harden it with super glue so you can make such a small cut.) Put the small piece in the eye then tighten the eye. Harden with super glue. Trim th extra line. Slide on the bearing. See the Picture "Bearing". As you assemble the new rope, make sure the final length is the same as the old rope. If you measure it against the old rope, make the new one about a half an inch longer. That will make up for the diameter of the pulley. If you don't add the small piece of line in the eye, the line can pull through the bearing under load...

Step 7. Add an extra pigtail to each of the rear lines. This makes up for the added length of the pulley. Check your line lengths and tune as necessary.

I wish I had more detailed pics to post. I'm getting ready to leave on another trip, and I just don't have time right now... Sad

If anyone still has questions, I'll do my best to help you out. Very Happy

Next bar I modify, I'll take pics of the whole process!

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

Thanks Nak- Great retrofit!

shymac · Since 20 Jul 2005 919 Posts Home Valley, Wa. Bigfoot

Drylube or Candle wax works the best to keep those chicken loops tight and clean. Most cases of the chicken loop tearing apart have been sand or grit getting in between the webbing and basically acting like sandpaper when it goes through the bar hole.

So making sure you bar is free of grit and giving it a coating of drylube or wax will prolong the life the the rope. I have been getting at least a session if not more with both of my bars. Also when the time comes chicken loops are always available for upgrade at your local dealer or www.buyslingshotsports.com.

Slingshot is proud to have a full lineup of after-market parts for you without have to buy an new complete bar.

Pulley mod is a great idea! I have been passing it by to whoever is have trouble with there cleat. Personally i hardly ever trim with the revs unless i unhook for that big kicker.

"Thats a REV Dog!"

NateDogg · Fri Feb 29, 08 3:17 pm

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Nate, you really should just move back here. I think being back east is gettin' to ya! Rolling Eyes

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert