K72 - Shiznit Prototype #5
My fifth prototype for the indoor dual line kite that I have been designing.
Sail Cut
The main changes since prototype #4 are a couple different cuts to the sail. I cut out a bit of fabric along the spine, and a bit along the leading edge in an attempt to make the belly of the sail less loose. I think this had the desired effect, but I’m not sure if it did enough. I may try tightening it a bit more, but I’m otherwise pretty happy with this.
Framing
Another change on this prototype is the lower spreader. Before, I have use 4mm pultruded carbon for the lower spreader, but I decided to try 4.75mm instead. I have experimented with a 5.2mm carbon, and I liked the change, but thought something somewhere in the middle seemed appropriate. This helps weigh the bottom of the kite making side slides much more stable. This also adds a bit more mass closer to the wing tips which makes rotation tricks easier as well. One detriment to this change might be the ability for the kite to glide un-tensioned in a fade position. I noticed this with the larger spar, but I thought it was manageable.
Standoff attachments
I’ve added a layer of ripstop over the back of the sail-stay fittings. I think this is nice because it shields the fitting from damage and also reduces the possibility of snagging a line on the back of the fitting. I think I will continue to do this, even on outdoor kites.
Leading edge spreader slots
I decided to try using full cutouts for the spreader connection areas instead of just small circle cutouts. I think this makes the tension across the sail more consistent, I noticed some stress lines on either side of the pockets in the previous prototype, and this seems to smooth that out.
