K75 - Shiznit #1

I’ve decided that I am done prototyping the Shiznit, and to create the first production model. I’m sure I’ll continue to make small tweaks as I go, but I’m very happy with where this kite is at.

What’s new

Reinforcement

I’ve added an extra layer of nylon at each spreader attachment on the leading edge. I think this turned out rather nicely.

Cleaner wing tips

On previous versions, there was always a bit of grosgrain ribbon hanging out from the wing tip tensioning, and I saw this as a potential snag point. On this version, I’ve covered the excess ribbon with some heat shrink to keep the wingtip as clean as possible. I thinK I like how that worked.

What might change

Sail cut

From the previous prototype, I changed the sail cut slightly in an attempt to reduce stress lines between the cross fitting and the sail stays, and that worked well. I also tried sucking up a bit more fabric into the spine closer to the nose to try and make the sail a bit more taught, and I don’t think that quite had the intended effect, so I’ll probably backtrack that part slightly. With small cut tweaks like that, I haven’t been noticing significant performance changes as a result, so I’m not too concerned about it.