K98 - Essentials S #5

This is the first kite I have built in my new workshop after moving in June 2023. It is a standard Essentials in gold and black, framed with Skyshark P2X.

I have been working on trying to fly three quad line kites at once. To support that goal, I am working on building out my quad set to include at least 3 in each wind range. This is one of those kites. While building 3, I’m actually going to end up carrying four, that way, I have a backup, and I also have a full team set. I chose gold and black instead of my usual red and black because this goes along with the colors that have been used for my kite team, The Kite Collective.

Things of note: 

Folded mesh edge

I saw a post from Polo Kites not that long ago that showed how he was folding the Dacron on the edge of the mesh strip instead of just hot-cutting it. I think this is a wonderful idea, so I’ve started incorporating that into my builds as well.

Hidden wingtip knots

I’ve starting using an approach for the wingtip knots, inspired by a post I saw on gfakite.github.io. Instead of having the knots rest against washers on the back of the sail, I’ve modified my endcap design so I can push the bungees into the cap, and tie them together in there. This way, the knots are hidden inside the endcap, instead of on the back of the sail where they may be snagged.

Sleeve with pocket

I have decided to start including a duplicate set of 3d printed fittings with every kite that I build. Some times, the fittings are specific for that kite, and some times I glue fittings in place, so having exact replacements on hand when something breaks would be nice. To support this, I’ve modified my sleeve design to include a small pocket below the embroidery which will hold these extra fittings.