K101 - Essentials VV #1
The “VV” in “Essentials VV” stands for “Variable Venting”. This kite is an experiment that started with a discussion with Max Plisskin. Max asked about a quad line kite with velcro vented panels. This is a thing I have seen occasionally on dual line kites, but I’ve never seen it on a quad. I think a feature like that could be very useful for someone like me, who flies multiple kites at once or leads quad line teams. So this is my first attempt.
Overall design
I basically kept with the Essentials XXV design with variable venting around all the vented portions that aren’t present in an Essentials V. This way, this one kite can hopefully fill the role of 3 kites, the Essentials V, XV, and XXV.
The hook/loop fastening
I tried to find some thin fasteners to use for the removable panels. I ended up using 1/4” wide cable ties, but these have the hook on one side and the loop on the other. I did not have much luck finding a single-sided low profile hook/loop product that was 1/4” wide. Overall, I think this worked alright, but I do think the the fastening is much thicker, stiffer, and heavier than I would like it to be. I expect I will try this again after I find a suitable low profile hook/loop product. I may need to get a thicker width, and just cut them to 1/4” wide manually.
The sleeve
Mostly because of the fasteners around the removable panels, it is very difficult to roll this kite up tightly. So, I made the bag a bit wider to accommodate it.
