K112 - Void Prototype #1
Inspiration/purpose
Ever since I designed my indoor dual line kite, Shiznit, I've often found myself flying a Shiznit outdoors when there is no wind. I've enjoyed flying the Shiznit in those conditions, but there were always some things I'd want a bit different for that outdoor use that would compromise the kite for indoor use. So, Void is derived from the Shiznit for use outdoors in little to no wind.
Sizing
One of the changes I wanted was to make the kite just a bit bigger. This sail is basically just a scaled up Shiznit.
Framing
Another thing I wanted was a bit more weight in the tail, and a bit of a stiffer lower spreader. This prototype is currently framed with:
- Leading edge - 4mm pultruded
- Spine - 3mm pultruded
- Upper spreader - 3mm pultruded
- Lower spreader - Skyshark 2pt
- Standoffs - 2.5mm solid carbon
Contruction Notes
Leading edge
The leading edge pocket is the same 1" ripstop that I use on the Shiznit. This turned out to be just barely big enough to house the 4mm pulruded with an external ferrule.
Trailing edge
Like the Shiznit, this is a folded trailing edge instead of a nylon sewn on edge. This is a 1/4" wide fold instead of the 1/8" on the Shiznit though.
Nose
I use my template for my outodoor nose instead of the Shiznit nose with the kite's increased size
Spine
The spine is tensioned like the Shiznit, with just simple pockets and cut to fit. I considered going up to 4mm pultruded for the spine, but I figued I'd rather keep it light, and I couldn't think of any immediate problems with having a more flexible spine. I may change this depending on how the kite feels.
Tensioning
The Shiznit uses a single piece leading edge, so it is tensioned in a way that is not intended to be undone all the time. The Void is using a two-piece leading edge, so I had to change the tensioning here. I made a simple endcap to go over the ends instead of using a nock endcap, and I do most of the tensioning on the sail instead of on the endcap. This is because, while this endcap is so small, I didn't want to rely on a super weak side-nock, and I don't particularly like straight nocks.
Weight
I did include a weight holder below the lower spreader on the spine, and I've cut a few weights to go into it. I'll experiment with different weights later to see what I like.
