Out recently with '09 SB12 IDS- around upper limit of wind range lowish 20's (lines on first knot, trimmed to almost max depower) and a bit gusty.

Well inflated, but leading edge periodically folding when under load- almost looked like twisting. No probs prior, seemed to go away when wind dropped. Is this a common thing/ linked with gust/ overpower?

I have the same kite dude and i've had it out in all kinds of conditions including maxed right out - never experienced this issue. I have never had it rigged on the first knot as I guess I pretty much automatically put it on the middle knot - there is so much depower at the bar. I always inflate it pretty high though.

I'm only an average kiter but I've found the 09 SB 12 metre just a really reliable and impressive kite. It pulls hard in basically any conditions and it's easy to fly around the window - really nice bar pressure - boosts big with awesome hangtime. some dudes may not think its cool enough for them - but it puts a smile on my dial every time.

Thanks Longers

Yep- flies really well- usually. First time I've had this problem, but only been kiting a few months. Bit strange as I've had it out stronger (not gusty) on same settings no probs, checked for bridle twists etc found nothing. Do the bladders ever twist internally? If they did can it look like this in flight?
Cheers

Hi Briz, the problem is that you were flying a kite that was tooooooo big in over powered and gusty conditions.(unless your a real heavy weight)

Set up on the middle knot, as there is enough depower on the bar.

I don't know of any kites worth flying in these conditions, maybe time to buy a smaller SB check buy & sell

I'm with Longers and toppleover... got same kite exactly - no problems ever.

As previously mentioned the kite has awesome depower so I am surprised too by your problem. Better check what it is you call 'well inflated'... When I started I also thought my kites were well inflated and later I found out they were soft as bananas . One more PSI can just be the Viagra the kite needs.

Ask a more experienced kiter around you and learn the sound the kites make when you flick the bladder at inflation, or bending the leading edge when you think it is done. It soon will become second nature.

Note: if you hear a boom sound.. it was too much[}:)]. Life's about balance ..

I have 3 SB`s and have never really changed the knots from the middle point, What is the idea with that? Have seen a 12m Xbow behaving kinda like you described and I was flying a 12m SB at the same time with no problem. I pump my kites hard from advice. Definately harder than friends with other brands.

Yes, I believe if you somehow managed to pump it up with a twist in the bladder, that would act as a hinge - should be able to find the floppy spot tho. Has it happened again?

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Briz said...

Out recently with '09 SB12 IDS- around upper limit of wind range lowish 20's (lines on first knot, trimmed to almost max depower) and a bit gusty.

Well inflated, but leading edge periodically folding when under load- almost looked like twisting. No probs prior, seemed to go away when wind dropped. Is this a common thing/ linked with gust/ overpower?

yes and not pumping it up hard enough. I have had a few switchblades do this particularly in the smaller sizes in high gusty winds ( the leading edge collapses and folds in on itself mid flight ) the solution is simple : pump it up harder.

I had an 8m SB3 with a small slow leak in about thirty knots I could pump up my kite ride for about 45min before it would start folding etc.... I would have to come in top it up with the pump and I was right for a further 45min, seemed to happen most during the stronger gusts and kite acceleration like loops and powered downloops.

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Briz said...


Well inflated, but leading edge periodically folding when under load- almost looked like twisting. No probs prior, seemed to go away when wind dropped. Is this a common thing/ linked with gust/ overpower?

This is a common thing across all kites. If you can anchor a severely overpowered kite (ie resist the urge to get lofted or yanked off your edge), it will behave as you describe, and the level of overpower at which it happens is function of inflation pressure.

hey briz, had a similar problem with a 08 SB10. kite would fold/bend/invert. it was pointed out to me, as greenpat suggests, that sending the kite through the power zone while resisting (i.e. overloading) was the cause (often happened to me when trying to transition/change direction). this was due to my technique more than any kite issue. i've been kiting now for 18 months and haven't had the problem in about 6 months.

Good advice guys- appreciated.
I'll try it with more pumps, and watch the overload-I reakon this is part of it as it did seem to happen during periods of overload/stronger gusts/ with resistance. Sounds likely my newby technique's excessively loading an underdone kite.
Briz