Robtulloch Posted October 28, 2014 Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 It's been nearly a year since I modded my SUL so I thought I'd put a few findings down. 1.5 SUL with Icarex sail but lighter leading edge pocket. Diamond frame 16 inch Magic Sticks French Bridle 15 inch No-Snag handles Not going to change a single thing. All these mods summed up in a word. Confidence. Lighter frame supported front and back gives a bigger wind range, 0 to past 10mph! Out of this world glides. Enough flex when I need it. Having a redistributed mass opens up some slicker moves, Axel to 2 point landing just looks awesome and crisp. Reverse flight characteristics, I can fly all over in reverse and push it right to the limit with absolute confidence. The extra 30 seconds of set up is repaid in that first slow majestic glide. All in all, I have built this "little zen". Soft, graceful and floaty while still being nimble and frisky. My B2 Std now with sticks just makes me stupid happy. Big thanks to Paul for the counsel and guidance. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlandflyer Posted October 28, 2014 Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 Decided to try some on the Zen - still in testing mode! Weather has drove me indoors, so not much airtime outdoors to give you any real idea of like/dislike! Does seem like the frame stays stiffer with them, but I also use a hybrid frame with mine! Anyway - jury still out!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REVflyer Posted October 31, 2014 Report Share Posted October 31, 2014 That Zen will fly wet Wayne, you're new indoor kite hasn't arrived yet, get back outside before the frost 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlandflyer Posted November 29, 2014 Report Share Posted November 29, 2014 New kite did arrive and got it's maiden flight at my 3rd annual "Black Friday" fly! Loved it! Links to pix are on another thread, but you need to be on Facebook to see them. Kite may fly wet - Me - not so much!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlandflyer Posted March 12, 2015 Report Share Posted March 12, 2015 I know this subject is on sticks (got those), but has anyone tried a stiffer LE in their Zen? I decided to try a 2 wrap center with race ends and kept the Zen tubes as verts. Added the sticks, and I see a definite improvement on a stiffer LE, keeping the sail more efficient in the low winds in was designed for. Your opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REVflyer Posted March 13, 2015 Report Share Posted March 13, 2015 Diamonds!,.... I prefer a travel frame arrangement, less cost if you break one, ultra responsive and lightest weight, best of both worlds! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlandflyer Posted March 13, 2015 Report Share Posted March 13, 2015 Diamonds!,.... I prefer a travel frame arrangement, less cost if you break one, ultra responsive and lightest weight, best of both worlds! Already had the race rods, so all I needed was the 2 wrap center! Love to try diamonds, but cost is a factor for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flt101 Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Yep! That's what you need! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REVflyer Posted June 11, 2015 Report Share Posted June 11, 2015 trying a 20 inch set (2" longer) this time on the new Zen,... man, a crispy new sail is so nice, shines like a diamond in the sunlight too. Comparisons will be complicated by those wear differences to be sure, but that old #2 still flies great, it's just tattered with some replacement panels and a "once over" by Eliot Shook to install a new trailing edge. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1148116741880547&set=pcb.1148117068547181&type=1&theater So I carry at least 2 matching Zens, it's time for one in each hand (they're so big and the pull is tiring quite quickly on my delicate grip, it will be long time to toughen up and master these two kites. I'm no where near Dugard, who pales in comparison to Stevie. A long time!) If the sticks are too long, it won't roll over "automatically" when released into the wind, (clam-shell) but the longer sticks support LEDs for backlighting and the further away the more powerful the visual effect. I can't leave 'em different configurations, one size has to be superior in light dynamics, so I need to get the comparisons done soon and make them match-up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REVflyer Posted June 23, 2015 Report Share Posted June 23, 2015 didn't see enough of difference between the two sizes,... I think I'll stick with the shorter ones 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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