1.5 versus Rev 1

[BobF]

After a year with my EXP, I think I'm ready to move up to my 2nd Revolution, but after reading many posts, I've thoroughly confused myself - the 1.5SLE seemed to be the best choice until I read and saw the performance of the Rev 1.

Is there a way to do a pro/con on each to determine which might suit my recreational style (never competition) and the winds and temps we have in Maine?

[monkey]

Well, some comments in a nutshell

Rev 1 - bigger, slower, more precise. I prefer mine with 4 wrap leading edges over SLEs. With a 2 wrap frame, very capable in very low wind.

Rev 1.5 - Same size as the EXP, but, with the SLE installed, a little less low wind range, but, comes with better handles. A little quicker than a 1, but essentially the same speed as an EXP. As you have an EXP already tho, you can easily swap its leading edge into the 1.5 SLE and have a lighter wind kite.

What are your winds like there usually?

[BobF]

We tend to have puffy winds 0f 3-6MPH generally or in the 15-25 MPH range - nothing in between.

Without sounding like a dummy - what is "X" wrap frame? I've searched through all the things I got with my kite and there is no mention of it - yet it appears everywhere on the forum.

Thanks

[monkey]

Well, there's essentially a few different frame weights for Revolutions

2 wrap - refers to the super ultralight frames. These will say "Professional Use Only" on the sticker

3 wrap - refers to the ultralight frames. These will say "Ultra Light" on the sticker

4 wrap - refers to the "regular" frame. These will say "Revolution Equipped" on them.

So, given your wind range, if you got a 1.5 SLE, you'd be well covered for everything (given you can swap in the lighter EXP leading edge) and if you got a Rev 1 (my usual favorite Rev of them all!) you'd eventually want a 2 wrap frame for ultra quiet days.

[KiteLife]

Wraps are exactly that... The number of graphite layers on any given rod.

So, a 2 wrap would be very light and not as strong (light wind)... On the opposite extreme, a 4 wrap is twice as thick and nearly twice as strong (high wind).

SLE rods are much larger than any of the others, and are the strongest (and heaviest) available.

[BobF]

Wow - thanks guys - your help for a senior citizen is much appreciated!!

[BobF]

In your forums, all cloth sails seem to be prefered but when I go on line, all are offered with mylar panels.

Is this all that is available now?

Speaking of the REV 1.

[KiteLife]

Mylar is what is generally available in the shops (Rev 1 or 1.5), but you can custom order an all ripstop sail through your local shop.

If you're looking at a Rev 1, I'd personally recommend the Sedgwick Series... Much prettier, already comes in all ripstop, and the sail layout is slightly better aerodynamically.

http://www.revkites.com/products/rev-I.htm#sedgwick

(see my own personal kite in the photo below)

[ahofer]

I've been wondering about lighter wind kites myself. I have a B-pro and also a 20th anniversary. The latter is SUL construction and, as Lolly pointed out, has less tape and therefore a lighter sail. I can fly that thing in zero wind on short lines (10 ft) at the playground near my house (but I really can't seem to do the same with the 1.5B pro). The trouble with the 20th anniversary is it wants to spin. On short lines this means I'm struggling to keep it straight as I pull it through a 360 or over the top. I tried shortening the 'brake' line on the fast side like you guys do but honestly I can't feel a difference.

I like the Zen in really low wind, but it's really not comfortable on short lines. I'd love to have a 1.5 size kite as light as the Anniversary I can throw around on shorter lines outdoors. Would you recommend the Sedgwick? Or something else? I've never tried anything but the Zen and 1.5 series.

[Morrunya]

I've been wondering about lighter wind kites myself. I have a B-pro and also a 20th anniversary. The latter is SUL construction and, as Lolly pointed out, has less tape and therefore a lighter sail. I can fly that thing in zero wind on short lines (10 ft) at the playground near my house (but I really can't seem to do the same with the 1.5B pro). The trouble with the 20th anniversary is it wants to spin. On short lines this means I'm struggling to keep it straight as I pull it through a 360 or over the top. I tried shortening the 'brake' line on the fast side like you guys do but honestly I can't feel a difference.

I like the Zen in really low wind, but it's really not comfortable on short lines. I'd love to have a 1.5 size kite as light as the Anniversary I can throw around on shorter lines outdoors. Would you recommend the Sedgwick? Or something else? I've never tried anything but the Zen and 1.5 series.

I am surprised that you find trouble with the B-Pro. I've always used a Rev 1.5 SLE (mylar panels), a regular B-Series, and more recently a B-Pro for light wind, and short lines type of flying. I suppose the 1.5 SUL is an option.

[ahofer]

Well, there's no accounting for my spazziness. There are gusts and swirls in the playground that probably make my comparisons less than controlled. But that anniversary kite is way lighter and easier than anything else I've got. If it weren't so lopsided.

[johnnmitchell]

Well, there's no accounting for my spazziness. There are gusts and swirls in the playground that probably make my comparisons less than controlled. But that anniversary kite is way lighter and easier than anything else I've got. If it weren't so lopsided.

In your earlier message you asked about the Sedgewick. It is a REV I being similar to the ZEN in size and a bit slower then the ZEN and not as precise nor can it fly in as light a wind.

I am also surprised that the B-Pro is does not fill you needs here.

You could look into one of the single piece printed sails. There is as far as I know the Historical(Evolution of the Revolution) available, Gomberg Kites had some printed up last year. Or you can go for your own graphics. Call Ben or Lolly, they can fill you in on the details for all of them.

For the gusts, I little bit of venting will help a lot, however the down fall is the weight and ability to fly in low winds.