johnogden Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Ok here goes, I would welcome any answers to this question which I was unable to easily answer. I have been a kite flier for many years, with a kite team called the Boop Troop and we flew mainly single line, Roks and display kites and also just for fun, two lines etc, but for various family reasons I stopped for a gap of about ten years and so recently decided that I would start again afresh and become a complete beginner in a new field so to speak and therefore I have just started Rev flying. Ok I hope that you are all with me so far... Now I gave away everything I had to do with kiting except my kite bag until last week when I was persuaded by my new partner to get back into the world of kiting which I loved. She listened patiently about what kites were all about and then watched a few you tube videos with me as I tried to explain all about the fun people have with kites and what good times her and her young children could have too. She agree to support me in my ventures and we bought a B series Rev 1.5 and for a few days before we both watched the demo DVD in bed (kite porn...hmm is that sad) So we all went out to the park this weekend and I contacted my two older children and they brough a two line kite with them to play with. A great time was had by all and although my partner never attempted to fly any kites this weekend, she has after a great deal of thought decided that she wants to start flying too. Ok now here is the question she posed to me. Darling, I want to fly kites and I really love what I have seen can be done with a Rev, however I do understand that there are differences in flying a two line and a four line kite. especially as you said that you were having a few problems getting your head around fying four line, when you were used to flying two. So as I have never flown anything before would it be better for me to just start on four line and not try two line first...? I was a little stumped as I came from the school where you did some singe, then went to two line and did both and then also did four line so any answers would be gratefully recieved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartman Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Always easier to go from flying 4 lines to 2 lines so I suggest starting with the Rev. The flip side of the coin is that this IS a Rev forum so... Bart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlandflyer Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 If she's willing to learn quads, go for it!! Yeah they take a little bit to get going, but they offer so much!! Another thing is because they offer so much control, you can fly team - together!! Literally side by side!! So if your partner is game, go for a quad!! My single line kites are all geared to fly indoors, my dualies are gathering dust!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnmitchell Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 She nailed it. It is better to start out with a four-line kite first. If you were to start out with two-line and then try the four-line, you would have to change several things in your flying style which might take time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 John Chilese puts it like this: There are different kites for different personalities. The single line kite is laid back and cool to look at, easy to fly or challenging as the situation calls for. If she is very easy-going, and calm and relaxed, and not very athletic or willing to try for it, maybe a single line kite would suit her. The dual line kite is for the person who goes with the flow, but who also wants to play around. They are very easy to pick up and learn to fly, but quite challenging to master the tricks (there are so many!), especially in the higher end. The dual line kites do the greatest range of tricks. If she would a bit more control over what's going on, and would like to experiment with flippy-floppy style tricks, maybe a dual line would be best for her. A dual line is great for folks who like to get up and move around, but might or might not want to put a lot of effort into flying Ah! Now, the quad line stunt Revolution stunt kite. For the person who wants the ultimate control over their kite. For the social person. Natural born leaders. Usually smarter, better looking, faster, and nicer-smelling than the rest of the pack (um er ok so I'm biased ). I fly the Revolution because I'm determined to fly a kite, always. No matter where the location. No matter what the situation! I don't have the time to wait for Mother Nature to be kind with the winds.... IMHO, the Rev has a pretty steep learning curve, but then mastering the tricks is a little easier (the opposite of a dual line, IMO). Flying the Rev is a fairly involved ordeal, and requires a degree of concentration. If she has a never say die attitude, if she will stick with it, and is willing to be athletic and run around and really try (at first), the Rev is an experience that just keeps getting better with time. It really does require effort though, so if she gives up easily on challenging things, maybe the Rev isn't for her. Let's hope she likes the Rev so you can have a team-flying partner handy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Hi John, As you are getting back into kiting and learning to fly Revs and your partner is getting into kites for the first time then I would suggest that Revs are the way to go. There are several good tutorials available to get you both on your way and Rev fliers are generally a very social bunch. You will both will soon be able to fly together in a way that is not possible with two lines. It is a great experience to stand alongside other fliers and I am sure that learning together would be fun as you will not be alone and have the makings of a team.. If you are able to find other experienced Rev fliers to help you both along it might assist the learning curve, but you should be able to learn from each other. Flying Revs is nowhere near as hard as I thought it would be and the skills can be learnt in isolation. I would suggest looking at the tutorials as the are a great help. Bottom line is I know kiters who have only flown Revs and nothing else so it can be done. Other than knowledge of the wind window there is little carry over from one to two to four lines. It is probably easier to start on four lines rather than unlearn two lines. Cheers Stephen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnogden Posted April 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Thank you all for your advice and help it looks like we will be buying another B series 1.5 very very soon then. it was just a question that threw me a little as I had never really thought about someone who only flew quads from the start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cath Shook Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Thank you all for your advice and help it looks like we will be buying another B series 1.5 very very soon then. it was just a question that threw me a little as I had never really thought about someone who only flew quads from the start. John, Sounds like you've figured this out! Welcome to both of you!! For the record, the way we handle this question in the store with wide-eyed fliers to be. We ask them if they want to fly a 1, 2 or 4 line kite. What?!? they say, never heard of the 2 or 4, is it hard. We answer that it is a personality choice. Single line flyers are usually more interested in color in the sky while they read/walk/hold a drink on the beach. (Big single lines are a whole 'nother personality ) Whereas, sport kite flyers like to do stuff - they are bored silly just sitting. So this person wants a sport kite - likes the idea of movement, excercise, Tricks, etc. The next thing is ask them if they like the idea of a forward moving airplane/dualies OR a helicopter/quads. Simple clear instruction on up and down, turns and careful with the lines (if they don't want a lesson) usually brings them back with confusion to be cleared up AND a huge Grin! We also have both quad and dual trainers for them to try. We really are crazy about Revs on this forum. But must tell you I've flown 90% of the quads out there, and the Rev is truly the Gold Standard!! Enjoy for the rest of your life!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Foster Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 Thank you all for your advice and help it looks like we will be buying another B series 1.5 very very soon then. it was just a question that threw me a little as I had never really thought about someone who only flew quads from the start. Lynn and I both started with Revs. So much fun to fly them together and with others. Yes, there is a learning curve, but there is with anything worthwhile. Go for it, you'll never be sorry. Warning.........It can be extremely addictive, but that's OK, you will have all of the support you need here on this forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pond44 Posted May 12, 2013 Report Share Posted May 12, 2013 We read a lot of questions/stories like this on forums of different types, but never hear the outcome. It would be nice now-and-then to hear the rest of the story. In this case did johnogden and his partner buy another Rev or did they decide on a dual line kite, either way how did they go and how well are they progressing. Just a thought, I love movies with happy endings. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makatakam Posted May 12, 2013 Report Share Posted May 12, 2013 You will not regret starting with quad line kites and all the knowledge gained in this endeavor is transferable to dual and single line kites. Go for it! Fly a kite! P.S. -- Welcome to the dark side. Enjoy, and don't forget to grin a LOT. Seek out other fliers; there are many in the UK. They will be very pleased to help you learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnmitchell Posted May 12, 2013 Report Share Posted May 12, 2013 johnogden has not logged on to the forum in about a year. They probably developed some other interest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnogden Posted October 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 johnogden has not logged on to the forum in about a year. They probably developed some other interest. Hi there, sorry for the delay in getting back on here, and yes its been a year and yes RevWizard I have been busy elsewhere but this was due to a few family problems and health ones on my partners side, most of which have settled down now, so I am back. I guess last year was a bit of a false start again, however now our life is settled and I am actually earning money which is surplus to requirements and therefore is now my kite slush fund, things are back on track. My partner and I attended Bristol International Kite Festival a few weeks ago and I rejoined both the Kite Society in the Uk and my local kite club Avon Kite Fliers. I have in my hand the form to join STACK as I was told that they hold Rev flying Boot Camps and my intention is to get practising as much as possible. I have even obtained permission from my landlord who owns a few fields neaxt to my house and I can now fly there anytime I want. I bought the full sail B Series 1.5 last year and I am now wanting to buy another to start a little collection i suppose. My partner is even more inspired now after watching the displays at Bristol where the Decs flew their routines, so as well as making plans for a new fun Rokkaku Fighting team similar to how I started flying with The Boop Troop all those years ago for next years UK events, BUT... I also want to develop the theme I am working on (still on the drawing board so cant say as yet) and in time have a set of custom Revs made too using the same theme so that in the future I can fly displays if I get good enough, solo and then with my partner. I dont really want to go down the competition route, not sure if I need the competitive edge but I would like to be good enough to put on displays to music for festival crowds. So the next question I have for you all is this... I have the standard full sail with the two sets of rods and lines and handles. But what next? Should I get another the same for her? or should I get a vented for me and just let her share for now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felix Posted October 11, 2013 Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 Get the same for her first and then you can fly together straight away <grins> Felix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnogden Posted October 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 I do understand Felix, just wondering about as winter sets in would a vented give me/us more leeway practice wise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robtulloch Posted October 12, 2013 Report Share Posted October 12, 2013 I'm with Felix.... A vented is usually the next one. You might be able to get some great deals on second hand Revs as people upgrade. Especially if you getting two at a time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felix Posted October 12, 2013 Report Share Posted October 12, 2013 I do understand Felix, just wondering about as winter sets in would a vented give me/us more leeway practice wise. I'm with Felix....A vented is usually the next one. You might be able to get some great deals on second hand Revs as people upgrade. Especially if you getting two at a time. You would need the full range of sails and spars to cope with every weather condition so getting a kite for your partner now would seem to me to be the best option... Get the vented kites after that, then the Diamond rods for no-wind, then the Xtra Vents for over the top winds then the mid-vents to fill in the gaps, then the the Robertshaws and Zens, oh and we do like the Rev1s but they are a bit slow <grins> Felix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnogden Posted October 12, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2013 Argh brain going into slight melt down lol Will go and do some research on everything you have said Felix, Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robtulloch Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 And a few of the Speed series... And don't forget a couple of the Power series... Maybe a Masterpiece or two.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbailey49 Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 And a few of the Speed series...And don't forget a couple of the Power series...Maybe a Masterpiece or two.... You forgot the b-pros, the b2's, different handle lengths for different conditions, different line sets (longer or shorter, stronger or lighter). Man, how do we ever get ripstop in the air with all of these decisions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felix Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 And a few of the Speed series...And don't forget a couple of the Power series... Maybe a Masterpiece or two.... You forgot the b-pros, the b2's, different handle lengths for different conditions, different line sets (longer or shorter, stronger or lighter). Man, how do we ever get ripstop in the air with all of these decisions? I was trying to keep it simple <grins> Of course line sets and handles come in to the equation but as with the 1.5 sails you only need two sets the same and you can start flying together. Felix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnogden Posted October 13, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Ok Felix, I have done my first bit of research and I now know about Zen and The Robertshaw versions, but what are diamond spars, I have read about the Race ones, but not the diamond Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlandflyer Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Diamond rods are just out! All the info is here in the forum so far! I see you've looked at both of the "bigger" models (Rev 1 sized), have you looked at anything smaller? The 1.5 size has had almost all the modifications thrown it's way and is probably the most used platform by Revheads! The bigger and smaller sizes are compliments to that size! Worth a look!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felix Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Ok Felix, I have done my first bit of research and I now know about Zen and The Robertshaw versions, but what are diamond spars, I have read about the Race ones, but not the diamond Diamond rods are just out! All the info is here in the forum so far! I see you've looked at both of the "bigger" models (Rev 1 sized), have you looked at anything smaller? The 1.5 size has had almost all the modifications thrown it's way and is probably the most used platform by Revheads! The bigger and smaller sizes are compliments to that size! Worth a look!! Ben at Revolution keeps on developing new spars <grins> and it is quite hard to keep up and fully appreciate the characteristics of each new rod. The Diamond rods do seem to have considerable advantages over the race rods in light wind flying with the 1.5 sail. I have not tried them in the smaller or larger sail sizes at this stage. Felix 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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