a question on vented...

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[stapp59]

So a summary of ways to handle gusty variable wind conditions would include:

- Dynamic parasite drag to control speedup during gusts using a buzzing TE
- Bendy frame (LE) that lets the sail dump excess wind
- Small or variable vents to take the edge off the gusts
- Screens to slow the gusts and/or the kite
- Longer heavier lines
- Bridle and standoff tweaks
- Waiting for better conditions   
- Finding a better field 
- Having a beer instead 

The best approach would depend on your purpose.  Competition ballet or pairs would put a premium on speed control. 

For me I want to be able to fly my favorite kites is as broad range of conditions as possible.  Vents, screens, standoff tweaks, and perhaps a bridle tweak gets me through most higher wind and gusty days.  As mentioned my kites have fairly stiff frames, Icarex sails, and taut TEs. I find bendy frames tend to chatter in higher winds.  I like quiet kites though certainly see the value in dynamic drag. YMMV certainly applies.

Other ideas out there?

[inewham]

Another one is a variable width keel.

As an example BMKs come with 3 positions for the inner standoff. Move it out widening the keel and narrowing the channel, that slows the kite in stronger winds . Move it in narrowing the keel and widening the channel improves low wind performance.

On other kites that idea can be made dynamic by removing the inner two standoffs and replacing them with a length of bungee so that when there is a lot of pressure in the outer part of the sail it stretches the bungee widening the keel; When there is little pressure the bungee pulls it back narrowing the keel.

The AirCrafts Sidekick used to have an arrangement like this and it was moderately effective. It did feel a little spongey, although some of that was due to a K42 sail and a 6mm frame.

ISTR the Aerodrone stripes had a variable keel too, although I can't remember if that was a similar mechanism.

[stapp59]

Thanks for the info Ian.  Had not thought about the dynamic keel width idea. I assume the bungee goes between the inner standoff holes and behind the kite.

Certainly the multiple inner standoff holes are effective as are adjustable standoffs like Aerostar uses on the Sano to modify the TE profile.

Cheers,
Steve

[inewham]

I assume the bungee goes between the inner standoff holes and behind the kite.

Yes

[RonG]

ISTR the Aerodrone stripes had a variable keel too, although I can't remember if that was a similar mechanism.

Yes, dynamic keel on the Stripes.  I'd have to say though that it was marginally effective at best.  I always said that the Stripes was a fantastic competition kite in the 5-9 mph wind range.  Below that it was basically a boat anchor, above that it you might as well buggy with it.  But in that sweet spot...a wind window that went on forever, and about as smooth as you could want a kite to be.

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