Light Wind Inland Kites - Best Option Comparison?

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[tpatter]

I concur with others - the Shadow is one heck of a sweet low wind trick kite in my opinion.   It likes to fly and flat spin much better than many of the others that you are considering that I've flown.

Many kites have come and gone through my bag, but that one is still there.  In fact, it is now the oldest kite that I own.


BTW - I like how the kite feels currently, but can someone post the mods that they made in order to reduce the oversteer?  I'd be interested to see how I like it.

[Hadge]

All I did to mine was to tie a knot halfway up the loop on the upper outhaul that goes around the the pigtail knots. This shortens the uphaul by about 3cm, lifting the tow point. Pull the knot at the end of the end of the loop up as far as it will go and tie a knot halfway along. This seems to have taken a lot of the oversteer out of the kite and also gives a bit more drive as it increases the AOA. Try it and see what you think, it's easy to change back if you don't like it.

[crunchie]

I have a Shadow and a 4D (Thanks devin!). The shadow I managed to find new with the original rainbow design last year from a Ma'N'Pa shop somewhere on the west coast (isnt the internet great!). It was stashed in the back store for some years the clerk said, the last one they had.

Even gave me a "liquidation" price since it was so old Guess he didnt know how rare they are now.

The only problem... the rubber that holds the upper spar in the middle is all cracks and ready to break. The weight is rusted and not shiney clean. I guess thats what happens when its been stored for a bit too long.

My first impressions where "WTF!". I could not get this guy to fly in less than 4mph winds. And it was hyper twitchy. Shortening down the briddle helps greatly with low wind as per recommendations here on GWTW, and removing the weight helps too (doh!). So remember to do that if you are planing some really low wind flying.

The 4D is also quite fun to fly, easy to stall and flip. But do not dart on the ground with it

BTW, anyone know where I can get a replacement rubber for the upper spine (Assuming I actually need it...) for the Shadow? Just because I know its going to break soon...

Crunchie

[ko]

they are plumbing fixture o-rings so any hardware or plumbing supply will stock them  personally i dont use it

[Hadge]

You should be able to buy them at your local kite store - at least you can here in the UK.  Does anyone know if the information for the Shadow is still available from the 'old' forum as I would be interested to read it?

[mcocola]

Just purchased a lightly used Shadow from a forum member.  I hope it's as versatile as everyone says 

[Kantaxel]

You'll like it I'm sure...........Just remember the word 'soft' and you'll be fine

[chilese]

Shadow:

1 Make sure the bridle has been adjusted to a much lighter position (higher tow point).

2 Use small hand motions as the kite has lots of oversteer.

If the bridle is set correctly, the kite should fly in 2 mph winds with just minor foot motion.

[ko]

worked for me

[mcocola]

Took the kite out for a spin today.  Its pretty nice but I now see what you all meant about needing a bridle adjustment.  When it got gusty it had a lot of pull and went skyward in a huge hurry and when the wind was light I seemed like I was walking backward unnecessarily. 

Can someone show me what the adjusted bridle looks like (a zoomed out photo) or some description?  Thanks!