So you have a kite you'd like to add yoyo stops to but it doesn't have covered leading edge fittings or maybe a q-pro thats missing the glider bars. Well since its been raining the last few days I took the time to upgrade an old first gen Gemini with stops and came up with an easy solution to the lack of covered LE fittings.
What you'll need:
10 or 11 inch zip ties(3/16 wide)
1/8 inch heat shrink
cutters
hobby knife
lighter
First step is to take the zip tie and cut off the locking block. ONce that is done take your hobby knife and trim the end so its rounded off. You will also want to shave off any excess plastic along the length leftover from the moulding.
Photo0185 by
Ca Ike, on Flickr
Photo0186 by
Ca Ike, on Flickr
Once you have the end prepped, cut a couple 1/2 in pieces of the 1/8 inch heat shrink (note the 1/8 inch diameter is after shrinking not before) and place them on the ends of the tie so they are about 1/16 inch past the end and shrink it. THis will protect the LE material from the sharp ends of the tie and provide a bit of grip to keep it from sliding around in the LE pocket.
Photo0187 by
Ca Ike, on Flickr
Now you can place a mark half way along the zip tie but centering the tie over the fitting isn't really necessary. YOu'll want to slide the tie into the LE pocket, smooth side up, so its about 4 inches inside both above and below the fitting. depending on the kite and size of the cutout this will vary of course.
Photo0188 by
Ca Ike, on Flickr
Photo0189 by
Ca Ike, on Flickr
And there you go. YOu can now add stops and try your roll up tricks without worrying about snagging an upper LE fitting.
DisclaimerTHis mod will not guarantee your particular kite will do roll ups nor will it make you a yoyo master. Feel free to use this mod on any kite you wish, provided its your own (if its not you didn't get permission from me
), and have fun experimenting with a new trick on an older kite
