Hi, I thought I would share my recent impressions on the Soul as a beginner to possibly help other beginners (and non-beginners too).
As I said in another post, my Soul came as a default with the shorter standoffs which, according to Flying Wings, provide a more floaty flight.
The fact is that I tried to fly it like this, but my lack of experience was giving me serious troubles controlling the kite. Especially in low wind. It indeed felt very floaty... too floaty, in fact.
As I tried to do some manoeuvre the kite literally turned into an "autumn leaf" and fell to the floor in a swaying motion (most often belly up) without me being able to do anything to regain control.
After two tries (tow days), I decided to change the standoffs for the longer ones.
Boy, what a difference!It is amazing what 3cm can make!
Today wind was light (approx. 3-4km/h) but I kept full control of the kite. It flew catching every single breath of wind and flew smoothly and elegantly. I managed to do a couple of axels and a couple of fades (wind blew only for about 35min and then died out
but that's better than nothing).
This, as Hadge had said it would, put a smile on my face
from ear to ear!
I therefore recommend every beginner that decides to buy a Soul to make sure they start to fly with the long standoffs.
And enjoy the flying, it is a great kite!
BTW Hadge, I already have my sketch of the kite with all the measures of the bridle and distances from nose to U&L LEs. Also the marks of the knots on the bridle and some reference pictures. As you said, only a few minutes and I'm now safe.
Cheers!
N.
