New Tech Kites

Schook · Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:01 pm Post subject: Question on the Desire UL

I've been getting the "desire" (pun intended) for a light wind kite lately so I dont get shut down by no wind days, and I have a question on the Desire UL. I know this isn't thought of as a "tricky" kite but I was wondering what types of things can I expect from this kite. I have been flying for about a year and like doing side slides, fades, axels, flic flacs. I'm not so good at the rolling up stuff yet so that is not a big deal at this time. Just looking to see if this might get me going on light wind days or if I should look to something different like a light wind version of another model etc.

Thanks in advance for any input
Jim
_________________
NT Kites In the Bag:
Cherry Bomb, Techno, Big Bang Pro, Desire UL, French Connection

rboerth · Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 9:47 am Post subject:

I don't have much time on the Desire UL, but I can say that the kite needs very little wind to get in the air and it's quite stable and cuts sharp corners and straight lines. But these characteristics mean that it does not do slack line tricks easily. ULs in general are more difficult when you are trying out tricks because many of the desirable qualities of the UL (light weight, keeping wind in the sail for lift, stability, etc.) are precisely qualities that work against tricks.

I have been able to get better slack line tricks out of other ULs by adding weights to the spine and the tips of the lower leading edges (nuts sometimes work well). If you try this, work up in small increments and realize that you are going to make the kite more unstable in the air with the weights.

A different bridle set up might also work (for example going to a standard three-point bridle instead of the stock 4-leg setup on the Desire). If you're interested in tinkering with this, I suggest leaving the current bridle on the kite while you are hooking up and trying out the new one.

I'm planning to try a few tweaks out on the Desire--will let you know what the results are.

My sense is that the Desire is a great kite for the price and will certainly give you plenty of fun in low wind situations, but it's not designed for trickability. (Though I hear a tricker UL from New Tech might be in the works ).

Chris · Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 10:30 am Post subject:

The Desire UL is certainly capable of doing basic tricks, such as side slides, axels, etc..but as rboerth said, it doesn't do advanced slack line tricks as well as a 'standard' kite due to its light weight - and weight provides more inertia for tricking. Try adding some weight as suggested as see what happens. I'm not a slack line trick aficionado - but the Desire is very easy to fly in light breezes, extreme precise, maneuverable and fun to fly.

Cheers!

Chris
_________________
"Fly a kite for a child and you entertain them for the day. Teach a child to fly a kite and you entertain them for life."

Schook · Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 12:27 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys for the input. Sounds like the Desire UL will do what I want. Mostly I am just looking to get in the air on light wind days. Doing some basic tricks would keep it interesting for me.

Jim
_________________
NT Kites In the Bag:
Cherry Bomb, Techno, Big Bang Pro, Desire UL, French Connection

Schook · Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:58 am Post subject:

I picked up a Desire UL this weekend. Of course the wind was up around 20mph on Saturday!! Took it out on Sunday and had a great time with it. Very Happy

By the way, did I mention Very Happy

(Big smile on my face while flying) I am impressed with the look and feel of this kite, very good for the money.
_________________
NT Kites In the Bag:
Cherry Bomb, Techno, Big Bang Pro, Desire UL, French Connection