Pimp My Ride Kite!
Over the last 15 years, I have repaired/upgraded
literally 100's of sport kites. While some were AeroStars, most were
models from just about every other conceivable manufacturer.
However, this will be the first time a non-AeroStar is featured on this
website. Mainly, I thought fellow enthusiasts would enjoy seeing
this "one-off" kite!
Long-time
friend, customer and flying phenom Ben
Liptak recently ordered a custom L'Atelier Vmasque sail. The Masque
series is legendary - not only does it remain popular 10 years after its
introduction but this design has won many European competitions as
well. After obtaining the skin from France, Ben immediately
forwarded it to the secret Kite Kave for framing, sail detailing and final
assembly.
A lot of discussion was
put into various airframe configurations. Ben's top priority was to
have a rigid frame up to the task of aggressively flying this large 2.4m
wing. Weight, durability and cost also factored into the
equation. Ultimately, Sky Shark P300s were selected for the leading
edges; the spine is also a P300 with a solid carbon tail extension.
The lower spreaders are the awesome Sky Shark Nitros with an Easton
Pro-Comp 14 upper spreader. This was my first time working with
Nitros, so it was a learning experience (this spar requires a 2-piece
bonded ferrule plus the 'T' fitting had to be machined to accept the
larger coupling size).
Ben also
had some specific sail modification requests. To accommodate APA
fittings with stoppers, the LE cutouts were widened. The standoff
hole diameters were also increased to fit Jaco connectors. Since the
kite would be frequently rolled-up, heavy duty TE binding was sewn around
the standoffs. Lastly, the tail Velcro was lengthened and reinforced
so it could house Sano-style tail fittings
Since
I don't know when to quit, I also made some additions Ben didn't ask
for! Custom line glides cover the upper LE fittings along with
non-captive YoYo stoppers. In addition, this kite has a variable
tail ballast system and an AeroStar 2-point shock cord tensioner at each
wingtip. As the crowning touch, the carbon standoffs were specially
fabricated so they taper to a larger diameter in the mid-sections (see
last picture). This dramatically stiffens the standoffs to help
prevent buckling during wraps with only a very minimal weight
penalty.
Speaking of which,
the total weight (including the medium 9 gram tail ballast) comes in at
10.2 ozs (290 grams). Not too shabby for a 94" wingspan kite with
such robust spars! The bridle has yet to be tweaked, but Ben has
graciously given me permission to be the first "test
pilot". Thanks buddy - after a brief shake down flight, this
"pimped" Vmasque will be heading your way! 
