QuadKites.org

Setting up your Revolution kite by Lyze Kiel

Lyze lists useful gear (up to 0:30). He then shows the carbon rods and how to fit them together and set the leading edge (up to 1:50). Then he installs the connectors on the leading edge (to 3:40). Lyze makes the classic mistake of trying to fit the leading edge before checking the condition of the sail and bridles. We recommend unfolding the sail and checking that the bridle is free before fitting the leading edge endcaps. Lyze then mounts the vertical rods. Finally, he checks that the bridle is free.

From the series First steps by Lyze Kiel. Chapter summary by QuadKites.org.

Setting up your Revolution kite by Lyze Kiel

Key takeaways from this video

  • Check the kite's parts first: the three-piece leading edge, the two lighter vertical rods and the end caps.
  • Tell the front of the sail, with its seams on the leading edge, from the back before fitting the rods, and make sure the bridle passes on the right side.
  • Once assembled, check that the bridle is in front and free, with no knot on either side.

Chapter summary

  1. The gear

    0:00

    Lyze shows what you need: the kite in its sleeve, the wound lines and the two handles.

  2. Leading edge rods

    0:50

    The leading edge comes in three pieces. Lyze takes out the rods and shows the joints that connect the center rod to the other two.

  3. End caps

    1:39

    He slides the end of the rod into the wingtip end cap: the cap must sit properly at the front, or it comes off.

  4. Front and back of the sail

    2:47

    He shows how to tell the back of the sail, the trailing edge, from the front, the leading edge with its seams, then finishes the leading edge on the other side.

  5. Vertical rods

    3:54

    The two vertical rods, lighter than the leading edge rods, go into their end caps; make sure the bridle passes on the right side.

  6. Checking the bridle

    5:17

    With the kite assembled, Lyze checks that the bridle is in front and free, with no knot on either side: the kite is ready to fly.

Keep going

In the series First steps with a Revolution kite by Lyze Kiel

  1. Setting up your Revolution kite — you are here
  2. Unfolding the lines and preparing to fly
  3. The basics of flying
  4. Mastering your Revolution in flight
  5. Packing up your Revolution kite
  6. A quarter turn on the spot
  7. Demonstration of low-wind flying
  8. Demonstration in steady wind

Elsewhere on the site

Last updated: — new page: the video, its key takeaways, and its chapter summary