Tuning theory by KiteForge

Transcript

1. ›

   Introduction

   0:00

   Now in this tutorial, we're gonna talk about the basics of tuning: first at the handle end, and then at the kite end.

2. ›

   Leaders: the default setting

   0:40

   On the handles, we have what we call the leaders — a series of knots from one end all the way up, seven different settings in this case. Much like telling the kite to fly forward by putting your thumbs back, the leaders let you set what I'd call the idle of the engine: the closer the knot is to the top, the more forward you're putting into the kite by default. On a very forward setting, I find launch is easier and the kite goes faster, but turns need more reach and torque since the top lines are shorter. One sign I watch for with too much forward is a flapping sound — the trailing edge goes slack, similar to over-sheeting a sail. Conversely, letting the leaders out reduces forward load but creates more cupping; too far out and you may feel a lot of kite but struggle to launch it at all. What I'm working toward is a balance where inputs are all available to me — forward, turns — without it being all gas or absurdly sensitive turns.

3. ›

   Leaders: by pilot skill level

   3:53

   A lot of this depends on the pilot's skill level: after many years flying, I can cup the kite into a good curve for drive, while a pilot without that experience might not get the same forward feel. For a new pilot, or if tuning isn't familiar yet, I recommend starting on a longer knot — ideally the kite won't launch at first, just hop and settle back — then shortening one knot at a time, giving each setting three earnest launch attempts, until you find the knot where the kite seems to activate and come off the ground with a good balance. As you improve, that sweet spot tends to sit a little longer each time.

4. ›

   Bottom knots: correcting an offset

   5:39

   The handles also have a series of bottom knots, which I don't use for tuning but to make a small offset — for example shortening one side slightly when I can tell the kite always wants to turn one way, often because one line has stretched more than the other over time. Now let's move down to the kite and see how the bridle tuning works on both the Djuice and the Djinn.

5. ›

   Sync bridle: from the longest to the sport setting

   6:34

   Down at the kite end, the bridle on the Djuice and Djinn is particularly unique — flexible and adjustable, with a series of knots at the bottom leg that let me adjust the distance between the top and bottom lines. At the longest setting, I find forward launch is generally easier, but turn response is reduced and the kite stays flatter and more open, sometimes losing pressure in the center panel. At the tightest setting — what I call "hold my beer" — the kite goes under the most compression, taking a rounded, filled-up shape; forward needs more conscious technique from me, but turns become much more sensitive for the same input. One notch looser is what I call the "sport" setting, which is where most practiced Djinn flyers I see tend to sit, with strong response on flic flacs, axels and turns.

6. ›

   Sync bridle: the team and easy settings

   9:50

   Most kites ship on the "team" setting, second from the end — a good all-around balance for anyone entering quad kiting. The loosest, "easy", isn't one I typically use or see used, but it's there if it suits your style.

7. ›

   Sync bridle: four knots, three gaps

   10:51

   So there are four knots and three gaps: easy, team, sport, and hold my beer, each trading forward inertia for sensitivity and compression. The Djuice bridle follows the same format as the Djinn, with different measurements for a different beginner-to-experienced feel, and on my UL Djinn, that bridle is further modified for light wind, but still follows the same general design.

8. ›

   Closing thoughts

   12:26

   With that general introduction to tuning at the handles and the bridle, I encourage you to explore both thoroughly on your own — kiting is very much a thing that's subject to taste, and all of our body forms are different. I've been flying for 35 years, so my form is very natural to me; if your background is different, your posture might be too, and that's fine. Tuning has a lot to do with adjusting the kite so it fits you, just like adjusting a car seat so the pedals and wheel are within reach. So again, explore tuning, and have a lot of fun.