Changing frames by KiteLife

Transcript

1. ›

   Introduction

   0:00

   This time around I'm going to cover the two most common ways to change the frame on your Rev. First, you'll notice that it's still connected to the lines: one of the things I really enjoy about the Rev in particular is that you don't have to take it off the lines to change the frame. Right now I've got a race frame in there.

2. ›

   Pushing method

   0:18

   The first method, which I already showed on the B-Series DVD, is worth covering again here. I start by removing the vertical spars, then uncap one end and come back to uncap the other. Notice that the sail is blowing downwind from the leading edge, which helps you control it. Then I take my new leading edge: I have one ferruled spar here, and I take one of the non-ferruled spars, the one without the joint. At a slight angle, which you can see here, I push the old one through with it. Once I reach the end, I take the next spar, the ferruled one with the joint, connect it, and keep pushing at that slight angle on the leading edge. Too sharp an angle and the process won't work smoothly; too flat, and the new spar can jump next to the old one, leaving two rods side by side that are very hard to get out. I keep pushing, the old leading edge slides out of the kite, I reach the ferrule and connect my last leading edge piece, and keep pushing until the old spar is out.

3. ›

   Refitting the frame

   1:43

   Then it's just a matter of putting the end caps back on and inserting the new vertical spars. To control the kite, I usually start with the leading edge, so I can pin it nicely, then connect the bottom wingtip, and once more into the leading edge and the wingtips. That's the frame changed the old way.

4. ›

   Curve-and-pull method

   2:26

   This time I'm going to show you a completely different method for the leading edge itself. I think it makes it a lot easier, and it can reduce wear on the leading edge. With the vertical spars out, I remove one end cap at the wingtip and put a slight bend in the leading edge — you can see I'm torquing it a little with my thumb. With that slight bend, I start pulling the entire leading edge out, keeping the curve in the rod as I go. When I reach a joint, I take it out, and continue with the curve to the next joint. I actually pulled a little early there: if you keep tension and the right curve in the leading edge, the whole thing comes out in one go. That's the curve-and-pull method; from here I can reinsert my new frame. So that's your basic introduction to the two ways to change frames. Have fun.