I were wondering if anyone else knew that the 7m Link is a completely different kite to the 9m and larger kites?

I just purchased a 2nd hand 7m link and rolled her out, expecting to get a mid aspect, 7 strut kite.

To my suprise the kite was actually a high aspect, 5 strut kite, with a straight trailing edge. So not only is the cutout a significantly different shape, it also looses 2 struts in the downsize. This is funny because the 9m kite and larger sizes are a 7 strut kite and I'm pretty sure they have a concave trailing edge (I could be wrong).

I couldnt believe how similar the cutout of the 7m link was to my 9m Rev, since the cutout of the 10.5m link is quite different to the Rev.

Did anyone know this? I know that each sized kite is tuned and taylored individually, but I thought the cutout was still the same?

I cant wait to try her anyway, this kite looks like it will rock

don't even get me started on the links.....

stabber said...

don't even get me started on the links.....

The whole point of this post is the difference between the 7 and the other links.

yeah he is

and you're the forum baby

Whatever they were trying to do, the 9 and 12 turned out to be pigs... nearly bought them, but gladdly got to try before buying, and didn't... know some folks that didn't try before buying and got burnt.

The Link ends up in the Hall Of Disfame, along with the Hellfish.

Being a small kite, the 7m, might be pick of the bunch... either way, I guess you got it nice n cheap. Enjoy.

The 7m Link cutout is similar to the rev, but still quite different.

I've never seen such significant changes throughout a kite's size range. I've seen 5 strut kites go down to 3 strut layouts for the 5m and smaller sizes but not this much change.
Does anyone know what Slingshot were trying to achieve here?

What will adding extra struts to a kite achieve?

The 9m Link rocks (only kept the two outside battons in) but the 12 is a dog !!

What's the big problem Stabber? I hope you had warranty issues and your not just whinging because you found the link hard to fly.

I have'nt flown the 12 or 15, but the 10.5 is a good kite. Learners struggle a bit with these kites because the kite can be flown over the window easily and can stall if over sheeted.

I've found the stitching on the Link's middle strut to be the weakest point. Because the struts are so rediculously fat, the stitching can eventually break from the strut folding when you put sand on your kite. i.e. larger diameter = higher stresses.

Luckily they are double stitched! Lets just hope that second row of stiching holds up for a while.

Can the strut's stitching be repaired on these things? It looks impossible to get a machine onto it.

stabber said...

ok...lets ban or remove any post that my give some real insight into the products...

maybe you should give some real insight, rather than just a warning not to get started.....

stabber said...

ok...lets ban or remove any post that my give some real insight into the products...

come on stabber

what are you talking about??? it's already a collector's item with mad followers!!!