So, Stacker 6...

[Scott Thomas]

Based on a recommendation someone on here gave me about a year ago, I
finally picked up a Stacker 6 as a semi-introduction to foils. Had a
few good hours of fun with it yesterday afternoon, but find myself with
a few questions:

- Is a self-launch with this thing even remotely possible? I tried in
vain several times, and simply couldn't get it to do so (in contrast to
the spar-less Parastunter I had last year, which was relatively easy to
self-launch).

- The pull level was okay in 10-12 MPH winds, but I'd really like a
stronger pull. Should I wait and try it in higher winds, get another
one and some stacking lines, or invest (later) in something bigger?

I freely admit that I haven't given this thing _nearly_ enough of a
chance yet to form a good, solid opinion, and I like it so far, but I'd
like to hear another bit or two from others. :)_

[jelv]

Post by Scott Thomas
- Is a self-launch with this thing even remotely possible? I tried in
vain several times, and simply couldn't get it to do so (in contrast to
the spar-less Parastunter I had last year, which was relatively easy to
self-launch).

Self launch is possible.

If you are on short grass, set the kite up at right angles to the wind,
you should then be able to pull it round to face the wind and get it to
inflate before trying to make it take off.

Otherwise I've seen a suggestion of two sticks a little less than the
width of the kite apart and angled towards you to make a ramp up which
you can pull the kite.

HTH

[kiteguy]

Post by Scott Thomas
Based on a recommendation someone on here gave me about a year ago,
I finally picked up a Stacker 6 as a semi-introduction to foils. Had a
few good hours of fun with it yesterday afternoon, but find myself with
- Is a self-launch with this thing even remotely possible? I tried in
vain several times, and simply couldn't get it to do so (in contrast to
the spar-less Parastunter I had last year, which was relatively easy to
self-launch).
- The pull level was okay in 10-12 MPH winds, but I'd really like a
stronger pull. Should I wait and try it in higher winds, get another
one and some stacking lines, or invest (later) in something bigger?
I freely admit that I haven't given this thing _nearly_ enough of a
chance yet to form a good, solid opinion, and I like it so far, but I'd
like to hear another bit or two from others. :)_

The Stacker 6 was not made to be a hard pulling kite. It was made to be
a speed demon, with some loops and figure 8's thrown in.

The best way to get more power is to get a larger kite. A stack of
Stacker 6 kites would get you some power, but it would be much more
expensive that way than getting a larger kite.

Or borrow a sewing machine and make a real big power kite! The Gaul is
an excellent self made kite that builders really like.

Oh, I know of no way to self launch the Stacker 6, except by putting a
couple of rods in the ground, slanted toward the wind. Lay the kite
behind the rods, and then when you back up, pulling on the lines the
kite will slide up the rods. Go slowly enough that the air can fill the
kite. Then when you pull the kite up and over the top of the rods you
will be airborne. If all goes as it should.

[r***@rantrex.net]

My understanding is that if you want power you are better to buy a
bigger kite than to try stacking. That is what I did, but am still yet
to try the Prism P3 in a decent breeze. With wind gusting to a paltry
9mph, it was showing potential. ;-)

I launch both my parafoils by placing them on the ground on their
backs with the trailing edge towards the wind. Weight the trailing
edge with a little sand. Take up the slack in the lines. The leading
edge will lift and begin to fill with wind. As it fills, give the
lines a tug and up the kite goes.

Any reason this won't work for the Stacker 6??

REx.

1 x Prism Stylus P3
1 x Premier Kites Speed Foil
1 x High as a Kite Rascal Stunt Kite
1 x HQ Ready Sleddy
2 x miscellaneous deltas
4 x bargain shop stunters
3 x bargain shop diamonds

http://www.rantrex.net/?cat=4

[jelv]

Post by r***@rantrex.net
I launch both my parafoils by placing them on the ground on their
backs with the trailing edge towards the wind. Weight the trailing
edge with a little sand. Take up the slack in the lines. The leading
edge will lift and begin to fill with wind. As it fills, give the
lines a tug and up the kite goes.
Any reason this won't work for the Stacker 6??

No reason at all. I've done that with a stack of 6's.

[WindJunkie]

Post by Scott Thomas
Based on a recommendation someone on here gave me about a year ago, I
finally picked up a Stacker 6 as a semi-introduction to foils. Had a
few good hours of fun with it yesterday afternoon, but find myself with
- Is a self-launch with this thing even remotely possible? I tried in
vain several times, and simply couldn't get it to do so (in contrast to
the spar-less Parastunter I had last year, which was relatively easy to
self-launch).
- The pull level was okay in 10-12 MPH winds, but I'd really like a
stronger pull. Should I wait and try it in higher winds, get another
one and some stacking lines, or invest (later) in something bigger?
I freely admit that I haven't given this thing _nearly_ enough of a
chance yet to form a good, solid opinion, and I like it so far, but I'd
like to hear another bit or two from others. :)_
--

Self launch is quite possible on a grass field or park with a bit of
wind. Inflate the sail as much as possible by holding the kite/spar by
about the outer third and wave it around, then gently lay the kite on
the grass, right side up. Go pick up the handles and do a bit of a
slow backwards trot.. DO NOT try to jerk the Flexi into flight like
you would a delta-wing stunt kite.. I'd also suggest that you only
stake out one handle so the kite won't self-launch before you are
ready. Also take a look at http://cobrakite.com/flextune.html#Launching.
Cobra Kites was the exclusive USA distributor of Flexifoil for many
years, and there is a wealth of Flexi info still on their site..

For more power, stacking is one option but it will take a lot of 6'
Flexis to make significant power.. Take a look at a 10' Flexi or a 10'
RM foil which is made by Premier Kites [designed by one of the
original Flexi designers]. My own 'Stack from Hell' is 6 6', 2 8' and
3 10' Flexis..

Wind Wizard
Sport Kites and Accessories
www.windwizard.com

[Richard Amirault]

Scott Thomas wrote:
(snip)

Post by Scott Thomas
- Is a self-launch with this thing even remotely possible? I tried in
vain several times, and simply couldn't get it to do so (in contrast to
the spar-less Parastunter I had last year, which was relatively easy to
self-launch).

(snip)

A self launch is possible. While the "sticks in the ground" method works
... it is sort of a pain to set-up.

The way I've done this is fairly easy .. but only works in a decent
wind. If the wind is marginal .. it will not work.

Set up the kite with the lines fully extended. Use a ground stake or
screwdriver to hold the handles/line taut. I assume that you know (or
have clearly marked) which handle is for the right hand, and which is
for the left.

Set the kite on the ground UPSIDE DOWN. So that whatever wind enters the
front .. it will drive the kite into the ground .. and not into the sky.
By setting the kite upside down the lines will be "crossed" .. that is:
the line from the right handle will go to the left side of the kite, and
the line from the left handle will go to the right side of the kite.

Walk back to the handles and pick them up and remove the stake. Put the
right handle in the right hand, and the left handle in the left hand.

NOW, comes the fun part! With one hand reach forward a few feet and
grab ONE of the lines. It does not matter which line or which hand, but
you need to grab the line maybe 3 or 4 feet away from the handle.

Now .. give that one line a real good YANK .. as hard as you can (you
still have both handles in both hands when you do this .. do not put two
handles in one hand .. have the left handle in the left hand .. and the
right handle in the right hand)

If you YANK the line hard enough (and you have grabbed it far enough
away from the handle) it will pull ONE end of the kite. The kite will
spin around on the ground. Swapping left for right. The kite is still
"upside down" but now is facing away from you .. but only for a moment
.. because the wind will FLIP the kite over (top to bottom) and now the
kite will be facing you, right side up.

The wind inflates the kite and it launches.

Again .. if the wind is marginal .. this will not work .. but you wanted
"pull" and a 6 ft stacker does not "pull" very much unless it is a
strong wind.