Introduction
The T5 Taipan is a competition-grade team, precision and ballet kite. Four versions: UL/SUL,
Standard, Semi-Vent (V1) and Full Vent (V2). The T5 Cuban is the fifth kite in the range - an
extreme light version for near-zero wind flying.
Designed by Peter Taylor for team Airheads (
) from 2010-2012 and
incorporating much of the team's experience with display and competition flying.
The T5 Taipan delivers consistent, not-too-heavy pull, very predictable handling, very wide wind
range and big overlaps between the kites. The kites also have the same handling characteristics
across the range, so you can switch kites without adjusting flying style.
The T5 Cuban uses an extremely light mylar laminate material and has the same geometry as the
Taipan, but the sail plan and bridle are optimised for maximum stability in light wind.
The Boring Stuff
Please follow the usual common-sense safe flying rules; don't fly over people, near roads,
powerlines or trees or during thunderstorms. Use the kites within the recommended wind range
and with suitable flying line.
T5 frames are very tough, but if you do have a crash take care; carbon fibre shards can be
extremely sharp.
We recommend you have appropriate third-party insurance; most household policies will give you
some cover, or join Stack (
) – membership includes third-party insurance
specifically for kite activities.
Assembly
The T5 is mostly conventional, so treat this as a check-list.
•
Unfold the kite and lay it out face down; insert the spine extension and nock – the shock
cord should be fitted around the spine extension.
•
Turn the kite face-up and gently slide the lower leading edge up to mate with the upper
leading edge. Make sure that's fully in place, then gently stretch the rubber bands over the
nock to secure it (there are 2 bands each side).
•
Now fit the upper spreader – these are usually tight when new, so a little moisture (lick!) will
help.
•
Post the bottom spreader just in front of the bridle (where it attaches to the spine). Insert
the side with the ferrule into the centre fitting, then fit the other side and then insert into the
leading edge fittings.
•
Make sure all the spreaders are fully in place – the fittings should be in line with the
spreaders, not skewed.
•
Now fit the outer standoffs into the connectors, then do the inners and check the sail is
correctly lined up with the spine.
•
Finally, check the bridle; pull it from the tow points and make sure it is sitting correctly and
not twisted or caught around part of the frame.
For packing down, reverse this sequence – although most people prefer to leave the spine and
leading edge assembled. The mesh bag supplied with the kite is big enough for the kite at full
length.
All this is reasonably obvious, but for competition it's useful to have a set routine – one less thing to
worry about.
Summary of Contents for T5 Taipan
Page 1: ...T5 User Guide...
