SET UP 4 - TUNING THE KITE
TUNING THE KITE - CONTRA / NITRO / CO2 / ELEMENT
TUNING THE KITE
Proper tuning of your CONTRA, NITRO, CO2 and ELEMENT kite is essential for best performance. A properly tuned kite
increases its efficiency, speed, and allows the kite to de-power correctly. The following guidelines will help you to properly
tune the kite to suit your style of riding.
1. All models have a desired sweet spot that is achieved by
the correct tension of the steering (back) and de-power
(front) lines. Fine-tuning of the kite may be done by
making small adjustments to the Centerline Adjustment
Strap (CAS.).
2. Do not 'over sheet' the kite. The first objective is to set the
kite's maximum power while allowing it to fly efficiently
across the sky. More power and quicker turning is
achieved by tensioning the steering (back) lines. This is
called 'sheeting in the kite'. There is however, a point of
diminishing returns. Too much back line tension will
cause the kite to fly slowly across the sky and not allow it
to fly to the edge of the power window.
3. With the kite directly overhead, hook into the harness loop
and fully sheet in (power up) the kite. Observe the angle of
the wingtips in relation to the other inflated battens. A
common turning position is achieved when the wing tips
are parallel to the inflated battens and the steering (back)
lines are taught. (Fig.1) If the wing tips are flared outward
at the leading edge, the kite will be over sheeted. (Fig.2)
4. De-power the kite by pulling on the CAS until the desired
effect is achieved. The more you pull on the CAS the less
power the kite will have. Keep in mind that you will still be
able to de-power the kite through the Powerlock Loop, so
do not de-power too much with the CAS. To increase
power, pull down on the large plastic loop on the CAS.
View of kite from riders perspective.
Kite in the neutral position
directly above the rider.
fig.2
Correct Trim
fig.1
Oversheeted wingtip
(too much back line tension)
