Date: 7 May 93 21:22:36 GMT
From: daveb@pogo.wv.tek.com (Dave Butler)
Message-Id: <14776@pogo.wv.tek.com>
Organization: Tektronix, Inc., Wilsonville,  OR.
Subject: Anybody flown the Maxi Edge?

Has anyone flown the Spectra Kite "Maxi Edge?"  I've heard some great things
about it, but I want to hear some more before plunking down the money.

Thus far I know that it is rated down to 2 mph, and that it won the
International competition in Japan in dead calm.  I know that it has
the highest surface area to weight ratio of any kite on the market.  I know
that it is made with 2 wrap advantage rod, and that the top rating is 8 mph.  I
know that Dave Britain, flew one with 10 foot lines inside a television
studio.  I also know the lead time to get one is from 4 to 8 weeks, so I want
to know more. right now! 

I have a friend with one, and we're trying to set up a time for me to fly it
(he definitely likes it), but with with all the rain (and rain and rain) in
Oregon lately (3 rainless days in April, and over well half the average
rainfall for May, by May 5th), we are having some problems finding a dry day,
that doesn't have just too much wind, when we are both free.  Now, since
there is so much lead time on getting one, I want to get as much information
as quickly as possible.  So, has anyone flown one? What did you think?

Is it a gossamer butterfly that you just had to have for your own? Did it make
all your light wind flying that much easier? Did it increase your repertoire?
Was it worth $250? Was a Maxi Edge in 2 mph as responsive as, say a Phantom in
4 mph? Was it better than sex? If not, then was it better than whole, fresh
Dungeness crab with garlic butter, chased by a good micro-brewery ale? 
(Ie: if you were flying the kite and someone offered you crab and beer, would
you have to think about it for a second or two?)

If you've got input, I'd like to hear it.  Thanks.
  
				Later,

				Dave Butler

    Science, freedom, beauty, adventure: What more could you ask of life? 
    Aviation combined all the elements I loved...  I began to feel that I 
    lived on a higher plane than the skeptics of the ground; one that was 
    richer because of its very association with the elements of danger they 
    dreaded, because it was freer of the earth to which they were bound.  In 
    flying I tasted the wine of the gods of which they could know nothing... 
				Charles A. Lindbergh Jr.


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Date: Sat, 8 May 1993 07:40:02 GMT
From: tanaka_be@swam1.enet.dec.com
Message-Id: <9305080648.AA06778@enet-gw.pa.dec.com>
Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Subject: Has anyone flown the Maxi Edge?

I have flown the Edge, but not the Maxi Edge.

Not to get too far off the subject, but Spectra also makes the Freestyle
Reactor which is a very similar kite.  Between the two, my impression is
that the Edge pulls harder and does pull turns good, while the Freestyle
has a skosh more speed, and responds well to push turns.  They both have
winglets, but the Freestyle is cut up higher along the trailing edge
and uses a curved, rather than a linear pattern.  The Freestyle also 
is a relatively light pulling kite.  I have flown the Freestyle a lot,
but have had limited time on the Edge, but except as noted, they fly
not radically different from each other.  I probably personally prefer
the Freestyle because of its lighter pull, but they're both good kites.

The Maxi Freestyle has a ten foot wing span and weighs less than 10 ounces.It 
will fly in 1-2 mph wind.  I've watched team Tsunami do their routine in 
extremely light wind, with this kite.  Despite its size, it is still able to 
do a lot of the ground work normally associated with a standard size kite
including: belly launches, tip stabs, ground turtles and nose touches.
The frame flexes a lot.  In some tip stands, you can get quite a big bend
in the rods, and in snap turns, it moves with a whipping motion in the wings.  
An even, predictable performersurprisingly capable of doing a lot of 
the more difficult stunts, even in low wind.  Probably a good kite to
have in your bag if you're a competiton flyer.  A big kite, that flies big.
If I flew pairs or team, I'd get one.

Another top performer in low wind, is the ultra-light version of the
Skyburner.  Its worth a demo if anyone has one in your area.

I own neither.  Ran out of money.  However, I plan to put to use those
no-wind tips you passed on, Dave.  

Good Winds (hope you get some sun, soon)
Bert Tanaka