wizzykite

Back to the classics again. I have done a review of a single stacker some while ago but have added two more to the combination.The stackers come with 75 kg lines which are fine for a single kite use but being a bit tight decided to fly two on the original lines.This worked surprisingly well but i had the thought of snapped lines and broken spars in the back of my mind. With this i bought a set of 200Kg 30 meter flexi lines which are the coloured dyneema variety.If you wish to stack them you will also need to purchase the flexifoil stacking kit (approx £4.00) for each kite). Friends had said just cut equal lengths of dyneema and tie them accordingly however being new to stacking i wasn''t taking any chances so purchased two sets.These come complete with instructions which also doubles as a sizing guide and are rated for 135Kg.They are also coloured a fairly bright yellow which is useful if laying down on the grass.You simply tie the knot at the indicated length and then tie another knot immediately behind the first.You then attach the next stacking line to original line between the two knots prior to attaching the original to the kite.The sleeves the kites come are very useful for weighting down the kites as you connect them,but you would be very unlucky if they took off prior to you getting to the handles. THE LAUNCH Yes it is possible to get them in the air yourself but you need a good flat field or beach and the ability to run backwards for about 10 meters and need a completely different technique to four line flying.You are trying to float them off the ground.Once the first one has shown some inclination to lift off the others follow like a magic carpet although it is not a procudure to rush.Much easier is to have a friend who will hold the leading kite above their head and then let it go.My son who is eleven helped on my first attempt and got caught in the lines and vowed never to help me again. When they are airborn it becomes immediately apparent if you have your stacking lines of equal length.It is vital to ensure they are as equal as possible or you could see one turn sharply into another and make the stack very unstable resulting on a potentially expensive crash.Providing you have everything right the kites fly in formation.The beauty of having three stacker 6's is that they cover the current powerkite range 2x stackers= 1 Proteam 8 and 3xStacker roughly equate to a Super 10. Plus if its blowing too hard for the stack you have three separate stackers for you and a couple of mates to use.I acknowledge they are a bit fiddly to set up but nothing compared to trying to detangle a 4 line mess.I own several 4 liners which are a different beast altogether but it is possible to fly the stack very quickly but you just don't have the facility to apply the brake,other than flying it out of the window. Visually they create a memorable sight and of course you can always stack more if you want more power,just keep in mind the breaking strain of your main and stacking lines. The only other thing you need is padded handles,these are not standard with Stacker 6's but there are several brands out there,but ensure they have a metal ring not plastic as these kites can generate a fair amount of pull. These kites may be old but Flexi keeps making them and they are all about fun,scudding and just having a good time. Everyone at some time should try a stack if albeit briefly.