Flexifoil Stacker 6

Finally thought I should get around to writing my comments about the Flexifoil Stacker 6 STACK that I have been flying for a number of years now.

-- EQUIPMENT USED --

I have three 6ft Stacker kites that I have "collected" over the last ten years, one (yellow) is of the very first generation of stacker kites (before they had that name) and two newer ones (green/black, red/black) joined the crew over a year ago. My lines are 135kg Peter Lynn lines (yellow) and I also employ the stacker kit that Flexifoil offers. If you do not have 8ft or 10ft stackers, you needn't get the "bigger" of the two available stacker kits as they do not have a stronger rating, they are just longer - I had to shorten one of the kits to keep the kites equidistant, I initially thought the first connector would have to hold the load of two kites and therefore took the bigger kit.

The old kite came in a sack of the same fabric as the kite - bright as hell yellow and was not very helpful. The new kites have a well padded bag with some room to store handles and lines in. And they look kinda funky (black nylon bag, mesh window, funky Flexifoil print).

I also have the padded wrist leashes offered by Flexifoil. I used to use wheels, but decided against that when I went to the stack. Before, I could hand launch the foil and let it float away by releasing the wheels (basically using the kites tendency to luff in a break in the wind). Not a good idea in the case of a stack.

The senior kite (yellow) was always a blast to use, really quick and delivering quite a lot of tug for such a small device (with only one rod). Given, don't try to fly any number of 6ft stacker kites in wind less than 3bft - you will not have much fun as you constantly have to keep the kites in motion so that they do not luff in a lull. Always keep flying 8s when you are going for a rest.

-- SETUP --

The launch of the stack is different than a single kite as you cannot do the hand launch thing. Therefore, the best option is to have someone help you launch. Best is someone who knows how to fly the kites and then simply holds on to the lowest of the three and lets them fill with air. Then launch as with a single kite (taught lines, do not throw, just let go).

For the advanced single individuals out there who have no friends (just kidding!) the best way to launch these kites alone is to assemble everything, connect the kites and lay them one over the other (shifting the top ones back a little bit per kite) and then putting your kite bag (from the new kites) smack dab down the middle of the kites and pressing down the leading edge so they do not fill with air. Put the stacker kit lines (or the kite lines if you opt to go without the kits) that are between the kites *out* to the side so they do not get caught when launching.

In enough wind (and I have tried a three kite stack in less than 3bft) you go back to your handles and get a hold of the lines and then give some small tugs to let the low kite slip out of the "pile" we just put together. One after another the kites will slide out and initially lie on the ground. If they do not fill with air immediately you can give a few sharper tugs so they "hop" around a bit, the first bit of wind will start at least one of them in the air, thus causing the rest to follow. When the wind catches them all, they will start up rather irrationally and dance wildly around. This is the critical part where a line snag may occur but it usually works out alright.

And you're flying.

-- IN FLIGHT --

As said above, keep them in motion so they do not luff. Everything else is a no-brainer. Right turn - left turn. Loops until no end. Loops look much more dangerous if you are not flaing the kites (it looks much like a lost handkerchief in the wind, I have been told).

If the tension is up, you can easily fly some aerobatics, but I never have been keen on getting grades at my hobby. But it is entertaining to do aquarium tricks and the like when kids are watching.

If you have done kitesurfing before, the diagonal 8s to build up speed and power are also easily done and can very much cause you to scud quite a ways down the beach or grass. Granted, it won't let you surf. But that wasn't the point in these kites anyway. Nevertheless, the grunt is very noticeable and many a buddy of mine has a bit of respect for these kites now.

The edge of the window (and the zenith in particular) are a problem. Since the kite is not in motion much, the plane of attack will cause it to float away downwind (luff), trying to get back to the power zone. Depending on the angle it takes, it can sometimes literally fall out of the sky. So once again, be bold, but keep it in motion.

Landing is not a big issue, take it to the edge of the window and take a turn downwards letting it gently fall on the leading edge, then falling on its back. This will avoid it getting any motivation to rise again.

-- ALL IN ALL --

All in all - a great trainer kite and great fun with the lot while you are taking the Frenzy for a spin. Not much damage can be done when a beginner takes these out, but some pointers from a helping hand can be helpful to keep the fun factor up, otherwise frustration can set in when the kite starts to float away...

By : jensh