Date: Fri, 11 Aug 1995 06:38:21 -1000 From: gilchgw@zoology.washington.edu (George W. Gilchrist) Message-Id: <40g11t$5kd@nntp4.u.washington.edu> Organization: University of Washington Subject: Synergy Deca 15 vs. 31? I was checking out Guildworks literature the other day and I was curious about performance differences in the Deca 15 vs. the 31. I was surprised that the smaller kite (the 31) was claimed to be a better performer at low wind speeds. What do those of you who've flown both of these beauties think? Are there dramatic performance differences in these two kites? I think that these are among the most original and beautiful kites in the sky. Pricey, but originality and excellence of design ought to be rewarded. Does anyone know if the Guildworks folks will be at WSIKF this year? Cheers, George -- ============================== George W. Gilchrist gilchgw@zoology.washington.edu University of Washington Department of Zoology Box 351800 Seattle, WA 98l95-1800 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 11 Aug 1995 09:57:16 -1000 From: jburka@Glue.umd.edu (Jeffrey C. Burka) Message-Id: <40gcms$4jc@geog25.umd.edu> Organization: Project Glue, University of Maryland, College Park Subject: Re: Synergy Deca 15 vs. 31? In article <40g11t$5kd@nntp4.u.washington.edu>, George W. Gilchrist wrote: >I was checking out Guildworks literature the other day and I was curious >about performance differences in the Deca 15 vs. the 31. I was surprised >that the smaller kite (the 31) was claimed to be a better performer at low >wind speeds. What do those of you who've flown both of these beauties >think? Are there dramatic performance differences in these two kites? There are unquestionable, dramatic differences between the 15 and the 31. The kites have very different aspect ratios. The 31 tracks backward better than any other Deca (it tracks backward well enough that one can turn the handles upside down and fly the kite just as accurately!). The kite has a different feel in tight spins (and a very different look -- quite beautiful). The 31 also slides a lot better than any of the other full-sized kites (the Minergy is the best sliding deca overall). Again, this ties into the aspect ratio. Still, I've seen Sandy "deccaboy" Wagner do some great slides with a 15 and even a 6, so don't underestimate the influence of the flyer. ;-) The 31 is lighter than the 15, and have no trouble believing its lower wind rating. Both kites are great, and I hope to own one at some point. Which one simply depends on timing -- if I get offered a great deal on a 15 before I save up for a 31, I'll take it. >Does anyone know if the Guildworks folks will be at WSIKF this year? I'm not sure if Mark and co. will be there, but I do know that Peter Lee will be there. Peter has rather close ties to Guildworks, and has a number of Decas in most varieties. Jeff -- |Jeffrey C. Burka | Pithy, insightful quote to be inserted when one | |jburka@glue.umd.edu | occurs to me. *If* one occurs to me. | |http://www.wam.umd.edu/~jeffy/html/home.html | = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =