Speed Limit

While attending the AKA Convention in Wildwood, I had the chance to test
fly a couple of kites that we on the west coast don't often see.  The best
of the bunch is one called the Speed Limit by Aerodrone Sport Kites.  After 
flying it I would concur with the favorable impression it seems to have made 
with some of my fellow noters as well.

The Speed Limit is a variable vented kite that, as its main feature, 
employs a self adjusting system of vent flaps to control pressure
in the sail.  Contrary to what you might first think, this system
appears to be extremely well thought out so that tuning and flap
operation should remain relatively stable and maintenance free throughout
the life of the kite.  Not at all overly complex, but rather, reflects 
a workmanlike design that makes it one of most innovative kites I have
had the pleasure to fly. It is currently made with riptop nylon, and
pultruded graphite spars and weighs about 15 ounces.  Consistent with
its clever design, construction is top notch.

It is rated to fly in winds 5 to 20 mph.  What is interesting about
this wind range, is that the Speed Limit goes far beyond than just
staying alive within these range marks, and instead, performs very
well.  At the AKA Grand Nationals, a lot of Speed Limits were being
used due to the strong winds.  In the ballet events, competitors took
advantage of the Speed Limits ability to reduce pull, and equally
important, its relatively even speed which is important when you have
to fly a timed routine to music.

The Speed Limit has moderate speed and flies evenly in all parts of the 
window.  The vents cushion its course in bumpy wind by opening in high wind,
and closing to maintain sail pressure, in low wind.  This also has the 
effect of making the Speed Limit a slow accelerating kite although much of
this may be due to its weight (15 oz.) which is on the high side.

I was told that the Speed Limit had difficulty doing stunts but my experience
with it was quite to the contrary.  Perhaps it was because it has the feel
quite similar to my sponsor's kites (Legend IQ's) but my adaptation time to
the Speed Limit was basically zilch.  It tracks exceptionally well and is
very smooth turning.  It snap stalls superbly.  In 12-13 mph winds I could
easily stall it center window, and, hold it there.  It is extremely stable
in the stall position so not surprisingly, side slides can be done with the
Speed Limit virtually locked into position.  It flat axels and hop axels
beautifully.  On ground work it felt sturdy and unfragile.  The variable
venting makes the average pull on this kite, low, and also will smooth
out bumpy wind.  I'd call the effort it takes to adapt to the vents,
insignificant.  Highly controllable, and predictable performance place
it up with other top shelf kites.  Aerodrone Sport Kites (401)364-8989.
Its retail price is high, but probably varies with distribution.
tanaka_be@swam1.enet.dec.com (Bert Tanaka)