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INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY MANUAL
BLADE III
Thank you for purchasing your new Flexifoil Blade III. Before
flying your kite, you should take time to read and understand
these instructions and safety warnings.
Instructions include:
safety, wind terminology, overview, setting
up, safety system, launching, steering, landing, packing away,
tuning tips and care and maintenance.
You can download this manual and any updates from
www.flexifoil.com/downloads
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Summary of Contents for Flexifoil BLADE III
- Page 1 INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY MANUAL BLADE III Thank you for purchasing your new Flexifoil Blade III. Before flying your kite, you should take time to read and understand these instructions and safety warnings. Instructions include: safety, wind terminology, overview, setting up, safety system, launching, steering, landing, packing away, tuning tips and care and maintenance.
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Page 2: Safety First
ESSENTIAL DO’S AND DON’TS Flexifoil strongly recommend that you abide by ALL safety guidelines and conduct yourself in a safe manner at all times Seek expert advice from a recognised Flexifoil Dealer, or take lessons from a fully qualified instructor BEFORE... - Page 3 THE WIND THE WIND WINDOW When launching kites in strong winds, ALWAYS launch at the edge of the wind window WIND SPEED TABLE Description Force Knots Metres/sec At Sea On Land The Flying Experience <1 <1 <1 0-0.2 Calm Smooth as glass Calm;...
- Page 4 BLADE III PACKAGE INCLUDES Rucksack Blade III Kite Flying Lines Handles Control Bar BLADE III OVERVIEW Leading edge Trailing edge Main bridle right Main bridle left Brake bridle left Brake bridle right Main bridle toggle Main bridle toggle Brake bridle...
- Page 5 BLADE III SET-UP (PART 2) UNWINDING YOUR LINES Flyer’s eye view Wind Brake Lines Unwind all of your lines and separate them on the ground. Ensure there are no tangles before connecting. CONNECTING LINES TO CONTROL GEAR - THE LARKS-HEAD KNOT All line to kite connections are made using the larks-head knot.
- Page 6 BLADE III SET-UP (PART 3) CONNECTING THE LINES TO THE KITE Main bridle toggle Brake bridle Brake bridle Main bridle toggle leader left leader right 2nd Brake bridle knot 2nd Brake bridle knot 1st Brake bridle knot 1st Brake bridle knot...
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Page 7: The Safety System
ALWAYS TEST BEFORE USE! Your Blade III is supplied with a safety system. Flexifoil recommend that you use the safety system whenever you fly your kite. The safety system will enable you to let go of your handles or bar if you are ever overpowered - without losing your kite! - Page 8 PRE-LAUNCH PREPARATIONS CORRECT HANDLE POSITION Ensure you have the correct handle position. LAUNCHING YOUR KITE CORRECT LAUNCH TECHNIQUE WITH HANDLES In STRONG winds always launch towards the edge of the wind window (see page 3) - DO NOT launch directly downwind (except in light winds) as Blades can be very powerful The safest way to launch your kite is across the wind as To launch, pull back gently on both handles, releasing the...
- Page 9 STEERING YOUR KITE WITH HANDLES When learning, it is best to make gentle left and right turns at the top of the wind window to get used to your kite. If you fly through the centre of the wind window, the power of the kite will increase significantly and could cause you difficulties.
- Page 10 LANDING YOUR KITE WITH HANDLES In light to moderate winds, apply full brakes by In strong winds, steer the kite towards the minimum rotating both wrists to pull the brake lines only towards power area near the ground and release the handles you.
- Page 11 CORRECT BAR POSITION Ensure you have the correct bar position. In STRONG winds always launch towards the edge of the wind window (see page 3) - DO NOT launch directly downwind (except in light winds) as Blades can be very powerful CORRECT LAUNCH TECHNIQUE WITH THE BAR The safest way to launch your kite is across the wind as Continue pulling back on the bar until the kite begins to...
- Page 12 STEERING YOUR KITE WITH THE BAR When learning, it is best to make gentle left and right turns at the top of the wind window to get used to your kite. If you fly through the centre of the wind window, the power of the kite will increase significantly and could cause you difficulties. Get your confidence up first before going for more power! SLOW TURNING Left turn...
- Page 13 LANDING YOUR KITE WITH THE BAR Light Winds Strong Winds In light winds, reach forward with one hand to pull on the In strong winds, steer the kite towards the edge of the centre line and reverse the kite to the ground. wind window near the ground and release the bar using the safety system.
- Page 14 Avoid using sharp objects as these can damage the kite sail. NEVER leave your kite unattended. If you have finished flying, pack it away for safety WINDING YOUR LINES Flexifoil recommend that you DO NOT disconnect flying lines from your control gear WITH HANDLES Place the handles together. Hold...
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Page 15: Tuning Tips
TUNING TIPS Flexifoil Blades have been designed to fly on lines of equal length. The kite flies primarily on the main lines with the brake lines being used for extra control in launching, turning, landing, reversing etc. To get the most out of your kite, it may be necessary to tune it to match the wind conditions whenever you fly it. - Page 16 Flexifoil International Ltd without a valid receipt If you live in the UK, please return faulty products to your local dealer or Flexifoil International. If you live outside the UK please return faulty products to your distributor. A list of dealers and distributors can be found at www.flexifoil.com...
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