Technical information

The ideal glue for carbon

We've been consulting with the labs at Loctite to find the best super glue; the problem with conventional super glue is that it becomes brittle over time when exposed to vibration and thermal stress. The solution is Loctite 480; it's black from tiny particles in suspension, which stops any micro-fractures from spreading. Very expensive and rather slow curing, so it's best for use in assembly - I still prefer normal superglue for field repairs.

2005 Specification for the T2 Solo

If you have a Solo and want to bring it up to date, these are the changes you will need to make to pre-2005 kites:

Bridle: Re-knot the bridle as a conventional 3-point. Shorten the outhaul by approx 40mm and shorten the front leg by approx 25mm.

Frame: The spine should be 100cm in 8.0 x 6.0 carbon tube. We use a PWE (pull-wound extrusion) which has an inner glass layer for toughness, but that's not massively critical. The top spreader should be 52cm in 6.0 x 4.5 tube. Bottom spreaders are Avia G-Force SUL cut down to 75cm - and you will need a suitable centre fitting. The original leading edges (SUL/CarbonK or Prosport) should be OK.

Sail: We are using PC31 Icarex for the Standard kite - original Solos used Carrington K42. I haven't experimented with the K42 sail.

Hotrod kit: You can fabricate the kit as follows. Ballast weights are cut from 6.0 mm brass rod. Cut sections approx 8 cm and 12 cm and glue into 6mm nocks. These fit inside the spine.
The Yoyo line is simply a thickish bridle line with a loop at one end and knot at the other, 86 cm long. The cross line fixes at 48 cm - start with that 86 cm long and shorten to taste.
You'll also need some sliders to fit over the top spreader attachments. Use 3mm rod, or cut some plastic sheeting into a strip and insert (thanks to Ed Green for this tip).

All the bits are available from us if you don't fancy the DIY!

Matt's T2 bridle

The standard T2 bridle is capable of many different settings to suit taste, style etc. The standard setting is still my preferred option for team flying, but other bridles have their merits. I'm very impressed by Matt Steven's implementation of the Active bridle system. Click here to download details (Word file).

Icarex colours

Here are the Icarex colours. We don't keep all of them in stock, but can get them quite quickly, subject to supply from Japan. Please check with us before you set your heart on a specific scheme.

Technical

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