Blade Trigo, Vertigo, Prime User Manual

Thank you for purchasing a Blade Kite. We hope you will enjoy

kiteboarding with our improved, high-quality 2011 kites. Kiteboarding

should be approached in an educated and safe manner. In the following

manual you will find safety guidelines, precautions, and information on

assembling and caring for your new kite. Please make sure you read

this manual in its entirety and understand all aspects of using this

p

product. This manual does not replace proper kiteboarding instruction

and we encourage you to seek professional guidance from professional

instructors and experienced kiteboarders before attempting to operate

this product.

IMPORTANT:

For persons under the age of 18, a parent or guardian should review

this manual and statements. This product should not be used unless

und

under the close supervision of an adult who has read and

understood all aspects of this manual. Once again, no actual

kiteboarding should take place without proper tuition from a

licensed instructor.

WARNING:

KITEBOARDING IS DANGEROUS

Always use extreme caution when using this product.

Misuse of this product can cause serious injury and/or death.

Only use this product if you are in good physical health.

Always act responsibly when using this product.

You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others

around you when using this product.

04...RELEASE AND LIABILITY

05...SAFETY

06...WIND RANGE / KITE OVERVIEW

07...BAR OVERVIEW

08...PREPARING THE CONTROL SYSTEM AND LINES

12...MAD SYSTEM- INFLATING THE KITE

14...

14...ATTACHING THE CONTROL SYSTEM TO THE KITE

15...KITE TUNING

16...KITE CARE

17...REPAIRS

19...RELAUNCHING

03

The purchaser/user and the parents

/guardians of users under the age of

18 are agreeing to be bound to the

terms set forth below and require

anyone using this product to be

bound by such term s. Anyone who

does not agree with these term s and

is not willing to abide by them should

return the product immediately

before use.

The use of a Blade Kite and any of its

components exposes the user to

certain inherent risks, dangers, and

hazards which can result in property

loss or dam age and significant

personal injury including permanent

paralysis or death. The purchaser/

user freely assumes and accepts any

and all such risks, both unknown and

known, while using this equipment.

The risks inherent in the sport can be

greatly reduced by abiding by the

Warnings and Guidelines listed in the

User's Manual. It is also

recom m ended that the purchaser/user

seeks professional instruction before

attem pting to use this equipment.

By purchasing and using this

product, the purchaser/user

hereby releases Blade, its

principals, directors, officers,

agents, distributors,

representatives, employees,

volunteers, and their insurance

from any and all liability, claims,

and demands of any nature for any

and all injury or damage as a

result of using this product, to the

fullest extent permitted by law.

This agreement shall be effective and binding upon all heirs, next of

and binding upon all heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns, and representatives in the event of the incapacity or death of the purchaser/user.

In entering this Agreem ent the purchaser/user shall not rely on any oral or written representations

any oral or written representations or statements other than what is set forth in this Agreem ent.

Get information on wind, tidal,

and sea current conditions at your

kiting location.

Be careful of wave conditions.

Do not use this product in severe

weather such as thunderstorms or

lightning.

Never use this product with winds

stronger than your ability level.

Be aware of changing and

unpredictable winds.

Location Related Safety:

Do not use this kite near power

lines, telephone poles, airports,

and streets

Keep your kite fly lines away from

people and obstacles

Always fly in open and clear area.

Make sure all spectators and

obstacles are upwind from you.

F

Flying Lines Related

Safety:

Never allow anyone to get in

between you and the kite while

flying the kite.

Check your flying lines for knots

before attempting to connect to

the canop

the canopy.

Do not make any additional knots

in the flying lines, all necessary

line adjustments should be made

to the leading lines.

Take time to familiarize yourself with the

operation of your kite and remember that

you are responsible for its safe operation

and the safety of those around you.

General Safety:

Be familiar with your gear and safety

mechanisms. Make sure to test them

often in non-emergency situations.

Always check gear before going in the

water. Never fly your kite with worn

lines or a torn canopy.

Make sure the kite is used with

compatible gear.

Never permanently attach yourself to

the kite, control bar or lines.

Never hold the kite by the Flying or

Bridle Lines.

Always secure an inflated kite when

not in use.

Make sure all users of this gear have

proper training.

Always use protective wear and

equipment when using this product:

helmet, gloves, shoes, floatation

device, wet suit, eye protection, safety

knife, and sunscreen.

Never use this product if you are not a

good swimmer

Weather Related Safety:

Learn to use this kite in light

weather conditions. Avoid offshore winds Use extreme caution in onshore winds.

05

SAFETY

WIND RANGE The following chart is an approximate kite size vs. wind strength reference for a kiter weighing 75 Kilo on a 132cm x 41cm S

Scalper board. Actual use may vary with body weight, ability lever, board size, and water conditions. Use these numbers only as a recommendation.

5 20-35+ 18-35+

7 18-35 17-35+

9 16-30 14-33

10 15-28 13-30

12 13-25 11-28

14 11-21 10-22

7 18-35 16-35+

9 16-29 14-31

10 15-27 13-29

12 13-26 12-27

14 11-20 10-21

7 17-31

9 15-28

11 13-25

13 11-21

Not for Beginners

06

WIND RANGE KITE OVERVIEW

Intermediate

/Expert

Beginner

Wind(knots)

Trigger

Strut

Leading Edge

Trailing Edge

Front Bridle

Rear Bridle

Vertigo

Prime

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

12

17

18

13

14

15

16

Color Coded Bar

Swivel Dome Chickenloop

Swivel Dome Lock

Safety Ring

Swivel

Release Cap

DePower Line

L Square (Line Lock)

Red Handle (Depower Strap)

Black Handle (Power Up Strap)

Front Leader Line Knots

Line Fastener

Foam

Rear Leader Line

Rear Leader Line Knot

Leash Stopper Ball

Leash Ring

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1. Lay out your control bar and lines, make sure

that the lines are not tangled or crossed.

2. Take a small rod and, using lark's head knots,

attach all four lines to the rod.

3. With the DePower strap fully extended (pull

on the black handle if not) grab the control bar.

4. Having a partner holding the rod taut, stand

directly in line with the rod and pull on the

control bar with even force on both sides,

straightening the lines. Make sure that the bar

is parallel with your shoulders.

5. If there is even tension on all four lines and the

bar stays parallel with your shoulders, the lines

are even and the kite is ready for inflation.

6. If the tension is not even in all four lines and the

bar is tilted in even the slightest bit, the lines

need to be adjusted.

The Swivel Dome Chicken

Loop System

The Swivel Dome is important for releasing

power in an uncontrolled kite and emergency

situations. The newly designed system is

especially designed from composite plastic for

longer lasting, corrosion free, and simple

functionality. When activated while the leash is

connected to the safety ring, the kite will lose

all power and drop, remaining attached by one

of thr front lines. Always check the

mechanism before attempting to launch.

This device has a limited lifetime, and it is

recommended to change the mechanism after

300 hours of kiting.Rinse the Swivel Dome in

fresh water after every session.

08

PREPARING THE CONTROL SYSTEM AND LINES

7. Do not adjust the flying lines! Make the

lines shorter by making knots in the leading

lines only!

This does not guarantee a perfectly tuned kite

for all kiters and conditions. Finer adjustments

can be made depending on each kiter's

preferences (see Tuning).

Checking Line Lengths

All bars come assembled with lines and pass

thorough quality control; however, it is important to

make sure all lines are at equal lengths before

your first launchand every few launches thereafter.

Before your first assembly, it is important that you

take time to learn some of the features in your new

Blade Kite and prepare the kite for future

launchings.

09

PREPARING THE CONTROL SYSTEM AND LINES

2

4

3

.

To Reconnect:

1. Pull the safety line towards you until you can grab the bar.

2. Make sure the cap is fully pulled up to its release position

3. Insert the U-ring into the Dome. The U-ring is fully inserted once the side

buttons on the U-ring clip into the Dome.

4. Force the cap back down until it clicks.

5. Make sure the cap is completely pulled down and the mechanism is secure

1

To Activate:

1. Grab the red colored release cap

2. Force it up towards the bar

3. Let go of the cap

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Swivel Dome Lock

The control system is designed with a finger that

helps keep you locked into the kite. Before

attempting to connect the loop and finger to your

harness, make sure you have properly set your

lines and attached them to

the kite without any

tangles or twists.

1. Hook the loop into the

harness hook.

2. Place the finger in the

center of the harness

hook.

3. Straighten out the

finger.

The DePower

Mechanism

The DePower Mechanism

allows you to control the

kite's power when kiting.

T

To release power from

your kite, shorten the

strap by pulling on the

red handle. To add

power to your kite,

lengthen the strap by

pulling on the black loop;

for safety reasons,

the red handle pulls in

one long segment,

and the black loop

releases in short segments. To gain maximum

power you will need to pull several times on the

black loop.

Once you let go of the lock the lock will stay

and not move. If you let go of the bar, the bar

will not pass past the lock.

Once you have lowered the Line Lock, you

can fully de-power the kite by pushing the bar

firmly up against the lock.

The lock will release to access more de-powe

The lock will release to access more de-power.

This will help in emergency situations when

the wind picks up dramatically.

10

PREPARING THE CONTROL SYSTEM AND LINES

De-Power Line Lock

The De –Power Line Lock helps customize the

length of the de-power line to enjoy different

riding styles and kiting conditions. The default

position, when the lock is at the highest

position, allows maximum de-power. This

position is intended for beginners, gusty

weather conditions and wave riding. Once the

kiter has familiarized himself with the kite, The

lock can be adjusted to a lower position.

Never place the Lock in the bottom 2/3 of the

de power line.

To Adjust Lock:

1. Place two fingers on each side of the lock.

2. Slide the lock on the de-power line and let

go at the desired place

11

PREPARING THE CONTROL SYSTEM AND LINES

WARNING:

By lowering the lock on the de-power line you are

taking away the big de-powering capabilities of the

kite. Use this only with caution.

The Kite Leash

The leash should be connected to secure the kite

to the ride

to the rider. Connect the harness clip to the

harness and the ring clip to the safety ring.

This leash secures the kite to the rider when the

chicken loop is unhooked as well as when the

Swivel Dome System is activated.

MAD2 (Multi-valve Airflow

Distribution) System

The MAD2 system is the Blade’s second

generation inflation system. This system allows

inflation of all the bladders through the LE valve.

The MAD2 units connect each strut to the LE

bladde

bladder. The new molded valves come out in a

90 degree angle out of the bladder. This helps

keep the kite’s aerodynamics flows to the

maximum. The new valves are smaller and more

durable to crashes.

Kite Inflation Using the MAD2 system

1. Unroll the kite and turn the kite with its

Leading Edge (LE) facing the wind and struts

facing upwards. Make sure you lay the kite on

an even surface clear of any sharp or hard

objects.

The first time you unroll your kite you will see

that all Bridle Lines are secured to a strut valve

by Velcro. Release the Bridle Lines.

2. Secure the wingtips with sand, it is suggested

to use more sand than less as an unsecured

kite can become very dangerous.

3. Before attempting to inflate check proper

connection on all MAD2 units. In addition, make

sure all MAD2 clips are open.

4. Face the kite with your back to the wind, so you

are closest to the Leading Edge.

5. With both feet securing the pump, attach the

pump tip securely to the inflate valve on the LE

strut valve and begin pumping air into the

bladders. As you inflate make sure all struts

are inflating as well. If they are not, make sure

the MAD2 clip is open and the MAD2 hose is

not twisted.

6. Once all bladders are inflated and firm, remove the pump tip from the valve, close the cap on the air valve and secure the Velcro cover on top.

7. Close all MAD2 clips by firmly pressing until clip clicks.

8.

8. At no point should the valve be pushed inside the bladder, if the valve is pushed into the bladder, release the air (see Kite Deflation), pull the valve to the correct position, and re-inflate.

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12

MAD SYSTEM - INFLATING THE KITE

Warning:

Do not over inflate; this may cause

damage to the interntal bladder.

Do not under inflate; this will cause

poor kite performance.

Securing an Inflated Kite

Once the kite has been properly inflated,

turn the kite around as shown in the

illustration. Make sure the Leading Edge is

still pointing upwind and secure the kite by

a weight. This weight should be sufficient

to insure the kite does not fly away and

becomes hasardous to the surroundings.

Never leave an inflated kite unattended.

Kite Deflation

Make sure all MAD2 clips are open, then

open the main deflate valve located on the

LE. The entire kite will defalte.

13

MAD SYSTEM - INFLATING THE KITE

Attaching the control system to the

kite

1. Unwind the lines and the control bar so that

the ends of the lines are downwind from the

bar.

If you are facing the control system with your

back to the wind and the bar at your feet, the

red side of the bar should be on your left and

the black side of the bar should be on your

right.

2. Make sure that there are no knots in the lines

and the lines are not tangled or crossed.

3. Layout the DePower Strap and the Quick-

Release Mechanism.

4. Make sure all Bridle Lines on the kite are

untangled and that their pulleys are turning

freely.

5. Make a lark’s head knot on the end of the 2

rear lines. Place the rear lines outside of the

kite and attach to the rear Bridles of the kite.

Slip the lark's head over the knotted end in

the Bridles and pull to tighten.

6. Attach the front lines of the kite in the same

manner to the front Bridles. Only this time,

make a lark’s head knot on the bridle lines.

7. Double check that all lines are not twisted or

tangled.

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14

ATTACHING THE CONTROL SYSTEM TO THE KITE

Kite tuning

In the directions above, we suggest general tuning for the kite and control system. But since kite performance depends on the kiter's skill and preference, several combinations can be made to suit the individual's personal style. Adjusting line length helps tune the kite in terms of turning

length helps tune the kite in terms of turning ability and DePowering qualities. Before we begin with the various adjustments, you should feel the power of the kite.

The images below illustrate how the power of the kite changes with bar

changes with bar movement. The closer the bar is to your body, the more power the kite has; the farther away the bar is, the less

bar is, the less power the kite has.

Rear Leader Lines Adjustments

There are several knots on the rear leader lines. More power and quicker turning is achieved by shortening the rear lines. The greater the tension on the lines, the greater the response is in the kite. If you experience di

difficulty steering when the bar is closer to you, shorten the lines for better steering. Be careful: there is a fine point where too much tension causes "over sheeting" of the wingtips. At this point the kite stalls and falls back towards the power zone. There are three knots on the rear bridle. The ties should be adjusted for di

adjusted for different wind conditions. Knot A should be used for different light wind conditions. Knot B is best for average wind conditions. Knot C is recommended for stronger wind conditions.

1

A

B

C

15

KITE TUNING

2

3

Kite care

Avoid bringing the kite in contact with any sharp

objects that could tear the canopy or puncture the

bladders.

Never rig equipment on abrasive surfaces or

around sharp objects. The damage done in this

case is not covered under the warrant

case is not covered under the warranty. Sand and

grass are the best surfaces for rigging your

equipment.

Make frequent inspections of the control system,

canopy, lines, release system, pulleys, and

DePower Strap in order to identify any damage

before attempting to launch.

Do not leave an inflated kite exposed to wind

and/or sunrays for long periods of time. Between s

essions, choose a shaded area where you can

safely lay and secure your kite.

Never drag the kite on the beach, always carry it

with its struts facing upwards, and make sure the

kite stays clear of the ground. Careless handling of

the kite on the ground may cause damage to the

canopy that might only be noticed once flying the

kite.

Salt water does not damage the canopy.

However, it is recommended to wash your

control system, lines, and Kite Bridles with

fresh water and dry thoroughly before storing.

Keep dirt, sand, and water from entering the

bladders or air pump

Deflate bladders for longer storage. Never

store an inflated kite after it has been exposed

to high temperatures; this may damage the

internal bladders.

Always dry kite and remove excess sand

before rolling and packing away. Storing a wet

kite may cause discoloring.

Pack kite with as few wrinkles as possible.

This will prolong the life of your kite.

Always store equipment in the supplied bag in

a clean, dry, cool place.

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16

KITE CARE

Bladder Repair

If you experience air loss in your struts or

Leading Edge, check the bladders for punctures.

Avoid repairing bladders on the beach or in dirty,

windy, dusty conditions:

1. Lay the kite with its struts facing up. Make

sure all struts and Leading Edge are deflated.

2. In order to remove the damaged bladder,

acquire a strong line roughly double the length

of the bladder.

3. Remove the MAD2 tube from the valve by

cutting off the cable tie (be sure not to

damage the valve and the tube). Disassemble

the tube from the valve.

4. Attach the line to the air valve and push the

valve entirely into

the strut. Open the

Velcro closure at

the opposite side of

the strut, and begin

pulling the bladder

out. Once the

bladder is out, the

line should extend

from each end.

Untie the bladder

from the reinstall

line, making sure

that the line is secure.

5. For Leading Edge repair, you will need 2 lines.

Tie each line to the ends of the bladder.

You will also need to disassemble all

MAD2 connections to the LE.

Open the zipper near the middle of the

Leading Edge. Release valves' plug

from Velcro strap, and push in the "deflate"

and "inflate valves". Pull each side of the

bladder out from the zipper opening. Once

the bladder is out you should have a line

extending to each side. Untie the bladder

ends from the reinstall line.

6. Inflate the punctured bladde

6. Inflate the punctured bladder, and insert the

cap supplied with the repair Kit on the valve

head.

7. Submerge the inflated bladder in a tub of

water. Air bubbles indicate the location of

the hole. Be sure to check the bladder

thoroughly, as there might be several

punctures.

8. Once you discovered the holes, mark them

with a permanent marker or pen, and let

the bladder dry. Deflate the bladder.

17

REPAIRS

9. Lightly roughen the area of the puncture with

sand paper from the repair kit.

10. Peel off the backing from the patch, and place

on the puncture.

11. Again inflate the bladder, and let it sit to make

sure air does not escape.

12. Coat the entire bladder in talcum powde

12. Coat the entire bladder in talcum powder.

13. To being the insertion process for struts, lay

the bladder flat at the end of the strut and tie

back the insertion line to the valve. For the L

eading Edge you will need to lay bladder in the

middle and tie the insertion lines to the end of

the bladder. Insert each side at a time

14. Get a partner to help and pull the opposite

side of the line while you make sure that the

bladder slides back straight. A twisted bladder

will be damaged if completely inflated. For

strut insertion, insert the top part inside the

strut until the valve attachment, this allows for

easier insertion. (See Picture)

15. Once the bladder is back in place, pull the

valve through its hole and insert the tube

on the valve. The valve has a slot that

should fit properly in the hole.

Make sure the tube is inserted all the way

over the valve.

16. Partially inflate the bladder and check that

it is inserted correctly with no folds in the

bladder. If there is a misalignment or crimp

in the bladder, reinsert again. Again, a fold

may cause damage to the bladder once

completely inflated.

17. Deflate bladder and store kite properly

until next inflation.

Kite Fabric Repair

All major tears should be taken to a

professional repair shop. Consult your dealer

for good recommendation. Small tears can be

repaired with the repair tape supplied in the

kite repair kit.

1. Lay the torn kite on a smooth surface.

2. Clean the area with fresh water, and let dry.

3. Cut 2 pieces of repair tape; make sure they

are the same size and big enough to cover

the tear.

4. Place one piece of tape on the tear and

smooth it out.

5. Place the other piece of tape on the other

side of the kite and smooth it out.

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18

REPAIRS

Relaunching

1. When the kite is downwind from you on its

LE, take the bar and grab on one of the rear

lines at the foam.

2. Gently begin to pull until one wingtip of the

kite begins to lift from the water.

3.

3. As you continue to pull on the lines the

wingtip will continue to rise from the water.

The kite will begin to catch the wind in its

canopy, and will soon be on its lower wingtip.

4. Once the kite is completely on its wingtip it will

push in from the downward position towards

the edge of the wind and the lines will gain

tension. At this point let go of he foam and

grab the bar with both hands. If the kite has

too much power gently release bar away

rom you.

5. Slowly pull back on the side of the bar

attached to the top wingtip of the kite and the

kite will launch and lift to the air.

19

RELAUNCHING

1

2

3

4

Blade warrants its products to be free of major

defects in material or workmanship to the original

purchase, for a period of 1 year from the date

of purchase.

This warranty is subject to the following limitations:

The warranty is valid only when product is used for

kiteboarding on wate

kiteboarding on water, and does not cover

products used in rental or teaching operations.

This warranty does not cover damage caused by

misuse, abuse, neglect or normal wear and tear

including, but not limited to, punctures, rigging with

other than Blade components, damage due to

excessive sun exposure, or damage due to over

inflation of the bladders, damage caused by

improper handling and storage, damage caused

by use in waves or shore break, and damage

caused by high speed crash or damage caused by

anything other than defects in the material and

workmanship.

This warranty is void if any unauthorized repair,

change, or modification has been made to any part

of the equipment.

The warranty for any repaired or replacement

equipment is good from the date of the original

purchase only.

WARRANTY POLICY

Blade will make the final warranty

determination, which may require inspections

and/or photos of the equipment, which clearly

show the defect(s). If necessary, this

information must be sent to Blade costumer

service, postage prepaid.

If a product is deemed to be defective by

Blade, the warranty covers the repair of

replacement of the defective product only.

Blade will not be responsible for any costs,

losses, or damages incurred as a result of loss

of use of the Blade products.

This is the only warranty we make to you and

is in lieu of all other warranties, express or

implied. We expressly disclaim any and all

liability for bodily injury or death and for

incidental and consequential damages to the

maximum extent permitted by law.

This warranty extends only to the original

purchaser of the Blade product covered by the

warranty; it does not extend to subsequent

purchasers or third parties.

There are no warranties, which extend beyond

the warranty specified herein.

Warranty claims must be processed and

issued a return authorization prior to shipping

to Blade. Please call or write for claims

processing to Blade Costumer

Service Department at: 972-50-5703-123

or email: support@bladekites.com

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