Mobius Flix Trick & Freestyle Kite Club

Brighton 2003

It was a real pleasure to finally meet up with Roy Reed at Brighton Festival 2003. I spotted his kite from across the field and flying alongside Roy was Steve Brill with his new acquisition, yes, another Gemini UL. I took the opportunity to take a photo of us together after a brief chat with Andy W, stupidly, I didn't ask Andy to be included before he left for the arena

...14/07/03

Wallpaper

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Just Busting to get out

15th May 2003

Finally, the new Gemini UL arrives in the new panel design from Tim Benson. I just had to meet up with Simon of Whaam kites at Galleywood Common nr Chelmsford Essex, when he was on his way out for the evening, as I just couldn't wait until the weekend... As seen in the previous articles, there has been some changes to the pattern, much more flowing, but still distinctively Gemini and with my custom colours, is looking suitably impressive, which I am led to believe will be only for the Ultra-Light version. Notably, Andy Wardley has modified the bridle, with a cross or bridge link between the inner tie parts across the face of the kite and the trick line has shorter stand-off line from the outer stand-offs. I had the perfect evening to try it out on the spot, 3mph wind dropping to 2mph at times, but this didn't seem to be much of a problem, as the kite took to the sky on 40'/50lb lines and handled very well. After a few minutes of axles to get the feeling, I found the kite made a small rise when double handed axle was initiated to give me a very nice rising cascade, which I have never done before with any of my other kites. Backspins next, easy and dead flat to the horizon, not that horrible barrel roll. Stop reverse's took a bit of practice, but I'm not that good at them anyway, not quite enough wind to hold a fade for too long due to the light winds but very stable. Then on to my newest trick, the 540, it has taken me a long time to learn this one, WOW! very floaty and you can do this one as quick or slow as you like and to top this one off after some practice, it continued on to do another revolution making a 900° flat spin, impressed myself... Unfortunately, the night drew in and now a day later, the winds are too high and chucking it down with rain!!! I'm just busting to get out again.. More later if its not raining.

Day Two

Had my second day out over the weekend, 5-6 mph at the beach. This kite fades so easily, even if you make a mistake, give it some slack and the nose picks up quickly to give you very stable rising fades. Backspins do feel slightly different, a slight jarring to my usual timing, but very easy, easier than the standard. Its was a little harder to flip the kite back to do lazy Susan's from my usual position, but nothing a little practice wont cure. Although my 540's aren't too great, they are 9 times out of ten flat to the horizon. As I get to know the kite more, I cant wait for a decent day of weather, the frame is beautifully firm with little noticeable flex during tricks, a perfectly smooth sail. All in all, designed and crafted, a work of art from Tim Benson incorporation with Andy Wardley. Retailing at £170.00

Fliers Photo's

Here's a photo of Roy Reeds new symmetric Gemini UL, looking sharp. Got a photo you want to share

Gemini Links

rec.kites Forum 13th Jan 2003

whisky wrote:
> I have had a fax from Tim B via Backspin Dave just before Xmas with
> the new sail plan for the SUL Gemini.
I should start out by saying that the kite isn't released yet, so
all details are subject to change without notice... ...but here's what it looks like, and what we're saying about it today:   http://andywardley.com/gemini/ The shape of the sail is pretty much as per a standard Gemini, but with a new panel layout.  It is framed in a combination of Avia Skinny spars and has a new crossover Active Bridle. It is designed to be a lighter version of the Gemini, rather than an all-out super ultralight kite that you could fly in zero or near zero wind (although a zero wind/indoor Gemini might be a future project).  As such, we're calling it the "Gemini Ultralight" or "Gemini UL" rather than "SUL". But by the time it comes out we might have decided to call it something else instead - we like to keep you guessing :-) Anyway, I'm going down to Tim's later this week so that we can finish it off, clear up the few remaining issues and release it.  Assuming we don't have any major problems, we'll be done with it by next week and the first few Gem Ultras should hit the shops a couple of weeks later.
A

New Gem pattern

I received the new SUL Gemini sail pattern today 20/12/02, from Tim Benson via Backspin Dave, but I am told Tim will not be doing intricate colour patterns although I think custom orders are still available at the usual extra costs. It is easily recognizable as a Benson Gemini still and I am still awaiting my new SUL Gem, but it seems that with all the weather we are having at the moment, I wouldn't be able to fly anyway, as its dark by the time I get home from work or raining at weekends... Click picture

20th Dec 2002

Upper spreader

5mm Stuctil standard

mm

Lower spreaders

3PT Skyshark

Upper leading edge

3P Skyshark

Lower leading edge

3P Skyshark

Spine x 2

5mm Stuctil standard

Stand-offs x 5

2.5mm carbon rod