Power Kite Forum

How do u pack your arc?

Snoboarder - 10-12-2018 at 05:41 PM

So i got my synergy. Static flew the other day. Light wind, bowties, found intakes stuck. But anyway, how do you guys pack them up? I folded in half kept the bar at the fold, rolled up from tips and let bar hang out. Folded roll in three and stuffed in bag. The lines and bar were kinda wonky and dont think ill have much luck with the lines when i get it back out. Wanted to know if theres any tips or tricks?

Bladerunner - 10-12-2018 at 09:10 PM

I usually detach my lines. I can nevert trust them and walking them out detached seems quicker. I leave all my other kites attached.

I usually fold it and roll the air out with spars intact. Unroll. Remove the spars. Fold the kite lengthwise and then sort of fold / roll it up pushing air out again.


pbc - 10-12-2018 at 09:35 PM

I put the arc into the taco position--folder in half with the spars to windward touching one another. Open the vent at the fold. I leave the bar on the kite always and forever. I tuck the bridles and any unsecured line between the wing tips and let the flying line emerge from between the wing tips. I set the bar on the outside of the taco. I fold a foot of wingtip over the bar. I then start rolling until I get the fold.

I store each rolled kite in its own "sausage bag". These are custom fabric bags 10-12 inches in diameter and about 110% of the length of the rolled up kite. They are intentionally loose for easy loading and unloading. They protect the kite from abrasion and snags. I stuff 3 or 4 of these sausage bags into a normal Arc bag. Sausage bags rock. They're another reason every kite flier should learn to sew, IMHO.

Ed Cline - 11-12-2018 at 12:03 AM

I fold end to end with spars in. Roll a ways and then fold the bar in.
This Gator bag is about 14x50" and designed for a drummers equipment.
I accidentally bought 2 of these, no problem, I just need more arcs



Chargers 8,10,12


abkayak - 11-12-2018 at 07:10 AM

i fold it in half and roll it up so i can see the phantom when I'm done...
i never take my sticks out...really don't like to use the original bags they are way too cool to ruin
kinda like that long bag you got there Ed think ill go that route myself
i also disconect my bar and walk my lines every time...just to appease the arc Gods

jeffnyc - 11-12-2018 at 09:38 AM

Ed - do your arcs ever get wet? I had looked at the Gator bags a couple months ago, also lighting stand bags and tent pole bags. The Gators looked great, but I think they're canvas? My Phantom came in a canvas tent bag - the size is perfect, I would imagine it was super cheap, but sand sticks to the inside like you wouldn't believe. And if the sand or kite is even slightly wet it's pure nastiness in there.

The charger bag opens up, btw. Flip the mesh part out and you can carry the charger with spars in. I should have kept that :P

pbc - what material did you make your bag out of? Need something that resists sand, nylon perhaps. That was where I was headed next, hopefully have a free minute this winter to tackle yet another project...

And Snoboarder - I do same as others - bar disconnected - or if connected I leave it so it hangs out so I can wash it and have it not rub against the kite - taco fold, roll air out, keep spars on.

Ed Cline - 11-12-2018 at 11:42 AM

Hey Jeff,

The case I'm using has short napped fur as a 1mm liner. Never get a kite wet unless it rains unexpectedly. The shell is a kind of canvas, but nylon and close weaved (woven?), but breathable.
My guess is the liner could easily fall in love with sand. :dunno:

ps the 10 cleaned up nice as you can see. if i run into a vII then I'll let you know, emc

shehatesmyhobbies - 11-12-2018 at 04:06 PM

If and when I Fold , I never fold the same way twice in a row with any of my kites to prevent any creasing. I usually just leave my spars in and roll that way then extend my bag and put it in. I always detach my lines as it's just as easy to attach when setting up and ensures a good walk down the lines with my hands on them to ensure the lines have no damage as well as inspecting the leaders on the kite them selves. Just my way of doing things.

pbc - 11-12-2018 at 08:17 PM

Quote: Originally posted by jeffnyc  

pbc - what material did you make your bag out of? Need something that resists sand, nylon perhaps. That was where I was headed next, hopefully have a free minute this winter to tackle yet another project...


I use nylon kite sail cloth. All my fabric is ancient as it dates from my period of kite building that ended about 20 years ago. I think any modern kite sail cloth would be fine. The kite cloth sheds sand just fine once it's dry.

If my gear is wet when I pack it I unroll each kite in the garage when I get home. The next day I reroll and repack the kites.

Ed Cline - 12-12-2018 at 02:49 AM


Quote: Originally posted by shehatesmyhobbies  
If and when I Fold , I never fold the same way twice in a row with any of my kites to prevent any creasing.


Sometimes I buckle my strap on the left and other times on the right, I know it's crazy talk, but we all need variety.


Snake - 12-12-2018 at 06:14 AM

Ed, where do all these straps come from? Both the kites I got from you have them.

Ed Cline - 12-12-2018 at 07:02 AM

Mr Snake,

1" x 39.37" x 1.40 usd

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Outdoor-Sleeping-Backpack-Luggage-B...

If you put them together and they won't hold, you have them threaded backwards.
At first I thought about half of them were defective, however the defect was operator error.
:cool2::cool::cool2::cool:

Gravityguy - 12-12-2018 at 11:58 AM

I have recently wondered if leaving my lines and bar attached would be easier/quicker to setup or create a mess when walking out the lines. Wondered only because I currently have 2 bars that i share between my arcs.
As for packing i do a bit of both depending on bag. Taco and roll with spars in. and Spars out, taco, roll, fold. I do enjoy leaving the spars in;)

Ed Cline - 12-12-2018 at 01:22 PM

When you share bars and leave them connected some unknown weather force always favors the kite without a bar on.
I don't think you really save much time setting up a connected arc, the bridling is so simple that most of my tangles occur while the kite is airborne, or during the launch.

My two cents is only worth a penny though, I'm an arc newbie. :o