Kitebuilder.com

Progcraft · Posted: Wed May 26, 2004 8:21 am Post subject: Icarex, Ventex, and Chikara

Traveller posted this over at kitelife.com and said I could re-post it here.
If anyone finds anything incorrect, please feel free to make a correction here.

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Icarex PC-31 Polyester weighs 31g/m2, uses 10x10mm, double-threaded ("rip-stop") stitching, is only coated on one side. These properties in turn give Icarex it's character which is a low-strech material that withstands air/H2O permeability very well, but given the large (10mm) thread spacing is (relatively) prone to tearing.

Ventex Polyester weighs 34,5g/m2, uses an 18x9mm stitch pattern (only doubled on the long sides), is only coated on one side. Ventex is even more prone to tearing than Icarex, is more permeable (appearantly their coating is not as effective as Icarex) and (somehow) stretches even less than Icarex.

Chikara Nylon weighs 41.2 g/m2 in part due to its closely-spaced, 5x5mm double-stitch pattern and the fact that it is coated on both sides. Chikara is therefore highly tear-resistant & permeability is very, very low! On the other hand, nylon stretches a good deal more than poly (2x more than Ventex).

Chikara is hence an ideal fabric for power kites where streching's actually a good thing where wind-gusts are a way of life, not to mention the ability to shed H2O all the better! Icarex & Ventex are crisp, accurate, light fabrics ideal for framed sport-kites in professional kite-flyer hands (those that tend to avoid trees, unplanned groundwork, etc.... )

Icarex seems to be a dream-come-true in terms of weight, air -n- tear resistance, however it stretches a lot more than Ventex, not to mention costs (or costed) twice as much. Ventex seems to be the fabric of choice if the designer wants to limit stretch (& save a few bucks while they're at it).

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Cheers,
P.
_________________
There is no box.

Kitesquid · Posted: Wed May 26, 2004 8:52 am Post subject: Re: Icarex, Ventex, and Chikara

Stan · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 544 Location: San Diego

Professional kiteflier? Laughing

Poly's better stuff, but not always worth the expense.
Stretch isn't a black and white issue. All fabrics stretch. I have an Icarex stunt kite where the area around the standoffs is stretched out of shape. In the light loads of a stunt kite, stretch is a minor factor. I've flown some fine high-end kites made of nylon.
I like both nylon and polyester for different applications. UL stuntkites really suit poly, while high wind kites can be smoother in rough wind with nylon.

Just my two cents in a controversial area. Wink

Stan