Like the Prima Donna Kite from Jochum & Nesler Kitesports (JN Kitesports)
The wide span Prima Donna Kite in flight.
** FOR FULL SIZED IMAGES CLICK HERE
JN Kitesports was brought into existence by two strong talents in kite design and manufacture,
Bernd Jochum and Michael Nelser. Michael formerly designed kites for Cabrinha and North.
Distribution in the USA is being handled by Eduardo Owen of Next Sports Inc. Eduardo
asked me to write an overview of the Prima Donna.
A complete kite package with kite, control bar complete with "Central quick release Alex" ,
compartmentalized backpack bag, the Quick Kompression Bag for stowing your rolled kite
and pump. A lot of thought has gone into the kite and accessories to aid the user.
The medium aspect Primadonna kite
A well shaped wingtip.
The underside of the Primadonna.
The Primadonna comes with unique floating battens. The battens are of smaller diameter and lighter weight
thanks to the fabric webbing that secures the batten to the kite. Conventionally, battens are larger
in diameter, segmented to create the curved upper foil surface of the kite and are heavier. This concept
simplifies and lightens things.
A closer view of a floating batten.
The Prima Donna incorporates a high projected span. In effect the kite is flatter in cross section
than traditional "C" kites, presenting more of the wing area to useful lifting and flight.
The center of the leading edge showing bomber dacron construction and the 5th line attachment point.
The battens and trailing edge are also of dacron construction. JN incorporated three different
weights of kite fabric to deliver performance and durability with a light weight.
The Prima Donna comes in 7, 9, 12, 14 and 16 m sizes with aspect ratios ranging from 5.5 in the smaller
sizes up to 6.2 for the 16 m.
The attachment point of a typical dacron batten to the leading edge.
The reinforced trailing edge end of a typical batten with buffalo skin covering for chaff protection.
Details in the area of a batten junction with the leading edge.
The folks at JN Kites have put a lot of effort into reinforcing the kite to aid durability including the use of "Buffalo Skin" at chaffing points.
An end view of reinforced trailing edge of a batten
The reinforced wingtip containing a tubular carbon batten.
The valve plugs for the leading edge can be well secured in place with velcro strips.
All of the valves have non-return balls to stop aid ease of inflation. Time to deflate, no problem, JN has
provided these handy plastic deflator strips. Stick 'em in and out goes the air.
The control bar complete with "Central quick release Alex." It is a spinning leash, with a prominent
red line that you can pull to release the kite leash. Alternatively, you can simply pull down on the plastic
disk just above the spring assembly. There is a second Quick Release just above the chicken loop.
Martian taco? Nope. That's the Quick Kompression Bag. Simply deflate your leading edge, roll your kite
lengthwise with the battens inflated, shove it into the K-Bag, pull the cords, all done. Kite, sand,
whatever is out of sight (AND out of your car), until the next session. Setup is all the faster with
preinflated battens.
So, that is a quick look at JN Kitesports Prima Donna kite. For more info checkout the JN Kitesports website
or contact Eduardo Owen with Next Sports Inc. for purchase information in the USA.
Good winds!
FKA, Inc.
transcribed by:
Rick Iossi
