The ShadowBox seems quite sophisticated and is probably the best solution out there, not just for kiting but also snowboarding, motocross etc.
It's got a few more sensors than just a gps, it tracks launching angle, spin rate etc. and you can view your ride in 3d.
Apparently the PKRA wanted to do ShadowBox big air contests this year, given that they would manage to add a wireless functionality that can send the results live to a screen on the beach. Probably they couldn't realize it technically.
Next week is time to go high if the forecast is holding up
Contour GPS HD camera, theres a waterproof housing for these coming out soon, will give you video, map of where you did the jump, speed you were doing and your height!
i know i am high when my oxygen mask drops (needed at high alltitude on a fuse) and when i could'nt be @#$% to pump up
thank you steven mctowlie
I think the actual height doesn't matter, the objective is to maximize your speed of ascent. It feels so much better getting power-whipped into the air by a fast kite than it does to be slowly lifted up by a slow kite.
While we're on this topic, I will award half a carton of coopers green to anyone that can outboost me at Scarborough. The competition is only valid if the wind is 25+knots. No shop owners are allowed in this comp.
Shadowboxlive.com Rip off (there website name)
I ordered a 'Shadow Box' jump meter last year costing me $500 US and it took about 7 months and many emails to get one due to their technical stuff ups - but that was Ok. I was patient and wanted to see just how big my imagination jumps actually were - in 40+ knot storms....
The day I got it, set it up as per instructions (have to smear vasaline over electrical contacts under yellow seal), my friends all eager to see results after a couple of jumps..
It absorbed water and shorted out !!!!
Now feeling like Ive been had - Sent the above pics to them
and then the box back with tracking number for a Warranty replacement as requested by them..
Being advised by email that when they get my one - they will forward me a new one - OK no worries alls well ????
I have Not received it or heard from them ever again and sent them numerous emails too - WTF
So definately a Bad product and Company to deal with... Mongrels
A video shot would look better anyway..
Ok, i just thought it fit in to there standard housing that the HD uses, must be a little bigger.
But you have to agree that it is going to be an impressive setup when they get it sorted.
any body got any results then ???
is there an accepted height record for us to reach for ?
and how accurate can these little gadgets be?
For my 2c, the benchmark for big jumps is defined by these two vids.
I've been to Brighton pier and it's pretty darn big. And Hadlow's height relative to his 20m lines is ridiculous, as is the speed at which he lands.
Lewis jumps high, but I would give it to Kevin Langeree..
Damn he hits that steep wave just perfectly.