Fractured Axel

Does a stack of (say) three delta kites 'pull' three times as hard as a single one?

I think it will be slightly less than three times. But the pull certainly increases the larger the stack.

^ That's my guess as well, because the kites higher up the stack are partly in the 'wind shadow' of the lower ones.

That's what I thought would be the case.
So is there some sort of formula defining how many kites of a given size that can be handled by one person?
In Oz a year ago I remember struggling quite a bit with just one 2.5 delta. It was a Huntsman, from Hold the Line Kites (Au), and apparently designed to provide 'plenty of pull'! The very thought of stacking another one on top of that frightens me to death! So when I see videos of someone swinging a stack of six kites across the sky, what sort of wingspan would they have?

I would imagine if you were creating a stack you'd set the bridles such that you reduced the pull but increased the forward speed. You might also have to adjust the top kite differently to that of the bottom.

You can also use smaller kites to begin with... I flew a Dyna kite stack the other year that had about 15 - 20 kites in it.. and it was reasonably comfortable to fly.

Does a stack of (say) three delta kites 'pull' three times as hard as a single one?

I would say it's about 75% more for each kite you add.

Here's my Micron Stack, they pull like train in anything +14 Mph.
Certainly a good upperbody work out!

I love this clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv04Iu56Ub4

What is the biggest stack anyone has ever flown? Any suggestions? Harv

I have a Prism Nexus five stack that pull well in a good wind! But my stack of Eleven Brookite diamonds pull like the devil!! I have had to upgrade the lines (350kg dyneema) and heavy duty padded wrist straps that I sometimes fly with a strop and harness!! Good Times!!

Ray Bethall has flown 3stacks 39kites in all. Check ray out he flies 3 kites one in each hand a one of his trousers belt. Plus he over 180 years old. Very nice fella!

I've only flown a stack of 3 microns once so I'm not disagreeing with what mobius or kevspilly says. My experience is with multiple kiting and I often find that when I do the refuelling maneuver (kites look as if they're stacked) the overall pull increases. Any other multiple kiter experience this.