The Modulus by Spider is a unique system rather than a “kite” as such. It comprises a number of modules which can be zipped together to create an overall kite from 1m² up to 5.8m². It is supplied as the 38 Special or Modulus 58 which offer sizes up to 3.8 m²  and 5.8 m²  respectively.

Essentially there are a number of discrete sections:

1 m²  unkeeled
1 m²  keeled
0.5 m² mini-module
0.5 m² bridled mini-module
0.4 m² end cell

The 38 Special has two unkeeled modules, two end cells and two mini-modules hence 1+1+0.4+0.4+0.5+0.5 =3.8 m²
 
 

The 38 special "at rest" showing the two red unbridled mini-modules, the two green unkeeled modules and the black end cells. The smallest configuration is 1m² using one of the unkeeled modules. 1.8 m² is useful by adding the two end cells to the unkeeled module - this flies well. The basic configurations are 1m², 1.8m², 2m², 2.5m², 3.0m², 3.3m²and  - 3.8m² - SEVEN kites in one !!

The 58  has two additional 1.0 m² keeled modules (with a simplified bridle).

The original Modulus is made from K42 (Carrington ripstop nylon) – the version I have and is fairly heavy due to the zips, however the construction is superb and after 6 years it is still going well.

Since the depth of each module is the same, the 38 special has an aspect ratio of about 4 which is efficient. However if the kite is expanded towards 5.8 m²  I feel it gets too unwieldy and it starts to move around in the air too much. I started with the 38 special then added two keeled modules, however I don’t use the kite at much above 4.5 to 5.0 m² .

If the Modulus is compared to recent designs such as the Skytiger and Blade, the general performance is definitely not as good, particularly  upwind , however it has such excellent flexibility that you can create a kite with “perfect power” for almost any wind, ie: just enough pull without being over or underpowered. I would suggest that the Modulus is much better in stronger winds – yes it will work in about 10-12mph but its hard work. In higher winds, say 18-20mph plus its very good. In this case modules can be added or subtracted to get it just right. A good starting point is 2.8 m²  using two 1 m² unkeeled modules in the middle with the ends cells on. If a bit more power is needed add one or two mini-modules in the center. A good size is actually 4.3 m² using the 38 special with a BRIDLED mini-module in the center (this unit has to be bought separately). As a guide 3.8 m² pulls very hard in an 18-20mph wind and in fact recently I was able to jump comfortably using a swinging technique (ref how to jump in the faq section) in a 20mph wind – with gentle landings too ! Although the Modulus accelerates slowly compared to a Blade it is VERY controllable, predictable and stable. Braking, reversing and turning are all superb which makes flat turns easy.

I know a few fliers who have been unable to get on with their Modulus simply because they have gone for a 38 Special which really needs about 15-18mph winds. As soon as the wind drops the kite will fly but is very sluggish leading to frustration. At this stage the lighter wind “keeled” modules can be used to expand the kite up to 5.8 m² which requires some “downtime” to zip them in. I would like to try the ultralight version which I guess will offer better light wind performance.

Since the nylon (K42) keeled modules have limited value it is debatable whether to buy the full Modulus 58 or simply but the 38 Special and save for a larger light wind kite such as Spider’s own 5.3 or something like the Flexifoil Blade 7.2 .

I feel its worthwhile looking at the prices for the Modulus:

Modulus 38 in K42 nylon   £399.00
Modulus 38 lightweight (polyester)   £465.00

Modulus 58 in K42 nylon   £599.00
Modulus 58 lightweight (polyester)   £699.00

(they do a version of the lightweight 58 in an alternative material, dimension @ £650.00 which I think is only limited in choice of colours).

Individual module prices are:

Keeled unit in K42   £100.00
Keeled unit in polyester  £120.00

For more detailed price lists see – http://www.mmstudio.com/spider/html/prices.htm

I must stress that the Modulus comes with excellent aluminium quad (4 line) handles, excellent quality lines and a double ended bag (or POD) and is ready to fly instantly. Compare this with other manufacturers who do NOT supply the line set and only offer very basic PVC tube type handles. In this case the Modulus looks attractive.

Overall the Modulus is very good value and saves the need to buy several different kites (and carry them all around). I don’t think the upwind performance* compares to other kites such as the Blade, but as an all round PACKAGE it is VERY GOOD !!

* Personally I don’t think the actual top speed of the Modulus is bad – I recently clocked 50 mph with a Predator 3 m²  and 48mph with a Modulus at 2.8 m²  and only put the Modulus up because the Predator pulled me out violently. The Modulus is also good for wheelies since it is so controllable !!