Kites - Introduction to Stunt Kites

Sport kites are controlled by either two, three, or four lines. Using the handles, you can "steer" the kite through the sky. Sport kites are used for recreation, exercise, and competition. The kites are available in a variety of materials, sizes, configurations, and price levels. Prices start at $18 and can go as high as $500. A complete package will cost between $100 to $300 for professional grade equipment.

Flying sport kites requires a few basic components; the kite itself, lines and handles. Basic flight maneuvers are accomplished by moving the handles forwards or backwards to turn the kite. Some people learn within a few hours but generally it will take a few weekends to get proficient. There are hundreds of different models on the market and each has its own unique set of characteristics.

MATERIALS
The majority of stunt kites are framed with carbon spars. Pultrude carbon spars such as Avia offer high performance at a low cost. Wrapped graphite such as G-Force, and Skyshark are more expensive, lighter and more durable. Tapered wrapped graphite spars represents the latest technology. Sail material range from plastic, Nylon, and Icarex polyester fabric.

SIZE
There are several methods for measuring the size of a kite.
1) Height and width.
2) Total square footage of the sail area.
3) Wingspan
The most common measurement used by sport kites is wingspan although it is somewhat inaccurate when comparing kites of different proportions. Most kites are between 3 to 8 feet. Relatively speaking, anything under 3 feet will be considered small, 4 to 6 feet will be medium, 7 to 12 feet is large and anything over 12 feet is extremely large. The 6 to 8 feet range is the most popular and most of the best performers are in this range.

WIND RANGE
The wind range of a kite will give you an idea of the minimum wind requirement, the maximum wind that you should fly in, and the ideal range for best performance. A light wind kite can mean many extra hours of flying when the winds are light. Super ultralight kites and "indoor" kites allow flying in little or no wind. These kites have low end ratings of .5 to 2 mph. Most novice fliers find it difficult to estimate wind conditions. There are several scales and methods for measuring wind. The best method is with a wind meter or you can refer to the following chart:

Wind Chart

MPH BEAUFORT OBSERVATION

0-1 0 Smoke rises vertically

1-3 1 Light breeze

4-7 2 Breeze is felt

8-12 3 Leaves rustle

13-18 4 Branches move

19-24 5 Small trees sway

25-31 6 Very strong wind (hang on)

PULL
If you have never flown a large sport kite, pull is one of the most prominent characteristics. We often get an idea of the pull from the kite manufacturer's line recommendations. This is expressed in pounds and it varies from 50# to 300#. This does not mean the kite will have a 500# pound pull but it is safe to assume at least one half of that. The most popular sport kites on the market are around 6 - 8 feet and the pull can be rated from mild to strong with line recommendations between 80 - 250#.

Pull is directly related to wind speed. Under light wind conditions (4-10mph), a kite may fly very easily but in a strong wind (15-30+ mph) it becomes a different animal. In strong winds, large kites can exert a tremendous amount of pull and may not be suitable for lightweight individuals (under 100 lbs) or inexperienced fliers.

LINEAR SPEED
Sport kites have been clocked at over 120 mph. Each model will have it's own top speed and it should be noted that different kites of the same model can vary because of bridle adjustments, length, and type of line. Also note that speed does not necessarily mean good handling. Some fliers and beginners will prefer slower flying kites because they are easier to control but fast kites are always an impressive sight. The speed of a kite also introduces one of the potential problems with sport kites. Sport kites and their lines can cause damage and injury to property and people because of the speed. Any object flying at 50+mph can do substantial damage. Fly in a safe and responsible manner.

PRECISION
Fast kites are fun but handling is just as important. A quality kite will provide the flier with perfect control; it will be balanced and not pull right or left when flown in a straight line.

TURNS
The "quickness" or how "sharp" a kite could turn is influenced by the skill of the flier but the design of the kite also plays an important role. Some kites like a wide sweeping turn while others can literally turn on a dime or within its own radius. The size of a kite's turning radius along with the speed of its turns combine to give each kite it's own unique personality.

GENERAL HANDLING
In addition to technical characteristics, many kites are evaluated on their ability to perform specific "tricks". The "axel" (ability to spin horizontally) or the "float" (ability to fly sideways in an upright position) are all attributes that many people seek in a kite. A lot of kites are designed to make complex maneuvers easy even in the hands of a beginner.

Wind Chart
MPH	BEAUFORT	OBSERVATION
0-1	0	Smoke rises vertically
1-3	1	Light breeze
4-7	2	Breeze is felt
8-12	3	Leaves rustle
13-18	4	Branches move
19-24	5	Small trees sway
25-31	6	Very strong wind (hang on)

TWO, THREE, & FOUR LINES
Most sport kites are controlled with two lines. Some models are controlled with four lines. Kites - Quad Line offer more control over the kite's movements and allows for maneuvers impossible with two lines. Four lines are not necessarily better; it has its own unique characteristics as well as advantages and disadvantages.

SKILL LEVEL
Although it is difficult to place a skill level on kites, some kites are definitely easier to fly than others. Look for the speed rating and line weight requirements. As a rule, slower kites with less pull are easier to fly than fast kites with a stronger pull.

SELECTING A KITE
With 100's of models on the market, it is extremely difficult to select the one "best" kite. If you are a beginner, we would suggest the Kites - Starter Stunt Kite Packages . For more information check our Accessories - Videos, Books, & Publications department.