When I saw this on the local blog, I can't believe my eyes as it is a poster image from a famous US supplier. In fact, they have quite a few of them. But the other shape is quite common. Look at the color coordination and design. Very nice. Keep up the good work! Jack and Jan.Do these kites come from CN? At the price they are selling, just got to get it. Pay US prices plus shipping? No Way! But, what is the catch?
When I first opened it, it has the trappings of a American kite; zig-zig sewing, reinforced spar pocket, and double-sewing on the trims. The material looks right. But on closer inspection, the finishing is poor (but who can see them when its up in the sky?). Could this be one of those that fail QC? Regardless.
On the US site, this is meant to be an easy-flier. It came with an angled joint to help catch the light breezes. Jan reminded me of the importance of the round piece, which is the first time I see such a thing in a kite. It weighs a little. Wonder if it is an original part of the design.The spars come in 2 sizes. It took a little time for my 8 yo to figure out; the thicker ones are for the top half, longest being the vertical spar. The sail came with reinforced pockets but be sure to poke them into layer 1; one of the spar poked through the sail when fixed to layer 2 after a strong-wind flight (herein lies my suspicion of QC failure). The main vertical spar comes with 2 guide pockets. Don't know what is the purpose of these pockets as they look quite flimsy. Make sure the tow line is tied to this spar. The 2 other thin rods are to support the ears, affixed to the top guide pocket. Even my wife needs help so be handy around the kids.
This kite comes with a tow line and bridle. The bridle is not elegantly tied the American way, so you need to make the knot yourself. The default is fine but I would advise an inch up for light wind.
At launch, hand, the kite wobbles a little. This is stabilized when the tail is fully extended (another brilliant move to combine function with aesthetics, common in American design). Prior to that, you may struggle a little as it will collapse quite readily. Launch is easy at 6 km/h up, you'll need a bridle adjustment (1 inch up) in lighter winds.
Once the angle is found, the good material used for the sail takes the kite up quickly. It will zoom straight up. Hey, the sail is fairly large for an easy flier, which is usually translated to mean kids' kite.Once in flight, keep a lookout. This kite reacts to the wind conditions readily. You'll find this kind of behavior in most 5-6 pointed shape kites like rokkaku, suruga. So, don't just secure them and have your picnic.
There is no other provision for the tail but I don't advise one. The pull is at best classified as medium and with is reaction to wind, don't hang anything on the line as well.
Overall, this is a good change from the usual CN designs. It is beautiful in the sky and easily identifiable. Kids can definitely fly this but may need help in assembly. Jan is pricing it very reasonably. Trust me, despite its little lack of finesse in the details, it is a good buy (RRP is US$25), better than most SKP kites.
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