Diamonds - Small

Now, let's start with the review.

On first inspection, this kite looks fragile. The storekeeper actually offered to scotch-taped the 4 corners, and it turn out to be a good idea.

The tail is not a decoration, it is needed to balance the kite at launch. Most diamonds will need it. Don't take it out.

Like all small kite, this is best hand-launched. You'll be needing light strings for this, thus, those D-rings and strings that usually come with the pack will do.

Hook the kite to strings at the bridle. Hold the string with one hand and the D-ring on the other. Face the wind and walk into it, releasing some lines as you go and slide the other hand along the string, keeping the tension. You can feel the kite pulling. If you are thinking of the movie image of running with the kite trailing, DON'T. This kite is too light to survive the air interference that this action introduced. In any case, it is never a good way to launch a kite. After about 5-10m, turn around and you'll see the kite hanging in the air, still.

It will be violent; meaning the kite will move left and right as you release a little more lines. NOTE: The smaller the kite, the more you'll see such behavior, especially those free kites at events. Such behavior is noticeable in other shapes like Delta. The kite is simply adjusting to the wind disturbances near the surface. Keep tension on the line and things will be fine once the kite gained some height, about 10m.

It is now time to release more line and lift up the kite by pulling it back. Once it found its attack angle, you should see this little fellow flying into the air, joining all the mighty kites around. Release gently; this kite is too light  to withstand any strong sudden movements. To gain elevation, simply holds on the line without releasing more. This should see the kite climbs, if there's wind. Tug on the line if it is not elevating. The good thing is, this is probably the last kite to drop from the sky once the wind dies down.

The newer small diamond (we actually got a pair from HK Disney land) comes with a angled joints for the cross spars these days. It helps to reduce the violence at launch. The angled joints help the kite fly in lighter winds too. You'll see them in most glider, "zero wind" kites and the newer bird designs.

We've flown other plastic kites in shapes like delta. They pretty much behave the same way. Thus, you can use the same technique. These days, we usually fly these kites in tandem or use them to do single line stunts to amuse the kids. So, on to the bigger kites.

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