Bird - Rainbow Bird 2010

• Shape: Birds
• Size: 305x165cm, 92cm packed
• Weight: 240g
• Rods: 6 + 1
• Fix:  Medium
• Bridle: Fixed, 2 positions
• Tail Provision: 1
• Pull: Medium
• Test Launch Wind: 8.1 km/h

Another CN direct import, branded, with logo on the sail. The sail is made of parachute material and the spars are those expensive looking silver rods some called skyshark or something. The sail is secured to the spars at the end with elastic band. All that you expect from a high end kite, you can find in this. It comes with a colorful 3m tail as well. The only complain will probably be the color combination. This must be the China-man thing again. 

There are 3 rods to fix for each wing and the central rod. The wings are affixed to the central frame via an angled joint to give it a bowed effect. Each end is secured via an elastic band. 

There is also a flexible smaller rod to insert to hold up the tail shape. Watch out for this one. It will snap when you bend it too much or get caught with other kites/lines (the one you're seeing is a second replacement already). 

The bridle has 2 fixed positions (the lower the wind, the higher the bridle position). It is attached  to a air ramp pocket. Another of the modern design feature in this kite. 

For the tail, there are provisions but you've to tie a string to it yourself. The packaged tail, split into 2, however, comes in cheaper materials that doesn't pack well. 

Since the kite is wide and skinny, it is quite crumble-some to hand launch, but as you know by now, it is my preferred mode, at least for testing purposes (must always consider those with less enthusiastic flying "mates"). Otherwise, it is fairly easy to launch; give it some line, pull it up and see it go. 

I would say this is a mid-wind kite (force 2 up) to fly this comfortably. At lower winds, you need to, or make sure it is, tighten the sail at each end. You can either re-knot the elastic band or for a quick fix, double loop it. (In any case, you'll have to do this adjustment over time. Thinking of changing it to lines so that I can fastened it at each assembly.)

Also, try changing the bridle positions. It helps. 

Despite its shape, this kite is highly stable. It will fly straight up without wobbling. 

It can pull tails, easily. I've not flown this at night so not sure what it can carry. I don't feel a strong pull on the line so a line laundry may not be a good idea as well. 

Overall, best buy from CN. Easy to fly, with all the trappings of a premium kite, and the state of the art modern design features, it becomes a gem in my bag (much less than S$50, haha).

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Wind