Rokkaku: Sweetie, Dance with Me

·  Shape: Rokkaku

·  Size: 140x110cm, 115cm packed

·  Weight: 300g

·  Rods: 4

·  Fix:  Easy

·  Bridle: Flexible

·  Tail Provision: Nil

·  Pull: Medium (not enough)

·  Test Launch Wind: 9.3 km/h

·  Launch: Hard (very long tow line)

Nice finishing with reinforcements

We're finally left alone to fly this kite imported from USA. Rokkaku is often used to showcase fine designs probably due to its large surface and perhaps the flying joy. So, it is always on my list of kite shapes to fly. Of course, this particular design won't qualify as a keep sake, if you've sampled what is out there. New designs are being hand painted daily. But beggars can't be choosers, right?

There's a line to bow the kite

The packaging is an improvement over the kites from CN but I'm not overwhelmed, for the price paid. The sail is well done, with zigzag sewing, reinforced pockets and trimmings, etc. and made of ripstop nylon. Sometimes I wonder what all these material names mean. Aren't these variations of the 170D/190D polyester used in umbrellas and banners? Similar confusion arise with the spars' material; carbon, aluminum and their composites?

Fixing is easy. The only thing to watch out for is to ensure that the tow lines are tied to the horizontal spars, 2 each. It can come undone during packaging, or tangled up. The sail will appear loose once the spars are fixed but that's okay.

Additionally, there are 2 sets of strings on the horizontal spars from each end. These are to help bow the kite. Bowed kites take off easier and stay in the air better. This is a feature in the traditional bamboo version as well. The modern interpretation makes life a lot simpler. Do the adjustment for low force 2 and below. You can also do this for more stable flight. The rule of "fist" applies - about 1 fist between the line and the vertical spar. It helps to launch the kite too. The owner seems to have a lot of "fun" doing these adjustments when it is better to sit down and sip beer.

Super long tow line

Like at graduation ball and you'll finally left alone with the girl you've been drooling over the whole year, I suddenly felt dumbfounded when faced with the tow line. The default bridle is so far away from the sail. Is this right? 4 lines are coming from the sail, joined at the bridle. It makes hand launch at the usual wind speed almost impossible. Some help will be needed though I do suspect that one can adjust the tow lines shorter. Anyone with experience in this? I mean, look, I've flew kites that are larger, and with fixed bridle to boot. Why do it need to be so long? No answer from the owner.

At low force 2 wind, the tow line will require that you launch with 2 persons on long lines. Quite embarrassing when I was launching this with the owner's kid.  Abandon all hope of launch at force 1. At the last test flight, high Force 2 wind is available, as is the case when rain is about to visit here, all you need to do is to throw is out and the sail will catch. Again, is this the tow line at play? Or is this just a big wind kite? Hey, a 4m delta needs less wind than this to get so excited. Hopefully, the owner will allow me to change it after reading this.

Once it is in the air, like in the case of the girl agreeing to dance at the graduation ball, all hell broke loose. This "girl" will swing you to the left, then right, at the initial 10-15m, catching you by surprise (isn't the library her favourite hangout?). Make sure you have plenty of space to launch. After the initial fright, the DJ will slow down the music and you'll be back in control, as usual.

Not yet time to rest. Its the first conversation with your dream girl. The line is out but the fish have not bite yet. You need to be witty, humorous, flirty,  like with all new girl you met. Lots of movement in flight in reaction to the wind; good wind, left and right, poor wind, up and down. You'll have to constantly monitor the flight, like you will with your conversation. It can drop off the air quite rapidly, though it will hang better when bowed.

At times, the new joke you just cracked can potentially ruin it. In the horizontal movements, the sail may rotate a little. It will look as if it's about to do the stunt kite flip. Move back and manage the line. Unlike the stunt kite, it won't go back up once the rotation is more than 90 degrees.

The movements actually add to the appeal of the rokkaku. The canvass is moving around the sky, dancing to the wind. Unfortunately, there are so few designs to choose from in SG that I've to gunpoint my sis to get one back from Japan in her holiday trip. Hopefully she does and I'll have more fun managing and admiring these beautiful art form, which what kites should be, not just easy to fly.

Crane - Testing Soon

Just received.

Fire Bird - Fierce when it's hungry

·  Shape: Bird
·  Size: 310x170cm, 90cm packed
·  Weight: 300g
·  Rods: 11, 6 fixed
·  Fix:  Medium 
·  Bridle: Fixed to Air Rump Pocket
·  Tail Provision: Nil
·  Pull: Medium
·  Test Launch Wind: 11.3km/h
·  Launch: Force 2 up

Being a kite fanatic can be tough. One would think that kiting is finally an activity that the entire family can participate in, but the females have their own ideas. Talking of Mars and Venus. Compound the problem with a family day out with 5 monsters and I'm left with steering them to play near a flying field. Kiting and open fields, we're don't have much places where the kids can play safely in while daddy flies a kite. To think of it, could be a good thing given the large number of people using Kevlar lines here. Yes folks, high tension Kevlar lines can cut through the skin.

So, I sneak out while the kids are taking their turns on the pony ride. It was a good wind day after all, 1 kite at a time. I even have to pretend that I'm on the other side of the track to take pictures of them riding. The handler gives me a hard stare once he knows what I'm up to.  What is this about horses and kites? Saw it somewhere but never bothered to investigate. I only know dogs like to chase the kites when they are near the ground.

A little more support spar to maintain the shape

Frame to support the head

I like the simple color combination of this kite. I suppose it would look better if more black lines are added or it being not so rigid. Feels a little heavy, with all the spars in the package. The wind spars are broken down to 2 parts and thankful to the colored plastic cap on the spars, you can join the 4 rods together easily, the longer combination being the vertical. To make the head more life-like, there is a little rod hidden under. You need to push it out but the support brackets look a little fragile (yes, this is a CN kite), so I've omitted it in this high wind (no difference, aesthetics only). Make sure the tail support is between the vertical spar and the sail. It may drop off otherwise. There are 2 additional support spar for the wings. Make sure they are attached or the kite won't take off. Also, the horizontal spar should be on top of it.

This is not for mediocre wind, definitely. Compared to the Phoenix, it needs a larger force to take off. The kite feels heavy on the bridle and long lines won't help, in this case. At the test flight, it threatens to lift-off once it is fixed. I would suggest at least low force 2. To be fair, it does hang in the air for a long while, though, at 6km/h. So don't take it out when there are few kites in the sky.

Once it took off, and for those longer liners, the first thing you noticed is the flapping in lower portion of the wing. It is more loose than it first appear. This sought of created a balance for this kite to hang in the air. But, of course, it also creates disturbances. The first 10m is the challenge but once it lifts off, this kite deserve its name. Fiercely asking for lines, it ascends rapidly. The air pocket would be filled by now, looking like a solid block.

Flew it at a multi-storey carpark just b4 rain

Listing to the left when it is denied lines

Not sure whether it is inherent in the manufacturing since this is a borrowed kite, this bird will list to the left whenever line is denied or on back-reel. The head will turn left and become horizontal. You need to hold still, or give it some line, to right itself. Since I'm flying in a small field with trees around, I didn't took the chance to see what happens next. I hoped it just do the turn around.  So, watch out for this, especially when reeling back.

When you have a good wind and a fierce kite, things will burn. And, I don't mean your hands (from the lines). Taking it back is a lot more difficult than I thought, especially with the left horizontal inclination of this kite. The kids took the opportunity to go for a second round and I burn more money than the cost of the kite. Add the bill of cleaning the stains left by the red UV lines (just have to rest between reels).

Overall, the kite is stunning and memorable (not just the events of the day). Hey, everybody scrambles to get their kites to launch. Poor moms and dads who has to get into the sun or rush to the nearest kite store. Too bad it takes such conditions to lift off or I'll strongly recommend it against the deltas.

Phoenix - The Prettiest on the dance floor

·  Shape: Bird
·  Size: 300x170cm, 125cm packed
·  Weight: 350g
·  Rods: 8, 6 fixed
·  Fix:  Medium (will be easy if not for the stabilizing strings)
·  Bridle: Fixed
·  Tail Provision: Nil
·  Pull: Light
·  Test Launch Wind: 6.4km/h
·  Launch: Medium

When you're the most beautiful and attractive thing in a sea of people, and you know it, you don't have to say "yes" to the every first requests. You can take your time and play the game a little, flirt even, and people still loves you.

I remember this kite being flown at the NTUC event this year by a member of the public. Though it is a little crazy to launch a big kite in a sea of small, memento kites, it stands out like the prettiest girl in a singles' bar. The color combination is stunning, though the original is more complete (notice the green that was added and the out of sync center bits? Reminds me of the girl in dark evening dress, pearl necklace and a pair of slippers waiting at the bus stop the other day. Prince Charming will be the glass "slippers"?). In the sky, it enhance every hue nature thrown at it. I think the guy flew it latter at the Barrage. Like the girl, different bar, same amount of attention, ig not more.

Like most bird series, it will come out of the package a little scrambled due to its irregular sail. The sail looks of good quality but the number of spars add to the weight. Its good they took care of the tail spars; no curved ones for you to break. Since this is a used kite, you can see the wear and tear at this end, though.

Fixing is easy, initially; extend the winds and fix the horizontal. There are 2 extra lines connecting the "head" to the wings. This is the tricky part; tied it too loose and the wings will look folded in flight and may fail to lift off. I would recommend that you pull it up a little; everyone is starring. Just let drools fall. A little finesse here would be helpful. You may want to add the line fastener (like those in the Rokkaku reviewed earlier) to make life a little easier. Hey, you do need a quick, clever one-liner when you finally get your chance, right? The top portion of the kite needs to be tight for lift-off (the bottom of the wing will flap in the wind). So, do do the adjustments occasionally.

The prettiest girl never needs to accept every first advances. She will take her time. At low wind, the lower portion of the wing will flap in the wind, flirting with you. Walking towards the dance floor but turned around the moment you  followed. It needs mid-force 2 to lift off. You can comfortably hand launch this baby but watch for the long wing span; it will dip to the sides occasionally. When she is finally ready to dance, she prefers a slow waltz to warm up before the higher tempo. Like the girl that she is, she'll pull lightly on the lines as it ascend to the sky. Wonder if it will improve with stronger wind.

I don't find the need for a tail to stabilize the flight though the owner recommends it. The default tail with the package is as beautiful as the accessories the girl worn that night. I actually kept it and hope that the owner don't notice, a little souvenir for the night, like a phone number.

Once it took to the sky, the color combination shines, like in the song, day or night.

I never seen you looking so beautiful tonight
Never seen you shine so bright

Blue sky or grey, it is simply outstanding in the sky. It will dance a little left and right in reaction to the wind, like changes in song tempo. Otherwise, it will be a fixture in the sky. The pull, however, is not strong. I caution hanging anything other than a tail to stabilize it, if the need arises.

I would prefer the original total color combination but this CN copy is just fine. Is this a copy right issue or QC failure? There is a delta I'm eying that seems to have the same problem. Can't wait to see the bigger, original version dominates the next kite festival sky.

Aeroplane kids - Stats Only.

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Shape: Aeroplane

Size: 122x128cm, 122cm packed

Weight: 100g

Rods: 3, 1 fixed

Fix:  Easy

Bridle: Fixed

Tail Provision: Nil

Pull: Light

Test Launch Wind: 6.8 km/h

Launch: Hard

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Comments:

Though this is a kid's kite, it is actually quite difficult to launch due to it highly unstable tail. Look for one with tail spar touching the main vertical spar, if you intend to let the kids fly it. Unusual reaction to quick reel action in the air. 

Fan Kite and ground launch technique

Shape: Bird (because of its eagle-like frame)

Size: 275x90cm, 180cm packed

Weight: 250g

Rods: 5,  2 fixed

Fix:  Easy

Bridle: Fixed

Tail Provision: 2

Pull: Heavy

Test Launch Wind: 7.1 km/h

This could be the best find this year. For a cheap kite (<S$40), it is versatile, strong pull and can be launched in many ways.  The only negative is to finding its name. Somehow, "Fan" don't quite make it. With its original tail, my girl called it a snake. But it has a modern eagle (Chinese "Pan Ying") frame! My missus have a "love-at-first-sight" affair with this kite. I'm going out to get a line laundry to hang on it. 

With 25ft tail and 2 from Wala

This CN version that I have comes in cleaner color combination than those in SG. The 3 spars for assembly is longer than the sail when packed. They actually joined as 1 across the sail making it very easy to fix. It comes with 2 tail provision and the default tail hooks up to both. Perhaps I should get those tail spinners with a rod to attach. Well, it match perfectly with my blue/white 25ft tail. The default tail reminds me too much of cobras so I don't use them.

Ground launch for kites with such frame

The frame allows for another launch option that I've tested with other shapes like ghost, cobra (need a little more line) and other kites that are flat - the ground launch. The famous Beijing flyer always launch his traditional Chinese eagle (panying) this way. Given the similar frame structure, I decided to add this as a show. Don't try this for this kite at high wind (9.3km/h); it simply refuse to sit down and my girl got her first line burn from it. 

This is how it works: put the kite flat on the floor (glass recommended), frame-side down. You'll normally need the bridle to be in line and in front of the tip of the kite. Pull some line out and walk into the wind, 10m or more. Face the kite and start reeling at high speed. The kite will first move on the ground and then soar in the air. For frames like this, the take off is almost immediate.Once you got the bridle and line right, you can do this with almost any kite, delta with fixed bridle don't apply. 


This technique is especially useful when you need to pull long lines and/or you're flying alone. The kite may pick up some dirt or moisture but other than that, there is no visible damage, though wear and tear may occur. Because wind is flowing through the top and bottom of this frame even on the ground, this may cause the kite to take off, so peep back once a while.

Place kite on ground, frame down.

The is a strange feature for this kite; the center spar hold the other spars on each end. The wings will collapse inwards and expand outwards, depending on your reel actions, as the connection allows for some movements. Quite scary, actually. Either action will cause some disturbance to the kite, but should not bring it down. Once it is in its normal position, this kite takes off easily in the air. Do check the center spar regularly around the ends for wear and tear.

You'll start to feel a strong pull on your line and will climb up quickly. So, make sure you're not holding the line for this "steal of the year". In the air, it exhibits very similar characteristics to the delta; staying firmly in the wind with strong pull. You can almost fly this overhead (for line laundry) but I only have tails, thus putting it back a little to enjoy the view.

Pulling it down is a lot harder than letting it go. To reduce the workload, I normally pull the reel down between my legs for a few moments. You'll feel the line slacken. Start reeling again. Takes a lower time but it is better than fighting a kite who refuse to come down, worse than kids not willing to go home from the arcade/mall. BTW, I've see frame/spars snapped when people force the reel in.

To officially make this my "steal of the year", I'm going out to get a proper line laundry to hang on this guy. I'll update you how it goes but if your sick and tired of deltas, I strongly recommend this kite.

3D - 10 Diamond

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Shape: 3D

Size: 180x150cm, 180cm packed

Weight: 300g

Rods: 14, only 4 fixed

Fix:  Hard

Bridle: Flexible

Tail Provision: Nil

Pull: Light

Test Launch Wind: 6.5 km/h

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This kite brought some memories of the things discussed during its test flight. People often forget that kite flying is about working with nature. In our case, its about listening to it and make the best use of the conditions. Kite designs are improving to simplify our life but at the end of the day, mother nature is the boss. The more you learn to respect it, the more you'll get out of it.

Which supplier has the better kite? Parachute real or fake? Which field is better? Why would these matter when what it really is is about learning from nature and in the process, yourself. Hopefully, those around you will benefit from your discovery too.

Yes, the delta from different suppliers are simply different. For kites, you either pay for performance or design. Of course, some suppliers display more knowledge and keenness to help, which the latter is more important to me. To me, deltas is about what it can carry to decorate the sky. The designs are simplistic, mostly. Artists among the kite designers prefer rokkaku (but it can't lift things). But beyond deltas, there are lots of shapes to fly. It is in this vein that I found this kite.

Claudio Capelli's Rokkakus

From the word go, you'll find trouble. This traditional Chinese-designed kite comes with 14 rods, in 3 sizes, to fit. While it is not difficult to figure out which spar goes where, putting it together needs some patience. You'll have to organize yourself, vertically or horizontally, to keep the spars from falling off. Best done placing the whole kite on the floor. Standing at shoulder height, forget about getting the kids to do it.

Check out the weight. Both the spars and sail are of lower grade materials. Well, I don't have much high expectations since it is an experiment for me.

This kite comes with a tow line. But this is right at the top of the kite. Secure them to 3 points, each end and the middle, though the latter can be left out, like I do. The bridle is tied in the middle of the tow line. The usual one-third from top rule don't apply here but it works. If you're used to the delta, you'll be sweating by now, no doubt. And, don't count on those around to help you.

Luckily, I'm tall enough to hold the kite up by hand. You may want to pull long lines for this. Just lean it against any object will do since the tow line, at the top, will not be in the way.

Firstly, this kite need stronger wind to fly, force 2 high. This could add to your frustrations. Honestly, I'm always hesitant to take this out of my bag. Perhaps I should try to launch this with long line at lower wind.

At launch, it feels reluctant to leave the ground. Any drop in wind speed at the first 5m will see it coming back down. Be sure to have a good wind window before attempting launch. Because of its tow line positions, the bottom of the kite will kick away from you.;At times, it will almost be horizontal. Don't be alarmed; it'll come back down but it'll stay angled.

This darling is a reluctant climber. It is slow to react to your line actions. At launch, it seems to cling to the ground like kids parting with mothers. Fans of deltas, airplanes have slight delayed reaction to joystick movements because of this thing called Relative Air Pressure. That's what makes wings, or in our case, the sail of kites, stay in the air. NASA is interested in kites because it taught aerodynamics. Check it out. The bottom will maintain a slanted-away-from-you angle in flight. This acts to its appeal - it looks larger than it should since the whole kite is in view when you look up.

Do not tie it up once it is in flight. Despite its overall size, the individual sail is quite small (smaller that the kid's diamond). It reacts quite quickly to changes in wind speed. While delta hangs even when the tail starts waving, you will see altitude changes immediately. So, pay some attention to it while in flight.

Overall, it gives you a very different feel from the modern kites. The constant line management adds to the fun, for a change. Since it is traditional, perhaps it will also take away the supplier argument. In whichever field it appears, the odd shape breaks the sometimes monotonous decorations in the sky. I wish it comes in more attractive color schemes/designs, though.

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