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I SAW THE NEW ZEPHYR KITE on Monday the 11th of June at Prism. I hefted the kite with my hand. It weighed nothing. And with a 92.5 inch wingspan, we’re talking a large kite. The P-100 Sky Shark spars keep the weight down, and the polyester sail will stay lighter - not absorbing moisture as nylon will. As I spoke to Mark Reed, I was struck again with, here was a brilliant kite designer who was also a fanatic for detail and quality. He reached for a pair of tiny sewing scissors and snipped off a thread no longer than one of the whiskers on my 5 o’clock shadow face. Mark leaves no detail unfinished, both in kite design and quality. He has incorporated Prismatex mylar near the leading edge to gain a longer stall and give more control in freestyle tricks. The wind across this slick fabric moves with less resistance than across the polyester. The wing tips will have rubber vinyl covers and all the freestyle tricks will be possible without the added gimmicks of kites like the French Connection’s “roll bars”. (more…)

Last night I flew the floater for the first time. Strangely, I was flying a discontinued kite from HQ Kites. We purchased 8 of the last ones, and have them for sale while they last.

It was a cold day, 50 degrees. And the wind was only registering 3.5 on my meter. Not many kites in most folks bags will fly in that low a wind. But here in Portland, we keep some low wind kites in our bags for just such a day. The flags on the Portland Raceway field were just barely flying on the pole. So I chose the Floater. I was not disappointed. It performed beautifully. At 63 inches by 31 inches, this kite is moderately quick. Pull in this low wind is light, but the kite is very responsive. Turns are definite. The kite comes with 65 feet of Dyneema line (read European Spectra). I think 50 foot would be better in such low wind. 65 feet was a bit long for my taste. But it performed well. This kite meets my requirement of: velcro closure at the base of the spine, has well seated standoffs, and strong bridle. The case has velcro openings at top and bottom. How many times have you tried to get a standoff out of the bottom of a long narrow case? And there is a separate pocket for the line set. Just remove the retail card and you’ve got a pocket for a lineset. The spars are 4 mm Carbon. (more…)

A new color scheme has emerged lately, especially among young people. Everything from furniture to bedding and even wedding colors are boasting this new palate. And Prism has captured this color and added it across their existing kite lineup, as well as on some exciting new kites. Citrus is their newest color combination, and it is beautiful. It looks great in the sky. You are not likely to have anything in your kite bag this color.

Almost all of Prism’s kites are now available in citrus, including: the Nexus, Quantum, Hypnotist, and their brand new low wind Zephur. Also, the tried and true Triad, and the new EO6 and EO10, come in citrus. The new Snapshot Parafoil is available in a citrus lime too.

Watch for reviews of the new Zephur dual line, the Snapshot Parafoil, and Stowaway Diamonds with Fractal-based geometric patterns. And as always, these new colors and styles from Prism are ultra high quality and sure to give great flight. Check them out at the on-line flag and kite store www.elmersflag.com. Not just a kite store, America’s largest flag store!

Many kite manufacturers, having their kites made in China, do not get any replacement parts for their kites. They simply do not have a single part to replace those broken in shipment to dealers, returned because the part is defective, etc. In extreme need, they may even take parts out of unsold kites on their shelf. But usually they cannot provide any replacements. Instead they rely on the dealer to stock a variety of parts, from which the replacement part is cut to size and substituted for the original part. For single line kites, this usually works. Although many times the replacement is not the same weight, thus throwing off the delicate balance of the kite. (more…)

Good news from Prism! It’s rare that good things happen more quickly than planned. But Prism has announced that they are thrilled to release a new, unique product ahead of schedule.

The 2007 EO (Expandable Object) series is the original brainchild of Phil McConnachie, internationally renowned kite designer from Australia. His EO6 and EO10 are dynamic box kites with intersecting elliptical planes that fly stable or as marvelous tumblers. They’re completely unique and eye-catching in the sky, and best of all there’s literally no assembly required. The expandable structure erects itself with a built-in elastic as you remove it from its unique travel clasp. Just find some wind, pop it open, and watch it soar and tumble as it climbs into the sky. Three contrasting color combinations can be flown in multiples on a single line for a spectacular show. Convenient, unique travel clasp holds 200 feet of line with winder handle (included). (more…)