American Kitefliers Association

Do you have a link so that readers can jump straight to it, to view?

Hi Linda,

To what?  The Mega Macaw?  I was hoping to get some feedback from people who actually have it, so they wouldn't need a link, but here's a photo.  That was just a by-the-by anyway, my main purpose is to see what people think of having an "Is this a good kite?" section on the forum.

Jim

Thanks Jim, that's what I meant, the link to the kite on their website... just in case I'd SEEN someone flying one.  Your photo helps, but...  And I notice their website doesn't have a SEARCH facility, so I can't go straight to the listing.

Does the Premier site say whose design it is? 

That again, would be a help - in case I KNOW him / her... ;-)

That kite might require a lifter in lighter winds. If it was me I would shell out a few more bucks and by something big from Dave Gomberg. He backs up his kites and everything he sells is top notch  !!!

Worst comes to the worst Jim, you can always mail any non-behaving kite across the ditch - we'll help cure them of any ills!

Woody,

I've bought quite a bit from David, and I agree, his service is great.  A fair bit of his big stuff is Peter Lynn kites, which I would get from the source, an hour's drive from here.

Linda,

The Premier website is not a friendly one, and doesn't appear to have that kite on it.  Their printed catalog shows that it is designed by Steffen Gaubatz, and has a wingspan of 18ft.  As Woody says, not so good in light wind, quoted as 10mph minimum. 

Everyone,

I'm more interested in whether people think the general idea of a forum section to help with advice on kite models is a good one, so that members can pass on their personal experience.   The Mega Macaw was just an example of a kite I could be interested in finding out about from those who have flown it.

Jim

jimnicholls wrote:

Everyone,

I'm more interested in whether people think the general idea of a forum section to help with advice on kite models is a good one, so that members can pass on their personal experience.   The Mega Macaw was just an example of a kite I could be interested in finding out about from those who have flown it.

Jim

Greetings -

I find the idea of having a "Kite Reviews" forum interesting, but I think we should approach the idea with some caution.  Years ago, a popular kite-related forum had a review section and whenever a certain kite manufacturer/designer's product was mentioned, folks would come out of the woodwork and start bashing the designer and panning any kite the person ever thought about making.

That being said, I think the review section should be open to anyone who wants to ask about or suggest a kite or review a kite they have flown.  I, also, think the manufacturers/Merchant Members should have the option of posting promos for their products.  If specific complaints/concerns are raised about a kite, we should offer the manufacturer/designer a chance to respond.

Anyone like to take a stab at writing a policy on what is and is not welcome on such a forum?

I also like the idea of hearing objective reviews of different types of kites. No manufacturer or brand needs to be mentioned. I was really caught up with the idea of purchasing the large inflatable "scuba diver" until I actually saw it in flight (not on youtube). Who wants to show a video of their kite in bad flight? It looks great at first glance, but it regularly tossed and twisted in the wind not to mention the often twisting of one or both of the legs which led to it or them deflating. I am sure in perfect wind and conditions it flies well. I have seen it at two festivals with the same issues each time. Think I will pass.

I have only seen the Scuba Diver once, and in good conditions it still seemed rather unhappy.  This seems to be the case with a lot of inflatables, especially those  which need support from a lifter or pilot to fly. (The Scuba Diver is supposed to fly unsupported.)  There are a lot of interesting inflatables capable of flying well unassisted.  Some I have experience of are Jim Rowlands'  Le Frog (available in three sizes), Martin Blaise's Air Guitar and Juergen Ebbinghaus' Giant Fish (22.5ft long) or, if you can afford it, his Mega Fish which is twice as long.  Octopus kites usually fly well, too, and I am sure there are many others that I have no experience of.  Maybe some forum readers can help out with suggestions????

I have to buy most of my kites unseen, as they are not usually available here in New Zealand.  But if you have the opportunity to see them flying, as you mention with the Scuba Diver, then talk to the owner and maybe you can even get a chance to try them out.  I'm sure most kitefliers would welcome enquiries and be pleased to give assistance if you ask.  I try to give a little help via my website and my YouTube video channel, but I am very much an amateur and still finding my way in the big field of kite-flying.

All the best with your flying.

Jim