KiteJan

Since coming across the idea of controllable single line kites I have really wanted to try it. However I didn't want just to rush out to get them as I had no idea of what I need, and how to use them. One thing I have picked up over the last couple of years is that Stafford Wallace is the man to talk to about fighter kites. So during the Cleethorpes 2006 festival I managed to have a talk with Stafford and also pick up one of his kites from a trader.

This is a single line kite made from split bamboo and mylar (that metallic looking wrapping paper) and comes complete with a bobbin of Indian cotton and a page of instructions.

Purchased: May 2006

Details

Good Things

• Easy to fly.
• Stable in the sky (when you want it do be).
• High degree of controllability, even for a fighter beginner like me.

Bad Things

• Hard to launch by yourself unless you know how to do it.
• As with all fighters somewhat fragile.
• Doesn't pack down small - stays a 55cm x 46cm shape!

Final Thoughts

Just what I wanted to start flying the single line Indian fighters! I suppose you can get cheaper fighters but knowing that Stafford has made this and you can contact him for advice if needed makes it a safe bet that it's going to work.

In fact I wanted to buy one directly from him during Cleethorpes, but he actively refused saying he would prefer to show me how to fly in more idea conditions. But I bought one anyway from a trader - I think this shows that Stafford is more concerned about getting the right kite for people, rather than selling lots of them.