News and Updates

First Flight, Flying Wings Insync

Finally got a few quality minutes on the Insync.  In my earlier post I listed some of the nice features that have been packed in to this affordable kite.   I failed to mention in that post that the fit and finish of the kite was excellent.  No short cuts taken as far as I can tell.

The kite is configurable in both a "precision" and radical or freestyle mode.  I used quotes around "precision" as I think recreational would be a more apt description.  My first flight was in this recreational setting.  I hesitate to call the kite a true precision machine.  It is well behaved and offers balanced and stable flight but I'll reserve the term "precision" for my Blue Moon's.

In this recreational setting the kite did offer up quite a few tricks including Jacob's Ladders, roll-ups as well as all your "basic" freestyle tricks (which is pretty much the total of my repertoire).  I did struggle to get the kite to back spin and left that to my next outing in the freestyle configuration (hopefully in the next day or two).

I have had the opportunity to fly a whole lot of new kites and to be honest some times I have to force myself to keep flying them past an initial test flight.  Not the case with the Insync.  It was really enjoyable.  I wanted to fly much longer than the 45 minutes or so that I had available for this.  For me that is a ringing endorsement.  I have already started recommending the kite to customers looking for an afforbale kite that will give offer a bit more than their beginner kite.

Don't think I'd sell off any of my high end kites in order to add the Insync to the collection but it is a fine second or third kite for the newer flyer that wants to travel into the world of freestyle flying world but can't or won't spring for a "First Class" ticket.

... more to come ...

Flying Wings Insync arrived

Earlier than I expected!  First shipment of the new Insync arrived this morning. 

Lots of goodies for a $125 kite ... line set with wrist straps, covered leading edge fittings, no-snag nose, integrated leaders, yo-yo stoppers, tail weight and a velcro kite keeper.  The bag is a straight forward sleeve with an internal pocket.  Comes with a complete set of short "freestyle" stand-offs.  Idea is that by changing out the stand-offs and repositioning them (there is an extra stand-off sail connector installed) and making a simple bridle change you can dial the kite from mild to wild.
Interestingly there is curved piece at the nose which creates a deeper profile at he nose of the kite.

 Hope to be able to give the kite a test fly in the next day or so.  I'll report back once I can make that happen.

A $7.50 value, yours free ...

... when you order any Prism Modulus Line Set.  We'll kick in a free pair of our Deluxe wrist straps for each set ordered.
Offer is limited so order yours now and we'll ship your new lines and free straps as soon as they are available (see previous entry).

Prism 2009 product update

Modulus Line.  We will be able to start shipping no later than June 1st.  The line has arrived and is now under going quality control checks.  Initially quantities and weight/strength selection may be limited but this should only last a few weeks.  Prism has assured me that there is "plenty" on the way.  We have begun taking orders and we will ship just as soon as possible.

Finally the Stowaway Parafoil is available in all colors!  They are on the way here from Seattle and should be ready to ship by weeks end.  I got a chance to fly one of these and it is probably my current favorite of the Prism single line kites.

The waiting is almost over

Just got off the phone with Prism and I should have a sample set of the new Modulus line by weeks end.  Followed shortly by some inventory.  No promises as to how much I'll be able to get as there was a bit of pent up demand for the line and it may still be a few weeks before the supply lines are normal.
Soon as I get the sample I'll be giving a a test fly and will report back.

Prism Modulus ... hurry up and wait

"I'm so tired
Tired of waiting
Tired of waiting for you"

- okay so I am dating myself here but the old Kinks song seems so appropriate.  We are still at least a couple weeks away from seeing our first set of the new Prism Modulus Line.

In Prism's defense they did have to slide the production of this back to get out the new E3 and to catch up on inventory of existing kites but many grow weary of the wait.

I was hoping to get a look at the new line at least and bugged Prism for a sample, but they have no sample for me :(   So I guess I'll just have to keep waiting along with everybody else.

"Do what you like
But please don't keep-a me waiting
Please don't keep-a me waiting

cause I'm so tired
Tired of waiting
Tired of waiting for you"

Finally ... Insync

Stay tuned for complete order information.  These will begin shipping next week.
List will be $130 but I'm guessing we will have an introductory special.
Here's a bit about the kite ...

Flying Wings Insync
Designed by Bell Chiu
Beginner to Intermediate
Wingspan 7'8"
Height 2'8"
Wind Range 3 - 20 mph
6mm pultruded carbon frame with Dynamic T15 wrapped carbon spreaders.
Claim is that by adjusting the positioning of the stand-offs you can dial the kite in for either precision or freestyle.  The kite is designed as an affordable entry to radical freestyle trick flying.

More to come ...

Pop Kan Kite ... way too much fun!

The ideal kite flies stable, nailed to one spot in the sky ... right?
Well not if it is a Pop Kan.  These dart and tumble, sensitive to your application of slack or tension.  At first they seem to be out of control but with practice you can develop a surprising amount of control.  I like to think of them as fighter kites, with a sense of humor.
These are the original Goodwinds Pop Kans that sold for $24.95 back in the day.  We have a bunch and are making them available for just $15 (plus shipping). 
One is fun, two or more are just hilarious!  Chris is fond of flying these in trains.  As I recall she had at least 6 up at a WSIKF we attended a few years back.  We offer free US shipping on orders over $25 so get at least a couple and the shipping is on us.
Oh yeah, we got these with out line but for a limited time we are including the string, just cause we are so nice ;)

Orders taken HERE

HQ Infinity

New to the Invento range, this Infinity duo by Andreas Koopmann is now available: Competition-ready trick flight, coupled with very good precision.

These kites are simple to handle. After only a short acclimatisation, the pilot gets the feeling of being one with the Infinity kite. All known tricks are possible. The side slides are endless, the basics elegant and majestic.

Back and wrap tricks are the speciality of these kites. Whether it is Back spins, Jacob’s Ladder, Fade, Lazy Susans, Lateral Rolls or Yo-Yos: the Infinity executes all tricks with ease and highly controllable.

The combination of trick and precision is impressive. In a word, it is a dream kite for play and discovery.

Also available in a vented version (sorry ... currently out of stock)

$218.49 with free shipping!   

GWTW Forum members email me to find out how to save even more.

First Look, Prism E3

For some reason as soon as I took the new Graphite E3 out of the bag I had the overwhelming desire to don a pair of Doc Marten's and queue up Nine Inch Nails (or maybe, and more fitting, Pearl Jam) on iTunes.  Perhaps this offers a bit of an explanation as to why, "The Graphite color combo came on a particularly angst-filled day as the world economy melted down, and I kept it in the lineup for folks looking for something a little edgier in appearance." - Mark Reed in the Prism Support Forum.  I found the Graphite particularly appealing in an "industrial" sort of way.  Far and away my favorite of the 3 color choices.  more ...
(you will need to join the GWTW Forum to read the rest of my initial impressions of the new E3)