Kite Stores

Where can I buy a kite like that?

One of the very first questions we get asked on the field while flying our kites is "Where can I buy a kite like that?"  Well we are sorry to say that there are no longer kite stores in our neighborhood.  In order to buy a kite that is beyond the inexpensive plastic kites found in local dollar stores, we have to go on the internet.  Such kites often do not fly correctly an break easily.  Frustrating for children and parents alike.

Kites sold in the stores listed below are made of good materials that will last a long time with good treatment.  The sail fabric is nylon or polyester rip-stop coated with a polyurethane to prevent wind from going right through it.  The coating is very important especially for soft inflatable kites.  This least expensive framed kites may be wood dowels or fiberglass.  Moving up from there are solid or hollow tubes made with carbon fiber which are lighter and more flexible. 

The best first kite is a delta kite, triangular shape of the greek letter, that is at minimum 4 feet wide while 6 or 8 is even better.  The delta goes together with the insertion of one spar across the back while sliding the spars in the leading edge pockets to the back of the kite.  The are very stable fliers which will give you easy access to the sky and great joy.  When buying for a child, resist the temptation toward a flying ship or airplane as these require high wind speeds while crashing more often.  $40 is not really expensive for a kite that will last years.

Kites may be marked with RTF which means Ready to Fly.  The appropriate line is included with the kite. Otherwise read the description of the kite to see if the correct line is mentioned.  Braided line is the best.  Three strand twisted line is cheaper but by its nature will twist into tangles more easily.  Nylon or Polyester is good.  Line is designated by its breaking strength like 50lb, 150lb, 200lb, etc..  If the line comes on a halo winder, be sure to wind the line back the same way it came off to avoid adding kinks with every wind.  Easiest is to let it off the side because it is easier to wind back on the side.  The lightest line that can keep the kite from getting away is the line to choose but that will vary with the size and pull the kite creates.  Come out to fly with us and you will get good advice.

Online Shopping

These are excellent stores for purchasing kites. 

Fun With Wind https://www.funwithwind.com/store/dynamicIndex.asp

Gives excellent descriptions of the properties and flying characteristics as they test fly them.

Into the Wind https://intothewind.com/

Has kite parts and many kites that are RTF with line included.

Picture Pretty Kites https://pictureprettykites.com/

Although these store sell kites they are mostly known for supplies for making your own or repairing kites"

Kites & Fun Things https://www.kitesandfunthings.com/

Fly Market Kite Making Supply https://www.flymarketkites.com/