Kite : Radsail 1.45 (2005)
Size : 145 x 59 cm.
Fabric : 136 gr. ripstop 42 gr.
Lines : 2 x 35m. dacron 75 kg.
Packaging
Neat little plastic wallet with the kite folded flat, web handles and lines separate. There's even a sticker in there, which came off and stuck itself in a crumpled mess to the brochure for Radsail's other kites and boards.
Setting Up
Simply put, a doddle, no problem at all. The instructions weren't especially clear, but then I only looked at them after I'd setup the kite. I didn't have any trouble with the thick Dacron lines being of different length. Mine were spot on.
First Flights
Had to wait a while to get it in the air, but wanted to try it out before the kids got hold of it. Took it to Castletown beach in my Friday lunch hour in light 4 - 7mph wind. It did fly, just. Well, it went up and in the occasional stronger gusts it responded to the lines which looked distinctly heavy as they looped upto the kite. Luffing was a distinct problem in these light airs, but I guess that's only to be expected.
Second outing was much more successful. 17mph winds and the little Rad put some weight into the lines and went zipping across the wind window. Figure 8's, power dives, low passes and combinations were all easily performed with the Rad responsive to the handles. The thin web handles were not the most comfortable to use, but they are better than the plastic grip things the kids are used to using.
So how did the kids get on.?
Ages 8 and 10 they put the little Rad through hell and back. Slamming it into the beach repeatedly, dragging it along the sand trying to get it in the air like they did with their single string 'Fimbles' kite. Yanking on the lines for all they were worth, totally over compensating for turns and slamming it into the beach again! Did I mention the dives from the zenith, straight through the power window and into the deck with my son shaking his head saying ... 'That killed the pilot' ? Well you get the idea, but they loved it and in the end they did actually have some control.
How did the Rad stand upto it? ... not a mark, nothing. Top marks for that.
Onto the next level...
25mph with sharp gusts upto 35mph. It really does have some pull once the wind gets up a bit. The kids were skipping all over the field in the gusts laughing as their arms are yanked straight. The kite was zipping around totally demented, responding to the slightest pulls on the lines. Marvelous fun, even I had to smile. The gusts did cause problems at the edge of the window where a bag of washing was a regular occurrence. Keep it in a narrower window than the lighter winds and all is just grand.
Conclusion
Cheap kite, great fun when the winds get up, but even better to teach the kids a few basics when there is some weight in the lines. Built strong enough to take the abuse.
Would I get another?
I might just because this is a stacking kite and the kids want to feel more pull. Also they would have one each when not stacked. Expect another report of this kite stacked if it happens.
By : Custheyder
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