24 replies to this topic

[sirrom]

I would have to give a shout out to T from the Kite Shoppe. She is a huge supporter of kite flyers, always there on the phone and or on the beach.

Another shout out to Midwest Kites with Lyn & Rich. They were very helpful when all my kites were stolen. Just look at their home page. That's me and my custom full vent on the beach in Lincoln City, Oregon.

My other supplier is Lam Hoac. But I guess he really isn't a shop, but a one man show.

Thanks to all these people

[The Kite Shoppe]

sirrom, on 15 November 2011 - 10:24 PM, said:

I would have to give a shout out to T from the Kite Shoppe. She is a huge supporter of kite flyers, always there on the phone and or on the beach.

Another shout out to Midwest Kites with Lyn & Rich. They were very helpful when all my kites were stolen. Just look at their home page. That's me and my custom full vent on the beach in Lincoln City, Oregon.

My other supplier is Lam Hoac. But I guess he really isn't a shop, but a one man show.

Thanks to all these people

Thanks Brett!

[Hedgewarden]

TucsonBill, on 25 July 2011 - 03:01 PM, said:

I bought most of my kites from Cutting Edge Kites in Ocean Shores, WA. Checked their website a couple of days ago and it does not seem to work anymore. Does anyone know if they have gone out of business?

That's too bad - it was a great shop with many good kites.

However, let me give a shout out for "Ocean Shores Kites" where I obtained my trio of Silver Foxes. They work to promote kite events in the area, and are very knowledgeable and helpful. When Cutting Edge was still in business, I tended to like Ocean Shores a little better - selection, friendliness, energy.

As for my favorite store - sorry, I don't have a favorite. But I would be very sad if The Kite Shoppe were not there, or MidWest Kites, or Into the Air, or Kite Connection, or Above It All (for sale right now BTW), or several other shops that elude my memory right now, but with which I have had extremely satisfying dealings.

Actually, I have only met one kite shop that I did not like - and it can remain nameless because I am sure that if you have visited more than two kite shops, you would recognize that shop as not worthy of patronage.

[Scott Huffman]

The only place I have ever dealt with is Kitty Hawk Kites in nags head. since Sept 5 ive spent over $2000 there and every time i go in there I feel VERY VERY unwelcome. Eric (reservation manager) told me in a very rude manner that i had gone through more kite parts in 2 1/2 months of flying than he has in a lifetime of flying! i hated his attitude so i called him out on it. I said "everytime i come in here you treat me like you dont want me here" his responce to that was...(not sry didnt mean to make u feel that way) but..."that's because im afraid im not gonna have the part you need. im gonna give you Rev's phone number so you can deal with them...we're just not gonna be able to keep a supply of parts for you" i bet he hasnt had as much fun as i have though
John..feel free to verify that if you want. there # is 252-449-2210 And to top it off...I drive 2 hours to get there. And i STILL buy from them! I just refuse to let one JERK hold me down. My thoughts are...if i want to get to the level i plan on getting to...i had BETTER not be afraid to break em...and im not Ive only messed up 2 bridles, 3 spars and one supersonic sail oh yeah...and the HQ Salsa i had to cut up to repair my supersonic . but...IT WAS FUN!!!!

[Hoodoo]

Other than local hobby shops, with a limited supply at best, the only shop I've purchased from is Wind Power Sports. Mainly because of a clearance sale on a New Tech French Kiss. The only glitch we had was after ordering I did not receive a tracking number.
I rarely order things through the Internet so after a day and a half I called him. Corey Jensen answered the phone. He explained he had just returned a fest and was swamped with orders. He asked "are you new to the sport"? I answered yes and no. I flew a dual line Skynasaur back in the late '80's but had gotten out of it. His response was "well do you have a minute"? I said "yes" and it's lucky I have unlimited long distance . We talked for about 20 min. on kites and life. The conversation ended with his statement I'll ship it out this afternoon. The tracking number would come once it was in the UPS sys. With a smile of anticipation I hung up and continued with my workweek. So ordered online on a Monday and talked to him on a Tuesday. Friday rolls around and I had yet to receive a number. I had also ordered some skybond for a kite I purchased from Troy Gunn but did not want to fly until I had the line. I really didn't want to bug Corey by calling again. Especially after being the penny pincher purchaser. (a clearance kite and free shipping) Anyhoo...I had to know...ring...ring...ring...Wind Power Sports, this is Corey. Me: yes, I was just calling to check the status of an order. What I thought was funny is he didn't ask for an order number. He asked what did you order from me? I told him and he looked up the status. "Well" he said "it looks like it's on the truc...nope it says delivered". "Yes, well I better take off work early and get my butt home then". He laughed and asked if I had any questions. I don't remember my first question but his reply was "do you have a minute"? Again thank goodness for unlimited LD. He is a hoot. For 30 min. we talked about line types, sleeving, wind properties, single/dual/quad lines and life in general.
The 2 local hobby stores have little kite knowledge and thus not very helpful. Sold it to me and said have fun. I flew kites years ago so I didn't need much help. But I could see where a first timer could get discouraged without a little training, verbal or otherwise. I've taken a couple of friends out to fly and some pick it up naturally and some need coaching.
I had a very acceptable kite purchasing experience with WPS. Provided you have time to talk:).
BTW the wind was about 10mph yesterday. WOW these are the first full size stunt kites I've owned...what a difference.