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A grand total of 76 Djinns are now with or on their way to their owners, stay tuned for updates on our next shipment which should be all customs.

@DTill Welcome to Kitelife. You've picked a great place to pick the minds of kiters worldwide. My mesh kites were all learning experiments into what's possible. Using tails was a way to avoid all the extra hemming and sewing. All that being said, I'd be remiss in my respect of Eliot Shook if I didn't refer you to him first.. He's a true craftsman and this whole mesh thing came from the minds of Cath and Eliot Shook. He sat down with me and showed me how to make a leading edge the right way. I learned the majority of what i know about kite making from him. The rest I learned from trial and error. I very much appreciate you've been inspired. the best way to learn is to also be willing to make mistakes. The Skywriter (G-Kites) tails are my tails of choice for making tails kits but as Paul pointed out above, they are Nylon and will absorb water and will stretch. The criss-crosses are only sewn in one direction (you choose which). That allows them to not only shape the air better, it also allows anything that works its way in to also work its way out.. I flew a couple of nylon/sand raviolis a bit until I figured that one out. As for construction, look back at my posts and you can see the way I made all of them. I've held nothing back. Pick your colors, weave as you see fit, and go for it. The tighter the spacing the more sail area you have but the heavier your kite will be. For a first project, I'd keep two things in mind: 1. Symmetry is everything. Size and spacing are critical to have a balanced kite. Play with the dimensions if you like but remember to keep it balanced. 2. If you make a rectangle and cut it diagonally, one side will be the front and the other side will show the back so plan your weaves ( and material orientation) accordingly. If you have an extra full sail, you can also consider venting it to your own specifications.. As you build you go from Will it fly? at first to: Did that change make the difference I expected? Be willing to explore. You CAN do anything. The hardest cut is the first one. First few until you get the hang of it need to be well oversized and you can trim down to match. Welcome to the OTHER kite addiction.. One last pointer about using the tails as a construction material.. They are not necessarily consistent in width along the entire length of the tail. The Transition tails aren't even necessarily perfectly straight. Plan accordingly to mitigate those inconsistencies.

bobbins running out & slicing thru all the fabric layers (when back-or-front cutting) are mistakes we all make, ....how you fix 'em is WHY a retreat is so beneficial! Or to sit with a master willing to share and pick their brain. You can make a kite with perfect stitches and every single material thing "the best that money can buy". Nobody will ever care more than you, about your kite. Are you willing to put in the time for exquisite results? I am not, I'd rather fly than build and have someone build it "my way" even if it costs extra is my current method of operation. Darkest layers go in front (facing the pilot in flight) and many folks "mount their appliqué efforts" onto a white background (you can see the lines traced easily on it, very translucent) Back-cutting is also an art, you need consistent pushing thru the layers to be removed and NOT taking anything beyond that with your scissors. Do you prevent full closure of the sides on the scissors to help? Is the bottom edge (that slides between layers) of the scissors rounded off, so you don't poke thru the wrong layer? Can you maintain the width of the overlap? Does you unthreading effort "look good"? Even seen a Lam Hoac kite? His stitches transition from zip-zag to straight in a barely perceived fashion, each narrower than the previous width, just as an example. He cares more than about anybody, you pay for that level of concern too. how do you connect two pieces of slippery fabric, such that you can control the input and steering of the materials thru the sewing machine? Some folks wet it, some use spray glue, some masking tape, the "randy Tom method" is very effect but wastes tremendous amount of fabric. Some double face tape and sew thru both layers and the adhesive,... heck there's even a tape for "no-sew" construction techniques (VHB 9460 by 3M, Very high bond). Again, attend a retreat and learn all the choices, see how they are used by those practitioners and if any are adaptable to your own personal preferences. Enjoy, ask questions and share your journey w/us. best regards, -plm

Got the PD knowing it wasn't a trick kite. Watching Devin, JB and others fly one I figured I could learn how to do what they do. Nope. Can't move fast enough to stay with the kite under 3. I could get a fade, pancake or turtle but the kite would float away on me. Kite was the easiest kite to slide stall for me. Over 10 mph puts the kite at risk. Towards the end started getting some good fun on 50" lines.If tricks aren't a top priority PD is probably a hard kite to surpass.For me wading thru the differing opinions on wind range and what is a true sul gets confusing. I'm at the point now I don't care what a builder calls their kite. It's they're knowledge and skills that built the kite so call it what they will. My only experience is with the Pro Dancer sul, Zephyr ul, Tekken sul and 10 astounding minutes on a Aura sul. People say the PD is a true sul, the Z not a true ul and the Tekken more a ul. I can fly my Z with weight out on 2nd nose in setting in 1 to 2 mph with whiskers angled in. Took a long time to be able to that. I can get some axles and rotations but not much else until winds hit 3. Tekken at 2 mph I'm just trying to keep it in the air. At 3mph it powers up real smooth and much tricking begins . From 4 to 12 kites personality stays the same. From 3 to 10 it's a absolute blast to fly. Inputs need to be clear and concise because it's not very forgiving like the Z. Above 10 I get nervous because of it's lighter framing and my skills. Had the kite in 15 mph with very little if any shudder. 37 years from now when I'm as good as Lam probably be able to trick the heck out of it in 2. Probably have a different kite by then though. Looking to replace the PD the zero wind kites is where I'm heading. Here's my list from top down so far. Air One Grid extra sul and Black Arrow sul. Grid has a slight edge because it's framed in G force skinny. More flex than the Black Arrow Sky Shark frame. I THINK! Don't know though. The next is Level one Amazing outdoor and ITW Echo. DeBakker designs. Videos of the Echo and Skate glider are really cool. I've come to believe 3 kites for 0 plus are needed to cover everything. My main goal for the next year is to build a nice 6th sense sul. Gonna take more than a few tries though. I'm leaning towards the ITW Echo due to price and ITW support. Plus they're fairly close. If my Widow Maker sul doesn't get made I'll be calling BMK. Don't think those are 0 wind trick kites though. That's fine cause I want another low wind kite to fit in with my other 2. Something very different.The Atelier Cesium Continental is last because of all the mylar. Hard to repair mylar and I think I need some better skills for a kite built like that. Kite Shoppe has it for less than 300.00 shipped. Atelier should probably be #1 BUTTT. Couple SKD kites for sale in Israel a few days ago. If not kite poor would have gotten one.After I get a Benson think SKD will be at the top for my next standard.Benson will make you a Phantom. Atelier will make any of their kites from the past too.To make a long rant short I DON'T KNOW AAHHHH!! Yet 😋.

I would add that planning on doing a practice wing is helpful. That first wing will teach you things about handling your machine and materials. Kite fabric is not forgiving at all of uneaven tension or less than smooth moments feeding it into the machine. It also keets needle holes permanently as a record of errors. . If you skip the practice wing you will likely find that your first kite is noticably asymmetrical from errors. I did some scrap practice before my first wing, but the size and weight of the first wing changes things and it too three wings of work to make a 2 wing kite. Also, kites involve a lot of long straight sewing so check your bobbin fill more often than normal. It is easy to crank out distance faster on kites than other projects that are curvier. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

About a month into this kiting thing a Blue Moon Kite was on my dream list. Few days ago this showed up. It's everything I expected and more. Super stoked to have it.Bmk has a reputation for durable kites. This was made 1/11 and is just about pristine. Didn't care for the color much till I put it in the air.WOW!!! Now I love it. Think poison dart frog 🤔. My full size standards are ITW Hydra, Widow Maker Pro and now this. They are very, very different kites. The reviews on this kite have been done by a lot more experienced fliers than me. Read them if so inclined.The knowledge gained is so worth the read whether or not a BMK is something someone would want. I have 0 to add other than be very, very careful if getting a Mongoose. It'll make you really, really want a Mamba and Exile too 🤬.

The first batch of Djinns is being finished as we speak, just down to leading edges and parts assembly now - our factory is working hard to deliver the first box to us sometime in the next couple of weeks, thanks for your ongoing support and patience! 🤙

Hello kite life! I've been a lurker on here all summer. I've dabbled in flying things for year's, from me on a snowboard learning rodeo flips to 3d RC airplnes. Avid disc golfer building a new couse in my hometown. All ways had a cheap stunt kite to mess around with on surfing trips, but forgot it on a trip this spring. Popped into Zephyurs in Depoe Bay to pickup a ultimate disc to play catch with and walked out with a prism synapse 140. Went to Agate beach in way to much wind and had the time of my life.The next day the wind died and all I wanted to do was fly, bummer only way to kill the wind is to buy a new kite! So 6 months later I have acquired a prism hypnotist, 4d , 2 micons, sky dog jammin and Kymera. Watched some videos and learned to do fades and got some yo yos, then went to the Lincoln City kite festival and saw quads for the first time. Damn thats cool! How have I never seen these before? Sunday of the event I got up super early and there was no wind. Again? Walked around talking to people trying to buy a used Rev, but didn't really realize the caliber of who I was talking to. At some piont I had asked Conner Dorrian if he had a used Rev. Someone refered me to "John" I then realized he designed the kite I had tucked under my arm. He was cool enough to show be how to properly tension the wing tips. What a cool small community this kite thing really is. Ive just picked up a Rev classic 1.5 and finally clicked with it today, was really fighting the DLK muscle memory. Learning to fly a quad in central Oregon is a challenge. But I had an 'a haw" moment today and the brain connected to the lines. I think I can do this! Probably in the market for a vented/mid vent soon?

Sorry kite is sold Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using KiteLife mobile app

Check out http://Kitebuilder.com You'll see some familiar folks.

I will have something up by this weekend, and it's been 5 to 6 days not 10. The drawing was a week late. I understand the rules, but I've also watched these drawing for last month or so and haven't seen anyone stick to those particular rules. Sent from my SM-N960U using KiteLife mobile app

Go for it, but don't expect to save money until you are deep into kite building thing! The Rev shape is basically all straight lines, some reinforcements where necessary, a proper wrapped carbon frame and good lines to fly on, + handles! My first sewing project was this shaped quad-line too. Eventually I learned some folks can do "design and building" better than me, but I still direct the symphony even if I can't adequately play any of those instruments (by comparison!) Shook, Bazzer, McNeill, Reed, Hoac,... all of the best builders use Icarex as their fabric of choice. It is more difficult to sew than most other materials, certainly more so than anything fabric which your gal might have experience with,... that said it just adjusting the machine to sew "super slippery" material. It is expensive and fails catastrophically, but it doesn't stretch nearly as much or carry water's weight in tough conditions. I'd recommend attending a builder's retreat first, so you can see lots of options for how things are accomplished. "Steal the best, dump the rest" is my Motto. I sat next to Eliot Shook and we marveled at the tricks of building known by the KiteSquid (Harold Ames). Eventually Eliot went on to greatness as a source of masterpiece quad-lined kites, but Harold had a profound impact upon him intitially. Practice until everything looks like it is perfect. Spend more time on the design aspects,.... construction and the actual part of it called sewing is only 10% of the total effort. Pushing the envelope? relates to changes which may or may not prove beneficial,.. but you need enough time on the lines to feel these comparisons. what is the objective you are trying to accomplish? did it help or hurt? Change only one thing at a time so you can control the scientific variables. Did that change add "oversteer" or lessen it, just as an example? Start with a beat-up used kite so you can see what you need to address and copy what works. It will be abused is some areas and pretty pristine in others. See if there's something you could do to address these concerns. I am certain I could send you a sail (that was returned to me after seeking repairs). A note was affixed, it said "you should not be allowed to play with nice toys". four kites were resurrected, the other one could be yours, but it is not flyable, just for measurements as a starting point. Enjoy the journey of making it yourselves and insure you both learn how to fly together too. That way you have a design partner for a cooperative project. Those are almost more fun that the smile on your face during that first maiden flight!

Nice. Thanks. Now I will retreat to recover from my jealously. [emoji6] Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

@ACrop Per your request

Waiting for appropriate winds. I didn't do custom colors with the first one.. Winds were 20-25+ today. Not the environment for a full sail..

I hear you breezin, when i get into something it tends to be with both feet. Kites are cool because I can always have one in my truck and stop at a field and fly for an hour on my way home from work. Rc airplanes are a pain because of batteries ,bulky fragile & planes super fancy 7 channel transmitters. Kites are cheap and organic. You and the wind. Google crack yak 55 you'll see the correlation. Thats my favourite plane. Not sure whats allowed on this forum, but high line kites of Berkley has B2 standards in all colors. Its small and challenging, but prism said the micron is hard to fly and I love that little thing. Thinking about grabbing a iconic sail before they disappear.

Edmond brings up a practice I do too...the visual defining of the space you are using as people approach. However you need to have good control. When I started out liked to have a marker at each end of my flight field so I could better gauge depth and where they were relative to my kite. In addition to low passes I have found that purposely doing a dive to a gentleman ground bounce can be useful in making kids who are running in my direction reconsider just how close they want to come and if they really do want to chase the kite. It also helps parents consider just how much they want to control/guide thier offspring. But knowing you have reliable control is key anywhere. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

I has hoping to cross paths with John at this event. I well knew who I was talking to, just thought there would be more of a kite swap scene there. Another day of good wind today, felt really connected. Up down,side slides, dive to stop, spin accelerate up stop spin, dive brake spin up. QUADS ROCK! Can't believe how fast you can progress when the muscle memory kicks in! Felt like I tore a hole in the sky today and drove away with a smile on my face .Flew the 3 wrap frame on 90x90s in 10-18. I've been flying non reflex and it seems more connected. I really like flying on the 50#x 35' the long lines felt delayed/muted. Looking for a higher wind sail, vented or B2? I try to fly between work ending and soccer starting about hour & 1/2. Had a soccer coach tell me my Rev is really distracting the kids, but so does a blade of grass.

when the people approach mi fly zone usually i do some low passes left /right/left to show them what area mi lines are covering. Some will stop and avoid some will not but at least they are aware something is there and they look after. on the same time i avoid them how i show you on previous post

I find that people go to areas that are easy to access. Most beach areas will have a spot that it too far for most people to bother walking too and that can be your zone, but you may have to look for it. If that is not true of where you are then pick a time of day that is not popular to fly so that you minimize the wanderers. I agree with the stay away from people until you can land or hold it where you want it reliably. Also, when you find someone wanders close keep breathing and fly the kite. Dividing your brain to watch them will end up making your flight more erratic and become more likely that you will imagine and subconsciously create a bad senario. Breath and hum a happy song to yourself as you imagine what you WANT not what you don't want. Jedi mind focus seems to work well on kites. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using KiteLife mobile app

If you don't have absolute control of the kite yet don't fly near people. PERIOD! Absolutely not worth the gamble. If you hurt someone -- a kite can kill -- you will regret it forever. It's best not to take the chance. Find a different place to fly, or walk down the beach far enough to where people aren't going. If you get the kite wet with salt water rinse it in fresh water as soon as you can afterwards. For your first dip in the water avoid anything with waves and current like the ocean and rivers. They will eat your kite. There is no way to keep people out of your fly zone, even if you cordon off the area as evidenced at kite festivals. Some will ignore everything and will take the shortest route to where they are going. Park the kite and wait until they pass. If they are heading for your lines yell "Watch out for the lines" until they hear you. You can keep the kite in the air if you think you can keep it up there until they pass. If you have any doubt, park it. If your lines are lying flat on the ground they are harder to trip over. Overall, just use common sense. Think of what you would expect if you were them. They have the right to use that space too. The length of your lines determines the size of your safety zone, so you can fly on shorter lines but things happen faster on short lines.

That's the main reason for the travel frame.. It breaks a Hadziki Wing into smaller segment for travel.. Will fit in a backpack, suitcase or even some lunchboxes.. The Added benefit @Paul LaMasters mentioned, is you can tune the individual segments of the frame for the proper flex and stiffness you want. Like putting a 3 wrap in the center with race or 2 wraps on the ends.. Now you have 6 segments to play with and you can focus the strength (or flex) only where it is desired. You can do a whole other level of tuning for your sail. My Travel Frame is all Skyshark Camo (P2 and P4) and has a few extra segments so I can adjust the size of the frame to work with any size from B2 to my 96" size and everything in between.

It wasn't me being a wimp that prevented me from properly attaching it. I met up with John and found out the knots were tied slightly too close making them nearly impossible to come together. Moving the knots about 1/8" made the kite come together neatly.