Advice on what kite to purchase

[stilllearning]

Could y’all help me with figuring out the best kite for my situation? I’m looking for a kite that can be flown in the backyard that I could have at least a little control over. I was flying a cheap Walmart type kite recently,  and I didn’t have much control over it when  it would take a dive. I was able to keep in the air for the most part, but it wasn’t easy. Is there a type of dual line kite that would give me more control and stability? I’m not really looking to do loops and things with it. I just wanted more control over it while flying.  
 

Thanks for your help. 

[frob]

While it is a common question, it is quite open ended. 

What is the wind normally like for your area? Where do you normally fly? How often do you plan on flying? What is your budget? Do you have others you can fly with? 

What you describe might not be you or your kite, but might be related to where or when you are flying. Turbulent air can cause loss of control and instability even on an amazing kite.

If you're looking for a quality beginner kite, there are many good ones out there. The Flying Wings Beetle has a reputation for being quite durable. The Prism Quantum is also beginner friendly, although at a higher price point because Prism is a well-known brand. The Prism Jazz is a step down from that, less durable and less performant but somewhat cheaper and widely available, still with a brand-name markup. There are similar beginner dual line kites from HQ, Into The Wind, Ocean Shores, Skydog, and quite a few other reputable companies.

If there is a local kite shop near you, or a local kite club near you, find some people who know your local conditions and can let you try a variety of kites.  You might prefer bigger or smaller, faster or slower, noisy or quiet, or assorted other varieties. The best way to know for sure what you like or dislike is to try a bunch of kites.

[stilllearning]

I’m not aware of any kite shops in this area. Although that is a great idea. I didn’t mean to be so vague.  

I live in North Carolina and for the most part, surrounded by mountains. (Not sure if that makes a difference in the type of winds we get) I would say that the majority of days here at home, there is not enough wind to fly a kite, but sometimes it can get quite windy. (I know still vague, but I don’t know how else to describe it) 

I was thinking about the Prism 140 Parafoill, but I’m not sure if that would be a good fit. I’m not sure if I want a kite that I would have to be constantly “driving”.  Maybe a kite that I would be able to still maneuver around just a little bit in the air, while stable enough that I could just hold the strings in one position and it be on “auto-pilot” (if the wind isn’t shifting too much of course) 

[riffclown]

Your most likely issue is swirling breezes where you fly.. From the house, the trees or even the mountains. Single line kites are pretty much designed to be stable and float in the sky with very little input required..

Dual line kites need to be more persistent control but are still susceptible to the wind direction(s) and swirl. More lines will not solve your issue and/or give you the desired effect. There are a few kites that go from single to dual line but not typically while in the air.

For your stated objective, an quality single line sled with longer line to get you above the swirl might work.  But something like the HQ Convertible kite might fit your bill and allow you to go back and forth between formats as you see fit.

 

Not sure as to its availability though.

 

 

 

[stilllearning]

Does the length or weight of the tail play into the stability of the single line kites?

[Edmond Dragut]

yes, the tail play that role depending of the kite and wind conditions. The problem is not the lenght, that is coming from the weight. all the single line kites are made to fly without a tail between some minimum and maximum wind speed, adding a tail (if the spares ar stif enough) you may add a tail and rise the maximum wind speed. Also adding a tail you make the kite to stay more on the wind witch is increasing the pull efect and automaticaly the stability. Pay attention not all tails are equals on that effect, a ribon ore flat tail is having less effect than a tube one witch is create a biger dragging and wind breck