Date:	Thu, 29 Feb 1996 09:01:08 -1000
From:	doning@OCF.Berkeley.EDU (Donald Ng)
Message-Id: <4h4t5k$s71@agate.berkeley.edu>
Organization: U. C. Berkeley Open Computing Facility
Subject: Beginner kites, Aerobat 2

Helo,
 I received a catalog a few days ago from Into the Wind from Colorado.
 I was interested in buying a kite they sell as a beginner's kite, the
 aerobat 2. Can anyone tell me if this is a sturdy kite or is it a cheap
 piece of junk that'll break on the first day? I'm not a serious kite
 flyer, but it seems to be lots of fun to fly a stunt kite. 

 Thanks.
 donaldng.
 .



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Date:	Fri, 1 Mar 1996 06:50:52 -1000
From:	gilchgw@zoology.washington.edu (George W. Gilchrist)
Message-Id: <4h7a0k$dn5@nntp4.u.washington.edu>
Organization: Dept. of Zoology, University of Washington
Subject: Re: Beginner kites, Aerobat 2

doning@OCF.Berkeley.EDU (Donald Ng) wrote:

>Helo,
> I received a catalog a few days ago from Into the Wind from Colorado.
> I was interested in buying a kite they sell as a beginner's kite, the
> aerobat 2. Can anyone tell me if this is a sturdy kite or is it a cheap
> piece of junk that'll break on the first day? I'm not a serious kite
> flyer, but it seems to be lots of fun to fly a stunt kite. 

> Thanks.
> donaldng.
> .

The Aerobat is quite indestructable, although it does have a tendancy
to fly apart at impact. Also, on the down side, it is difficult or
impossible to launch by yourself.  When one is learning, one spends a
lot of time relaunching and your spouse/child/friend who is helping
you will quickly tire of their duty. Having a kite that you can handle
by yourself will allow you to get more practice in without burdening
your loved ones. 

If you are looking for economy, I recommend the Wind Demon or the
Prism Spark. Both are a bit more than the Aerobat, but will be a much
better investment as they can be self launched and they will perform
several times better. If you really don't want to spend much, buy a
Trilby (or a stack of 3). You will need a helper with these, but they
are great little kites. If you want an inexpensive kite that will do
all the cool tricks and perform well, buy a Griffin (carbon frame is
best). The Griffin is a full-size (8 ft.) kite that costs about $100
while all the rest are smaller. Smaller kites need more wind, have
more limited performance capabilities, and are just not as much fun.
Spending a bit more on a better kite will net you more fun with less
frustation, regardless of your skill level. 

Good flying!

George



========================================================
George W. Gilchrist             University of Washington
gilchgw@zoology.washington.edu     Department of Zoology
Phone:(206)543-4859                           Box 351800
FAX:(206)543-3041                 Seattle, WA 98l95-1800
 



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Date:	Tue, 5 Mar 1996 21:03:58 -1000
From:	saint@minot.ndak.net (Alex St. Clair)
Message-Id: <4hjdcu$fh9@swifty.cfa.org>
Organization: Absolutely none Zilch nada
Subject: Re: Beginner kites, Aerobat 2

In article <4h4t5k$s71@agate.berkeley.edu>, doning@OCF.Berkeley.EDU (Donald Ng) says:
> I was interested in buying a kite they sell as a beginner's kite, the
> aerobat 2. Can anyone tell me if this is a sturdy kite or is it a cheap
> piece of junk that'll break on the first day?

I purchased an Aerobat over 4 years ago and the thing has had three
beginners learn on it.  I have driven it into the ground, trees and even
a few dunks into the English Channel when I was in the US Air Force.
I could not think of a better "beginner's kite."



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