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 PRODUCT
SPOTLIGHT
The View From Up There: Kites Just Keep Getting Cooler
By Karen
Mendez Smith
March 1, 2003
No doubt about it, there’s a brave new world of creative kites
out there. Sure, the classic models are still in abundance—only
now, they come in a kaleidescope of outrageous colors, shapes, sizes,
and more!
Jackite
Inc.’s
Canada
Goose |
Like
the Real Thing
So
close to resembling a bird in flight that they’re practically
flyable art, Jackite Inc.’s fantastic, fade-resistant
Bird Kites, with wingspans up to to 5’, are
some of the biggest, brightest things in the skies. They’re
so true-to-life that people also use them to ward off pests in the
garden. Make up your own species with their $9.95 Create-A-Bird
kit.
Wingspan
Gayla
Industries'
Parrot |
Fluttering
forth from Gayla Industries are Butterfly
Kites in Monarch, Tiger Swallowtail,
and Peacock models, printed on clear plastic, $3.99,
with realistic detail. They measure 43” x 32” and also
feature wing-flapping motion. Their unique 3-D Nylon Airplane
Kites are also attention-grabbers, especially the Jumbo
Jet and Twin Engine Sea Plane models.
Ichabod
Crane |
Move
Over, Big Bird
More larger-than-life winged creatures swoop in from Sky
Delight (recently acquired by Go Fly a Kite).
There’s fish, bugs, beasts, faces, fighters, and many more
to be found. Inflatables like Ichabod Crane and
“Pink” Floyd Flamingo are really far-out
fun. Their Huge Deltas like the Raptor, which spreads
to an incredible 20’ x 10’, are surprisingly easy to
fly.
Caribbean
Kites’ Big Pig |
Sky Biters
Also
following the philosophy that bigger is better, Caribbean
Kites’ dramatically droll Beach Sharky,
$29.95, is a jaw-dropper sure to dominate the shoreline at 72"
x 52." For pure laughs, try out their colorful 5’ x 4’
cartoon kites, like Big Pig, Hot Croc
or Great Ape, $54.95, all made of durable ripstop
appliqued nylon.
New
Tech Stunt Kite |
Sky
Fighters
For maximum airplay and minimum downtime, New Tech’s
fiberglass Ignitor Sports Kite, $20.00, is practically
crash-resistant. It comes with carrying case, braided line, handles,
and a Flight School manual. It's the perfect way for beginners to
try their hand at stunt flying--an artl unto itself!
I’m
still wondering where the kites that get away end up. . . Wherever
that is, it just became a cooler place.
Writer's Bio: Karen Mendez Smith has been involved in children's
media for over twenty years as a literary agent, writer, and creator
of animated television and film. Co-founder of Satori Organics and
M/Path Press, she is a parent to eight children and five incredible
grandchildren (and counting).
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