About Spectra Kite line

Looking for performance kite line.  Spectra has long since been the premium fibre used but there is a difference in quality and manufacturer which will make the difference in performance and line longevity.  Like everything else you get what you pay for!  Not all spectra kite line is created equally!

If you want to have a great time flying a dual or quad-line stunt kite, you simply have to have great line.   The better the line, the better the response and the enjoyment.  Shanti was the world’s first company dedicated to manufacturing a wide range of sport kiteline as well as assorted spools and winders.   Here’s what you need to know…

• Low stretch is critical.  If you pull on a line and it stretches, the kite doesn’t react.
• The line must be thin.  Thick lines create ”drag” on the kite and slow down response time.
• The line must be slippery so that when you twist up your lines you still have control of your kite.
• Good line should have very little “creep” so that you don’t have to keep re-adjusting your lines.
• Good line is expensive, making it important that it lasts a long time.
• Linesets have to be exactly measured and and properly tied or you have no control of your kite.

Since 1974, Shanti has led the world in the development of kite lines, spools and Winders.

In 1995  Shanti invented speed-line, the worlds first spectra kite line.  Speed line has been copied by nearly every kite company in the world and it has been widely used in the sport fishing industry.
    To make Spectra suitable for fishing line, companies began coating the line to make it easier to handle, but ironically for the kiteflyer in increased friction!  In past 10 years kiteflyers have grown accustom to coated flying lines and some prefer the feel.  During this time the quality of coating has improved significantly and in 2009, Shanti began working with engineers to produce a coating that was specifically designed for kiteflying not fishing.  This new neon yellow coating uses a polymer-alloy which bonds to the fibres and protects them from damage while remaining slippery.

We put together a basic introduction to flying dual line stunt kites which covers a lot of the basics including tune your kite.  It is available in a pdf file here.

Topics include: flying locations, basic kite control / maneuvers, how to tie a Larks Head knot and more!

New to stunt kite flying?  No problem, it easier than it looks and many catch on in only a few minutes.   Check out our simple basics of stunt kite flying to get you on your way!  Be sure to check out Freestyle Pilot DVD!

A collection of online Stunt Kite Trick tutorials for a few different sources will demonstrate and explain step by step how to do some of the coolest dual line stunt kite tricks.  These sites are free of chrage!

Traction Kiting:  How to's, Kite and equipment reviews and more from RaceKites.com

See more: Snow Kiting.org

Kite History - In the history of flight, the first lighter-than-air balloon (1783) and the first powered aircraft (1903) are very recent when compared with the age of kites. The exact date and origin of the kite is not known but it is believed that they were flown in China more than two thousand years ago. One legend suggests that when a Chinese farmer tied a string to his hat to keep it from blowing away in a strong wind, the first kite was born.  Learn more!

Interactive maps will give you weather related info: forcasts wind speed and direction and a whole host of interesting information.

Links and helpful information on a wide variety of kite related topics.  Need a Larkshead knot?  Learn how here!   Need to find the name of a specific part on you stunt kite?  Look here! And much more!