Kites for kids come in all shapes and sizes, and some even have multiple kite lines, so choosing the right one can be tricky. However, instead of playing some fun card games with your kids in the comfort of your home, we dare you to enjoy the beautiful weather outside and fly your first kite with your little ones.
Tips for Choosing the Best Kite
Opt for Quality
When it comes to quality, you should always check the seller’s reviews and the reviews of the kites before buying one from an independent seller, a brick-and-mortar shop, or purchasing it online. The large variety of kids kite designs differs in terms of materials used and construction quality. Some materials are more durable than others, and some fly better than others.
The most common material for kids’ kites is ripstop nylon. Ripstop is a fabric specifically woven to resist tearing and ripping. Nylon is frequently used because it is less absorbent than silk, cotton, or paper, which can tear when wet.
On the other hand, look for carbon fibre or fibreglass spars when purchasing a kite with spars. These may be more expensive, but they are often more durable than bamboo or wooden spars. Bamboo and wooden spars can also absorb water and swell, which may prevent them from fitting into the kite’s pockets.
Rather than a reel, a winder is often more effective at keeping your line tangle- and knot-free. And, it’s a plus if the set comes with a storage bag, sleeve, or case for your kite and accessories.
Consider the Ease of Getting Replacement Parts
Most kites are relatively inexpensive today. However, if you are thinking about purchasing a more expensive kids kite, you should check if replacement parts are easy to come by. Brick-and-mortar stores and independent sellers are typically staffed or owned by kite enthusiasts, and it is relatively simple to obtain replacement parts from them. On the other hand, purchasing a kite online may make it difficult to get replacement parts.
Some reliable sellers have a good relationship with kite manufacturers. They are frequently a liaison for warranty claims, are aware of new and exciting products, and can assist quickly when there are defects or if your kite requires troubleshooting. They can usually get you a replacement part quickly when you break a particular part of your kite or tell you if it is not possible to replace or repair it at all.
Go for the Easy-to-Assemble Kites
Kites for kids are usually easy to assemble nowadays. However, kites can still be a little more difficult, especially if you aren’t used to putting them together. Newbies should always go for a kite that is simple to assemble to avoid frustration.
Parafoils or sled kites are considered’ soft kites’. Since they do not have spars, you need to unfurl the sail, make sure your kite line is appropriately attached and untangled, and you’re ready to go! For novelty kites, you may need a little more experience, especially if they are large ones. They are frequently designed for ease of assembly and may not contain any spars. Delta kites are modern kites that only require 2-3 spars to be inserted into the sail pockets before they are ready to fly. These kites also have a bridle in the centre to which you can attach your kite line.
Check Out the Ease of Flying
Novelty kites are large and colourful, but they can be challenging to fly, particularly if the kite is larger than you! Larger kites have a larger surface area, which means the kite will pull more forcefully. This can be difficult to control, mainly if you are a novice. Other types of kites include power/traction kites and stunt kites. These kites are better suited for those with more kite-flying experience than beginners.
Find the Right Size
Large kites, such as novelty kites or large Delta kites, can be fun but challenging. However, the large number of sail and kite lines take up a lot of storage space. They also require more space on the ground and in the air for safety. It can also be challenging to set up your kite for launch quickly, and you don’t want to spend half your kite-flying session trying to launch it! Large kites also produce more lift and can easily pull hard, resulting in injury if a strong gust of wind blows.
Beginners should stick to a kite that is not bigger than them, so they can easily handle it and bring it down in an emergency. Once you’re comfortable with that size, you can easily progress to the next!
Types of Kites
Single-line kites are the most simple to fly. These kites, as the name implies, are controlled by a single kite line that you hold onto. Some various styles or designs can be controlled by a single kite line, such as the box kite, Delta, classic diamond, or even parafoils or sled kites.
Stunt kites will take more experience and skill to master than single-line kites. Stunt kites are extremely fast and responsive, requiring a light touch. They can smash into the ground at high speeds with a single wrong move. Kites that generate traction, or power, are known as power kites. These are some of the largest and most powerful kites available on the market. They are used to transport buggies, people, or other types of craft over land, snow, ice, or water.
Spool/Handle or Winder
If you’re shopping kids kite for a child aged 5 to 12, we recommend a spool or handle with the kite line wound around a central reel. These spools or handles are usually easy to grip, and children can easily let out and reel in the kite line.
Teenagers and older should choose a winder. Winders keep the kite line in a circular case, and the kite line is reeled in or let out via a winder mechanism, which is located near the centre of the winder and where you hold on to it. Winders are not suitable for younger children because they may not understand how to use them.
