Oh wow, this kite was a blast to fly. It flies just like a Symphony but with all the benefits of 4 lines. It is very fast through the sky, with quite a bit of pull. The wind was gusty changing from 3 to probably 13 and bumpy even through the range. Not once did it fold up and fall out of the sky. This kite is all about flying and having fun. I can't imagine how much fun it would be with smooth beach winds.

I put the Shanti Speed Line Spectra lines on it @200/150 lb. I think that will plenty for it even in high winds. That line is really slick compared to the Dyneema lines I have. Time will tell but I'm thinking the spectra might be worth the extra money. Any thought on that from folks that have used and gone through many sets of lines?

The material is very crispy with neat seams everywhere. I love the purple color. This kite has a different shape than I'm used to. There are some slight tucks on the lower corners. They seem to angle in and upward whether the brakes are applied or hanging loose. I'm curious what these tucks change on the kite's performance. This kite packs up really small so there is space in the bag for extra stuff like lunch and water. The bag is very robust with backpack straps and mesh in the bottom. I think this kite will always make the trip with me so I keep my gloves in this bag, and a wind meter when I get one. (It's on the Christmas list)

The handles are nice as well. A thick foam covering with just enough cushion to be comfortable. I was confused by the foam not going above the power line leader, but after a few minutes, moved all fingers below the power line and it balanced the pull perfectly. This kite turns fast without the brakes but will really get it around with some brake applied. It appears to spin about it's center when you just squeeze some brake in without pulling a handle, and it doesn't drop out of the sky when it's spinning. I am anxious for some clean wind to practice flying backwards from side to side and upside down. I couldn't get it right in the 45 minutes I had with it.

I'm wondering how nice the larger kites would be now that I've tasted this one. If that run of the larger sizes takes place I would have a hard time passing up the opportunity.

The only compromise I noticed is the knotted bridles. They are fairly clunky and tend to grab hold of any other lines passing their way. This was only an issue when unwinding the lines and unpacking the kite, there were no tangles after I sorted the lines after unpacking. I might try the heat shrink technique for smoothing the bridles out. I had attached my lines a week earlier when I was waiting for my son at piano lessons.

I look forward to many years of fun and teaching with this kite. It is so stable with manageable pull that I wouldn't be afraid to hand it to someone to teach with. This is truly what I would consider a beginner level kite. Not because it is elementary, but because it just flies like it should when you give it input and in 6-10 mph smooth winds anyone could fly it. I wouldn't be afraid to put this one up myself in 25-30 mph wind. I'd recommend you get one of these while you can. My kite and lines were under $120 shipped.

Love the Shape the kite takes on when it really gets to moving about the sky, & the pull is steady enough once you get to know the kite you can judge when it will kick in & begin to really PULL, after a few times up in different conditions...

Im only 4 kites short of the full line... 1.0m² 2.5m² 4.5m² 5.5m²... those are next on my list... Got any extras layin around TED???