Since coming across the idea of controllable single line kites I have really wanted to try it. However I didn't want just to rush out to get them as I had no idea of what I need, and how to use them. One thing I have picked up over the last couple of years is that Stafford Wallace is the man to talk to about fighter kites. So during the Cleethorpes 2006 festival I managed to have a talk with Stafford and also pick up one of his kites from a trader.
This is a single line kite made from split bamboo and mylar (that metallic looking wrapping paper) and comes complete with a bobbin of Indian cotton and a page of instructions.
Purchased: May 2006
Width : 55 cm Height : 46 cm Depth : n/a Weight : 14 g
Spars : Split Bamboo Sail : Mylar
Wind Range : Low/Medium
Cost : £8.00 complete (kite, flying line and instruction).
Just what I wanted to start flying the single line Indian fighters! I suppose you can get cheaper fighters but knowing that Stafford has made this and you can contact him for advice if needed makes it a safe bet that it's going to work.
In fact I wanted to buy one directly from him during Cleethorpes, but he actively refused saying he would prefer to show me how to fly in more idea conditions. But I bought one anyway from a trader - I think this shows that Stafford is more concerned about getting the right kite for people, rather than selling lots of them.