Fractured Axel Archive

The Stiletto is the latest design from Peter Betancourt, a 2m kite coming in at a lower price point than most of the rest of his range. As a custom kite maker Peter is able to offer personalised kites in the form of frame options...

Full Story

The Outsider is Airdynamics’ latest design, a full-sized all-round competition grade kite. It takes several of its design cues from previous Airdynamics kites, most obviously from the T2, although it can claim to be a fresh design. As usual Airdynamics offer a “standard” specification that...

Full Story

The Buena Vista Catalyst was brought to the market in 1997 and underwent some subsequent modifications when Buena Vista was incorporated into InVento, the German parent company that produces HQ Kites and designs by Chris Matheson, Pierre Marzin and Dodd Gross. The Catalyst stands at...

Full Story

Airdynamics’ Dharma was introduced in 1996 and is aimed at intermediate level and above flyers who want a kite capable of being flown in a variety of styles. It is available in three different models: the standard version made of Carrington K42 and 6mm UL...

Full Story

Another picked up in a trade, this was one kite that slipped past me when it was current (manufacturer Mullin Kites ceased business a couple of years ago) that I felt I ought to spend some time with. It’s turned out to be a smart...

Full Story

I picked up this in a trade. It’s the second Betancourt kite I’ve owned although I’ve flown a handful of others. This kite is dated 2001 although the Warrior was introduced in late 1998 and is still available today. This one is framed throughout in...

Full Story

As we appear to be living in an age of dittohead, cookie cutter, all-the-same kites I thought I’d transport us all back to an age where they dared to be different. This is the Cerfs-Volant Azur Tandem, from about 1992 and straight outta Montreal. This...

Full Story