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The Best Stunt Kites Of The 90's
 Welcome to the High 5 Stunt Kite Survey sponsored by PBSK. This is our
"End of a Decade" salute to those stunt kites, and their designers, who through
innovation, superb use of the latest materials, inventive marketing and an eye to the
needs of flyers have paved the way to an explosion of interest in the sport of stunt
kiting.
A panel of highly qualified kiters nominated these kites, with little debate.
Each nominee was evaluated extensively, the criteria spanning various flight
characteristics, construction methods and innovations which impacted both flyers and the
kite industry. Please vote for five of the kites nominated here that you believe were the
most influential to you. You will also have the opportunity to "write in" one
"favorite" that will be tallied along with the nominees.
THIS IS YOUR SURVEY!
If you do not know some of these kites firsthand we encourage you to take the time to
research their background and history, expanding your knowledge of the impact they made to
Modern stunt kiting.
As we move forward into a new decade of stunt kiting, it is with great appreciation to
those who contributed their time, energy and talents during the 90's. All of the kites
nominated here are proven winners and deserve the highest accolades. We thank all of you
designers for your contribution to the world of stunt kiting!
As a bonus for participation in the survey each voter's name will be automatically entered
into a drawing where one lucky voter will receive a custom Peter
Betancourt Sport Kite (value $320). Additional
Instructions on the Voting Page. Results of the Survey and the Drawing will be posted in
the March 2000 issue of KiteLife.com. Have fun!!! 
Ellen Smith, PBSK
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Air FX
Designer: Ken McNeil, USA
Fine sailmaking techniques. Multi-adjustable bridling. Innovative 3-D sail
combined with high tech framing materials.
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Bad Boy
Designer: Peter Betancourt, USA
An extremely easy kite to fly well, the Bad Boy draws the flyer into its'
element, creating that rare feeling of being part of the wind.
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Beetle
Designer: Flying Wings, CHI
The Beetle is an affordable & sturdy entry level stunter. Crashes? Not
a problem, it loves abuse & does tricks too.
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Box of Tricks
Designer: Tim Benson, UK
The BOT defined radical for many entry level flyers. New tricks developed
effortlessly. Wacky, crazy...perhaps. Cunning certainly.
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California Wasp
Designer: Miguel Rodriguez, USA
Inspired "West Coast Style", a flying sensation developed by
Wasp competitors. Superb Precision, Noisy, Fast & Tricky. "Wacking"
Compliant.
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Deca
Designer: Mark Ricketts, USA
Defined Tensigrity - spars not touching. Significantly innovative, form
truly follows function, and art meets science.
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Eclipse
Designer: Mark Reed, USA
One of the singularly most important designs in Prism history. A super
freestyle kite that introduced many flyers to the art of trick kiting.
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Feather
Designer: Peter Werba, USA
A full sized wing utilizing the most revolutionary of light weight
materials. A shape that caressed the barest whisper of air.
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Illusion
Designer: Mark Reed, USA
Responded to the need for a good all round competitive level ballet kite.
Capable of most aerial tricks. Made the dead launch famous.
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Jam Session
Designers: Dodd Gross, USA & Christoph Fokken, GER  This
full size radical trixter was designed to perform all the latest maneuvers & some not
invented yet. Complete with lines & video.
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Jordan Air Pro
Designer: Dean Jordan, USA
Dean Jordan's imagination and attention to detail with the Pro forged a
standard serious kite designers hoped to match.
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MEFM
Designer: Ray Bordelon, USA
The Most Excellent Flying Machine possessed a vast range of settings and
adjustments, making it one of the most versatile kites of the decade.
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Midi-Sandpiper
Designer: Chris Matheson, UK
Hand crafted, precise and solid in flight offered excellent trickability
and versatility for a remarkably reasonable price.
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NikNak
Designer: Jon Trennepohl, USA
This micro carbon mighty mite is a great flying light wind kite with an
indoor/outdoor adjustable bridle. Top Level Performance!!!
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North Shore Radical
Designer: Don Tabor, USA
What can be said that will do this kite the justice it so richly deserves?
A winner that has spanned a decade in popularity with team flying!
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Phantom
Designer: Tim Benson, UK
 This
8' wing is a classic. A superb precision light wind performer - this kite remains to this
day a favorite of flyers and designers alike.
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Pro Dancer SUL
Designer: Jon Trennepohl, USA 
An exquisite example that simplicity in design can equate to peak ballet
performance. A top gun in low-wind pairs competition.
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Psycho
Designer: Andy Preston, UK
High Wind? No problem. This kite is fast, radical and thrives on
excitement! A tried and true design every flyer should experience!
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Rev II
Designer: Revolution, USA
Revolution designed the first stunt kite for 4-Lines. The 6' Rev II
exploded into stores & the Hadzicki family's empire was born!
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Stranger
Designer: Andy Preston, UK
If there is an international cult kite the Stranger would be it! The
accompanying video demonstrated that Urban Flying is possible!
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Stranger Level 7
Designer: Andy Preston, UK
The most talked about kite of 1998 is not suggested for the impatient. The
SL7 inspires x-treme flying in a manner unlike any other.
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Tracer
Designer: Mike Simmons, USA
Flown to a great number of first place wins, the Tracer was one of the
most serious competitive kites in the first half of the decade.
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Tramontana
Designer: Cristophe Fokken, GER
One of the first black & white kites, the Tramontana's sexy good looks
& precise flying style made this a top pick for new competitors.
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Trick Tail
Designer: Martin Shob, GER
Enhanced performance in smooth and graceful maneuvers. An education on the
end of two lines. Some significant design innovations.
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Vanishing Point
Designer: Peter Betancourt, USA
This 88" Super Ultra Light defies (arguably) the law of physics.
Every line and curve contributes to single dedication of purpose.
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Vapor
Designer: Mark Reed, USA
The Vapor's striking appearance & high tech innovations brought super
ultra light tricking to the forefront of modern stunt kiting.
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Wren
Designer: Jeff Howard, USA
This 2.5 oz, 5' wing not only flies beautifully indoors, it can be stacked
with little or no loss of performance! A must have for indoor pilots.
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The High 5 Stunt Kite Survey is sponsored by PBSK
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