Prism Kite Technology Synapse Dual-line Parafoil Kite - an Ideal Entry Level Kite for Kids and Adults to Dual-line Kiting

Easy and fun to fly. Well designed and well built.

It's been decades since I have flown a kite (single line delta). This kite (Synapse 140) promised to be an easy flyer according to It's manufacturer, Prism. There were plenty of videos online to express the same sentiment. First day of flight was at a smaller park in the middle of a local neighborhood. The winds were gusty and not sustained. The Kite would ascend and fly for a few seconds but in between gusts in would fold and decend like a feather. I was hooked. The next flying session (the next day) went about the same with similar wind conditions and local. A little discouraged (having watched the videos didn't help) after the 2nd attempt, I wanted to "fly" like I had seen others. I made my 3rd try at a local lake. Finally clean sustained wind coming across the vacant surface of the water provided the necessary elements to keep this kite aloft. Now I know I'm hooked on this stuff. This was a super-easy kite to fly in the correct environment. It's all "fabric" which means there are no hard spars, tubes, rods, fittings, et cetera. There is nothing to break. I crashed into the ground (both accidentally and to land) several times. The Kite is 100% still flight worthy. For a first kite this is an excellent quality. However be aware that to successfully keep this one in the air you'll need a pretty constant flow of air. Gusts of wind simply won't provide enough loft. That aspect can be discouraging for the novice. There are so many kites on the market though. There's pretty much a kite for any conditions that someone would be willing to tolerate for fun. Obviously there's times NOT to fly a kite. I suggest this kite for the experienced and for the "new" pilots too. Keep in mind, the aforementioned requirements and it should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

I am an experienced kite flier and I mostly fly 3 to 5meter (9to 15feet) long quad line power kites. I carry this and one other prism parafoil kite (the 140 model) with me every where I go. If conditions don't allow me to power kite I can often still pullout my prism parafoil and have some fun. This kite is fun, maneuverable, easy to control, fun for beginner and experienced. For it being a 200 size it can have some strong pull, which I really like. I have many kites from different manufacturers, and I have to say Prism Kites are my favorites. The quality is noticeable right away, from the design, the material, and string used in the bridal and the control lines, carry bag, and the instructions. If you have never piloted a dual line kite, you really are missing out. If you are considering purchasing this Kite or any Prism kite. But you are debating between Prism Kites another manufacturers similar kite that sells for way less money. I'd say it's not worth it to try and save a few dollars here. I have bought several of the "costs less" kites. They end up sitting or being thrown away. This or any another Prism kites will not disappoint you. (USA purchased and reviewed)

Full disclosure...I'm very frugal with toy buying. I don't mind spending money on toys, but nothing ticks me off more than buying something that the kids barely use and then just toss aside...!!!!! Keep this in mind.I'm an experienced flyer...from other stunt kites and various R/C machines to a two-seat full size A/C. But now I'm teaching my 10yo son to fly. We have some R/C stuff, but when it gets too windy...they're grounded. I really should've put more effort into stunt kites with him earlier, but better now than never. I just haven't done it in years and forgot how much fun it can be. I now wish I had gotten a parafoil for myself way back when. But they were (to me anyways) expensive and hard to come across. Yeah...I'm talking pre-interweb days here.We started with a cheap, fiberglass rod framed Delta style 2 line. It was great...because it got him hooked! Even with less than optimal wind conditions (gusty and inconsistent). But...I knew it's time would be short. After 2 days of some pretty good flying and numerous impacts, the little trooper gave out with a straight-in high speed nosedive that shattered the main longeron. No matter...it served it's purpose and it's still repairable and will fly again. And I had already ordered this after the first day, knowing that he was into it. Had I known what I know now...I'd have spent what is essentially double the price to get this one right off the bat. Even my 12yo daughter tried it out with us and had great success, asking for another turn, and another turn...so I got two kids into the same thing for the price of one. Heck yeah...a win for dad...I'll take it!!!If you're not crashing...then you're just not flying. Either that or you have a giant fan behind you blowing a perfectly steady stream of air while you're standing on the edge of a cliff and the ground is 100 below you. Between the two kids this awesome little fabric wing has smashed into the ground repeatedly and suffered no more than a few spots of dirt on it...!!!I don't see them getting bored with it for quite a while. Because this is FLYING...there's always more to learn. And when you've mastered one aircraft...you move onto another one that gives you a whole new set of parameters to explore and learn all over again. I've already ordered a much larger parafoil for me to fly with them and give them something to look forward to when they become proficient with this one.I've spent more than this just taking them to the movies. Now...imagine buying a set of movie tickets that are good for years...anytime the wind starts blowing. Honestly...it's just incredible that I can spend such a small amount of money to get such a well designed and crafted item delivered to my door in such a short amount of time.And if you're not buying this for kids or anyone else...yes...you'll LOVE it. PERFECT for learning on and a blast once you do. I love flying everything from paper airplanes to Cessnas and have dream airplanes like most guys have dream cars. Whether you're 9 or 99, flying is a physically and mentally engaging activity that gives back a sense of enjoyment and accomplishment equal or greater than what you put into it. You can't go wrong with this one. Everything is as described and pictured, with high quality materials and workmanship. I know it'll last for years.