Close up of carbon kite rods

Cool Materials

We don't just make kites, we engineer them


Our passion for flight is matched only by our fascination with the technology that makes it possible. Leonardo DaVinci sketched flying machines, gliders, and kites 400 years ago, but it’s modern aerospace materials that allow the strong and feather-light structures that let us fly in even the lightest breeze.



Close up detail of Quantum Pro stunt kite center t

A machined aluminum center T fitting connects two hand wrapped, tapered carbon fiber spreaders on the Quantum Pro.


Using fabric technologies developed for America’s Cup racing sails, we’ve created modern wings that perform in a wide wind range and won’t deform over time. Paper thin, but strong enough to power kites to faster than 60 mph, specialized nylon and polyester ripstop fabrics capture the wind with low weight and drag. Transparent Mylar laminates provide ultra-low stretch panels for precise control over wing shape, giving you not just a gorgeous shimmer in the sun but a responsive, low-drag sail that reacts to every input.



Assorted kite rods in a bundle
Close up of ripstop nylon and mylar kite sail

Carbon fiber tubes make airframes lightweight and strong.

Sail panels are cut and oriented to stretch precisely as designed, with low stretch Mylar panels in places to reinforce and control the wing camber.


Carbon fiber and fiberglass composites let us engineer high performance frames that are amazingly light, stiff and tough. For top-end sport kites we select hand-wrapped, tapered carbon fiber spars for light weight and instantaneous response. For beginner models, hybrid carbon and fiberglass airframes add flex strategically to absorb unplanned landings.



Red and white 4D Superlight stunt kite on a fall day

The 4D is a specialized kite for light-wind flying. Its sail is ultra-light, low stretch Icarex polyester and Mylar laminate. The frame is constructed from high modulus microcarbon spars. Lightweight Spectra flying lines are thinner than dental floss but strong enough to lift a 50 pound suitcase.



Modulus flying lines on a clear winder
Man standing in the surf flying a power kite

A color-coded Spectra lineset, precision spliced with padded loops to prevent chafe.

Dean dares a Quantum to drag him on a ripsnorting day in Baja.


How do you rein in a Tantrum? With some very fancy string. Spectra fiber and Dyneema lines can support your weight with a filament barely bigger than dental floss. It’s the same stuff used in bulletproof vests. Low stretch. Low drag. Stronger than steel. Not your grandfather’s kite string. How cool is that?



Close up detail of Pica kite fittings
Assorted kite fittings on a white background

Easily removable fittings make maintenance and repairs easy.

Wingtip fittings, spar connectors and standoff hardware designed specifically for the job.

We injection mold specialized thermoplastic fittings for our kites, and each one is a tiny but carefully considered piece of sculpture with a mission. CAD modeling and 3-D printing let us refine shapes and test materials so your kite not only flies great, but goes together with ease.