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Your cart is empty.JThayer
2025-08-24 10:28:21
Over the decades I've accumulated a lot of string management devices -- more than I realized as I discovered when I went through the cupboard. This reel, though, is rapidly becoming one of my favorites. It works quite well through all phases of flight. The grip at the center of the reel works quite well for me, which is interesting because it is, frankly too small for my hand. I have big hands. But I found that I naturally just use the hole for the fingers and grip it that way. My thumb is then free to be used to regulate the speed that line pays out (and if I need to stop the line, I can use the winding handle.) The guide works quite well for feeding line onto the reel. One problem with the guide is that I seem to have a knack for getting string wrapped around the guide mount when I am prepping for launch. I'm going to have look at what I am doing to see if I can mitigate this tendency. Winding in the string is a breeze. The line that comes with the reel is a good all-round weight good for all but the most light- and the most heavy-pulling kites. The first kite I flew with this reel is a pocket kite that was definitely struggling with the weight of the string. It flew but I could see that the string was weighing it down. (This kite is normally flown with a super-thin nylon line that is a step or two above carpet thread.) At the other end of the spectrum, I have some large kites capable of lifting instruments that I would not fly on this line and this reel. But for the vast majority of kites, this reel and line is a great set up.
Emily K
2025-06-28 18:39:00
I took a star off because sometimes it comes unwound without doing anything. This led to it getting tangled multiple times. A plastic cover over the string that would block it from doing that would remedy the problem, but after a couple times of it, I went back to the regular string. That one also got tangled, so I'll likely take a pretty duct tape and cover it (and double side non-sticky it with another piece of tape if that makes sense, so that only the part holding it on is sticky).Other than that, It is comfortable to hold and unwinds quickly and easily. It also winds back up easily too. The locking mechanism is easy to work. It took a minute to figure out which way to hold it, but makes sense. Just lift it up and pull it backwards to unlock it, and then it becomes the handle to wind and unwind it. It has a metal clip on the end to attach it to the kite easily. It is tied on well and doesn't seem easily removable. It's a little trying to open, and even with all the high winds before storms blew over and crashing, it stayed clipped very well! You have to push the piece far enough back and to the side to get out of the groove. The clip is very lightweight and won't weigh down the kite. The string is lightweight and durable, much more so than regular kite string. I like the color scheme of it. The yellow string looks green when looked at through the translucent blue wheel, which is cool. It seems to be made well and out of good quality materials.
Sandshark
2025-05-21 11:00:46
My 6-year-old granddaughter loves to go with me to the beach to fly kites, among other things. But she's not particularly adept at bringing the kite down and keeping the string tight on the spool. I thought this might help let her do it instead of handing that off to me. It's been bit chilly for the beach, so we went to a local field to check out some new kites and this reel. Unfortunately, it turns out to be a bit big for her small hands (especially since she's small for her age). It worked great for me, and I'd say it probably will for an 8-year-old and up. I still gave it 5 starts, as it was my mistake thinking she'd be able to handle it properly. And she'll grow into it.
Breanna Brock
2025-04-16 15:21:03
THE DAMN STRING WASN'T SECURED TO THE REEL AND I LOST ALL THE STRING AND A $100 KITE! I am livid!!
reader2
2025-03-19 16:36:26
Product was ordered 26 Dec 2024, delivered 3 Jan. 2025 with no damage.This is a good solid kite reel loaded with strong line. If you fly larger size kites this is a good choice. You hold the reel in your left hand and crank with the right. It is an adult Reel, a little big for small hands. I recommend this reel.
Pappy
2025-03-04 12:08:58
I already had one 7" kite reel but as my kite collection grows (Pappy is a kite freak) I wanted a second and I'm very happy with this one. The thumb and finger holes are perfectly placed and larger than on my other 5" reel, so that it's a much more comfortable grip. The ball bearing race provides smooth turning and the little crank handle turns inward to lock the reel when needed. The ferrule on the line guide is a rounded hard plastic torus so the line doesn't encounter any sharp edges as is spools and unspools. There's no brake but that's the only downside and a minor one to me. All in all it's a sturdy little thing and works very well.
Jeff Warner
2025-01-19 15:30:36
I fly monster kites and having a “real†kite reel like this is pretty much a necessity. This one has 900’ of high test line with a spring loaded crank that also acts as a lock when retracted. The reel housing it self is a little small for my hand, but I also have big hands so it’s not the end of the world. The kite line feeds out through a moving metal eye that dramatically cuts down on tangled line and makes reeling the kite back down a lot easier. Regardless of what kind of kite you’re flying this reel will make the experience much better.
Vine voice from Florida
2024-12-31 18:46:14
This kite reel is sooo well designed with easy attachment to the kite and ball bearings separating the frame from the revolving center. The handle folds away when the cord is retracted and it makes kite flying so much more comfortable and effortless - great product!
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