Cheap VS. Expensive 
What is the best deal for my dollar? Is more expensive better?
Accessories
Windchimes
RODS My oh my, where to begin. There are so many different rods available. Fiberglass, fiberglass reinforced carbon, pultruded carbon, thin wall carbon, thin wall wrapped graphite, tapered wrapped graphite, hemp-carbon and sanded wrapped graphite. |
Fiberglass It's cheap, heavy and flexible (typically very durable). Solid fiberglass rods all seem about the same. Hollow fiberglass rods vary in weight and quality. The best fiberglass rods are from GLASSFORM and are labeled A-20 through K-75 |
Pultruded Carbon These vary in quality depending on manufacturer. Carbon is almost as inexpensive as fiberglass and still very durable (relatively speaking) yet much firmer and lighter than fiberglass. Some have a very thick wall and some a very thin wall. Most quality kites ($80-$150) use a high quality pultruded carbon frame. |
Wrapped Graphite A very light, strong, expensive and unfortunately brittle rod. I have never seen a poor quality wrapped graphite rod. They are great to fly with. The kite will feel light and rigid. However, if you are a new flyer, or a longtime flyer who only flies 1-2 times a year don't buy a wrapped graphite kite. It will be a headache of frequent damage and expense. Most kites framed in wrapped or tappered wrapped graphite rods range form $150-$350. |
Smooth or Sanded Wrapped Graphite New and hot, labeled P-100 through P-400, these rods ROCK! Very, very, durable very light, very stiff, and moderately priced. Appropriate for any skill level, How to identify....they are not labeled. They have a dull grey sanded finish. Large diameter (approximately .30 inch+) and a very thin wall. If you're in a good kite shop just ask. Kites framed with sanded wrapped graphite start around $140 and go up. |
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