Question: August 15, 2001
You probably don't remeber speaking with me, but I was quite interested in a Nasa Para Wing, I followed your recommendation of it being a good kite and have been very pleased with it. Now I am writing you now because I am a looking at a smaller Foil type kite, it seems to me like you had mentioned having some experience with this type of kite, anyways the kite is a Stylus 2.8 I was wondering if there is anything that you can tell me about that kite as far as your impression of its performance and is it only a dual line kite or can it be flown quad? I have been so pleased with my experience with my NPW, I definitely trust your opinion on kites now, Thanks Scott!!

Answer:
Hey, Scott! Sure I remember you. You're in DC, right? About 180-190#? Handsome, virile, young? Did I leave anything out? How're things going with the NPW? I'm glad you like it. Funny you should ask about the Stylus. Did you know KitesOnline is now a dealer? In any case, I was so sure she's a dealer for the Stylus series I was going to write a review of the kite for her. Your email just made me write one up sooner. So lucky you, you get to see my review before anybody else does. I think it should just open up in your browser. If not, just let me know and I'll email you the text separately. In a nutshell, the Stylus is (as far as I know) only a dual line kite. You can ask about the Symphony, by the folks you make the NPW, if you're looking for a foil quad-line. Aside from that, it's a great kite. I use it to train other people and get them use to wind direction and pull. Everyone who tries it buys one then, after a few months of flying, upgrades. Everybody still flies their Stylus though, it's that good and fun a kite. Because it's a foil, you need to keep it away from the edges of the envelope. It'll fold and fall otherwise. But it'll pull in a reasonable wind (7-10mph). I don't know if you could buggy with it but it has dragged me more than once. Also, it's maneuverable enough to perform tricks but won't be as quick as a strutted or sparred kite. Ok. That's the nutshell. The rest is in the review.

Question:Aug 19, 2001:
Hey thanks for the review and everything! I am going to definetly go pick up some tent stakes (long ones) I kind of wondered how people used those things without getting hit so it is good to know that stuff. I already use weightlifting gloves when I fly hopefully they are adequate. I do already have a dual string foil kite but it is not the size of the stylus 2.8 it is approximately 4' x 1.5' (slightly rounded down). So I guess my final question about this kite is do you think it is still worth my investment as opposed to maybe a smaller quad line kite than the NPW. I am looking for something that will perform well in higher winds with adequate power and be more controllable than my NPW, I quess i want something highly responsive as a contrast to the somewhat  sluggish movements of my NPW. In otherwords sort of an "opposite"

Answer:
Yo! First off, I'd be careful with the lifting gloves vs some canvas lawn&garden gloves. The lifting gloves I've seen are designed to pad the palm and cushion it from impact while increasing gripping ability. Most of these gloves leave the fingers exposed and don't shield the wrist. The lawn&garden gloves shield the wrist and cover the fingers. Just my choice. Once the wind starts paying out the lines they can cut into you like razors, so be careful.
Now about investments...hmmm... Somewhere KitesOnline has my review of the SkyTiger series and I think that's what your talking about.
Now I don't want to steer you away from the Stylus. They are great kites. For what you describe, though (I am looking for something that will perform well in higher winds with adequate power and be more controllable than my NPW, I quess i want something highly responsive as a contrast to the somewhat  sluggish movements of my NPW. In otherwords sort of an "opposite"). I don't have a Symphony but I have an Ekko which is quite similar. I can tell you that half an hour with that in 15mph winds is like 20 sets at the cable-rowing station with the pin at about 200#. God will your arms and back scream. I have pictures of me being dragged all over the farm if you want to see them. So, based on what you've written, I think I'd go with either the SkyTigers or the Symphonies. The SkyTigers are much more maneuverable than the NPW, the Symphonies about halfway between depending on wind. The Symphonies are designed for traction and pull, the SkyTigers will do the same but can also be flown for tricks.

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