New "Sinewave" kite - review and first flight

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New "Sinewave" kite - review and first flight

Рет қаралды 2,441

Күн бұрын

My 2,088th kite video. I'm not a great fan of Prism Kites, and some of their productions have been quite disappointing. However, this new small parafoil looked interesting and so I bought one. This video gives some initial thoughts on it, and I'll show another video soon comparing it with other similar kites.
Anyone wanting to check out all my "How to..." videos on various aspects of kite-flying can now find them all easily on my Playlist at / jimskitesnz .

Пікірлер: 59

@SingaporeCityWalks 4 ай бұрын

A lively kite indeed. Kids will love it 😀

@JimNicholls 4 ай бұрын

I think they might, although very few children seem to take any interest in kites these days.

@googleuser3553 5 ай бұрын

Hi Jim, I agree, maker name all over kite and bag makes the product look cheap. I like the looks of it best with the flat tail it came with, and I think it looks rather boring and common mostly, especially with no tail attached. Looking forward to the next review segment. No flyer I know would use the fanny pack, and that handle looks terrible. They could have fit a loop in that bag, I think.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

Some very clever designer came up with the ideas for the pack and the handle I guess, Sheryl, but clearly didn't consult any normal kite-fliers about what they would actually want. The kite itself is not bad, apart from the graphics.

@mattolsen5102 5 ай бұрын

It feels like the logo thing is an overall trend in outdoor and sports goods. This is actually relatively subtle from normal viewing distance. The movement is nice, but it's definitely a step down from that nice flowing tail of the Boras.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

@mattolsen5102 Agreed, Matt. This modern trend of having to be a walking advertisement (unpaid) for something you've paid good money for is something I don't like, but it's certainly growing. The movement of the kite is not really to my taste, but I guess would appeal to children, for whom the kite is ideal (apart from the lousy handle).

@johnusher1921 5 ай бұрын

@@JimNicholls Branding - or perhaps 'Brandalising' - is hardly a new phenomenon for corporations! It goes back at least to the 19th Century - Lipton Tea, Beechams Pills anyone? - as an attempt to show superior goods from responsible makes against inferior, adulterated generic products (chalk in your white bread...), An - alleged - quality mark, before Trading Standards were common. Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans in the 70's were amongst the first to use it on clothing on a label on a rear pocket, sometimes referred to as 'Class On Your A**.... 'Calvin Kline underpants , Armani, Gucci, etc. etc.. All part of corporate image and marketing, though perhaps lass common in this hobby/pastime. Yes, I deplore it too, but it's all around us - if we don't like it, don't buy it, even if we like the product. As consumers we have a choice.

@TheRevFlyer 5 ай бұрын

A good honest review Jim, if it stays up kid's would probably like it's lively nature.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

Thanks, Colin, and I agree with your opinion. It's a bit pricey for a kid's kite, but the quality is good so it will last well. The handle is an abomination, and there's no way I'd use it or expect a child to do so. I hope your weather's improving and you and the boys can get out and put on some of your fabulous displays soon.

@SMALLsails 5 ай бұрын

Hi Jim, thank you for the interesting review, looking forward to the next instalment. Designs of kites are (usually) subjective and I must say I quite like the colours of this one and most of Prism’s kites. I really don’t like its ‘lively’ nature though. That description gives me the impression it’s an advertiser’s tag for a poorly behaved kite and not an idea to then design to. It would look much better if it was a little more graceful. Customer service at Prism is great though. They’re quick to respond and very helpful.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

Prism seem to offer much the same colour range on all their kites, which is a bit unadventurous, but what I dislike is the prominent display of the kite and maker's names. When I buy a product I don't expect to provide free advertising for it every time I use it. I agree that the rather frantic movement of the kite may not be a design feature, and the advertising may have been designed to excuse what most of us would regard as a fault. The ITW Parafoil 5 used to annoy me with its similar jerkiness, but is a lot better with a fuzzy tail. The fuzzy didn't seem to make much difference to the Sinewave, but it's easy to launch and stays in the air, so I guess those are the most important considerations, although some of us expect more from a kite. It's good to know about the customer service, a rare thing these days.

@SMALLsails 5 ай бұрын

I know what you mean about the lack of colour variety in Prism’s kites. I guess they’re a manufacture which just maintains a theme across their range. I agree about their name and free advertising but fly it high enough and you can’t read it! I remember in the 70s when plastic bags with a shops’ names on first came out, my grandfather used to refuse to advertise for free so turned the bags inside out before placing his items inside. He couldn’t turn his Viva inside out so advertised his Vauxhall car to all those driving behind him as he drove home 😀

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

Car makers make it especially hard for us not to provide free advertising, but at least it's not too conspicuous. I like your grandfather's trick with the bags. I take my own unbranded bags to the supermarket.

@pfkites8967 5 ай бұрын

Good review for new kite. Cool music ,too.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

Thank you. Finding music is always a problem, so it's good when viewers enjoy it.

@deweygravesjr.122 5 ай бұрын

Nice little kite. Definitely lively. Thanks Jim!

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

Lively it certainly is, Dewey. I wish that I had that much energy!

@ttullis1 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for your review Jim. I'm often asked for recommendations for a starter kite. This and the Bora will items I would suggest.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

They are both well made and good fliers, Tim, and there's not a lot of competition around these days in that category. My preference is the Bora 7, (I guess the 5 is good too), but the worst aspect of the Sinewave for me is that ridiculous handle. I don't know who it was designed for, but not for any human that I know! The line is good quality, so it needs to be rewound onto a sensible handle or spool. I'm looking forward to seeing some videos from you as the weather starts to warm up.

@ronstewart9792 5 ай бұрын

It is a cool little kite Jim. Thanks for the review. Ron

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

You're welcome, Ron. Yes, it's a good little kite, although not cheap, but the handle is almost unusable which is a big black mark against it.

@jons4542 4 ай бұрын

I just bought one. It looks like it lives up to its name and behaves like a real sine wave. Could have been called cosine wave or alternating current. Have to now wait for a windy day. 😊

@JimNicholls 4 ай бұрын

I hope you have fun with it. It's certainly lively.

@vikramsinghkite4358 5 ай бұрын

Beautiful New Kite Good Shering Sir 🙏🏼

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

Thank you, Vikram, and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

@johnusher1921 5 ай бұрын

Hi Jim Excellent review. I bought this last autumn (UK), and test flew it, and generally agree with most of these comments. It is 'lively' and now we have spring approaching in the UK I will be trying this with different tails, which will be simple to do with this as it has a tail loop, unlike the Boras, which have sown in tails, the Zeniths, which have non-standard press stud tails (which I don't think even Prism sells separately - D'Oh! -and are heavy with bungee corded frames), and so hard to alter, or the Vertexes (also 'lively'), which have tied on tails, but very easy to modify to a normal loop. Yes, the packaging I totally agree is impractical, but is probably designed for 'Point of Sale' to promote impulse buying in person at a retailer - they have an extensive dealer list on their website for the US (a very ew in Europe/Aus/NZ) However, I find this odd given that these things will probably be bought online (notably a well known online retailer...) for those of us outside the US. Yes, the handle is well made but poorly designed - same type as the Vertex - probably designed to fit inside the case (in theory - but after first use?...) and the clip is poor - I'm simply not using the case or line - the line itself is certainly worth re-purposing. Pity we can''t buy it cheaper without either. Some of their designs came with hoop winder which didn't fit inside the packaging or else too small for other than a child's hand. Ho-Hum... As to the branding and colours, this seems to be very much Prisms 'House Style' for marketing for their presumed audience. You either love it or hate it. I *hate* the branding' but don't mind the colours. You pays your money and you takes your choice. Prism's website does have contact details, and they do respond (better than other OEMs, in my limited experience) and much of this I have put to them in respect of earlier kites - they may agree, they may not. Have you gone back to them directly? It will be interesting to see your comparisons in later videos. Keep up the good work!.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for your views, John. As you say, the colours seem very much the standard Prism ones, and they stick to them pretty consistently - not very adventurous, I feel. My very first kite purchase many years ago was a Prism Stowaway Parafoil, in colours much the same as this new kite. I think this kite could be a lot of fun for children, and could be sold more cheaply without the fancy case and somewhat nasty handle. I found that it flew much the same with a fuzzy tail and without a tail, but probably looks best with the supplied tail. It's good that the tail is easily removable. I haven't been in touch with the makers. My previous experience with manufacturers has been that they either ignore input completely or acknowledge it but take no notice. It's good to know that Prism do respond better, but I don't think I'll bother to contact them. The comparison video will come soon, but won't be anything amazing. I hope you get some suitable weather soon, after your wet winter, and can get some good flying.

@chrisphillips5722 5 ай бұрын

Jim: Thanks for the review on this new Prism kite. It seems pretty obvious that the Prism folks did not utilize a qualified kite focus group to help guide their color design, and handle design of their new kite. Lol. It is sad because I really would like to buy a Prism kite, but they leave a lot to be desired. Cheers

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

Prism are a rather quirky company, Chris, with a particular focus in design that is all their own. I do think it was very short-sighted of them not to seek opinions on at least the handle, which I think is an abomination. In quality and appearance it's better than the usual handle supplied with children's kites, but in use it's totally impractical. If you want a Prism kite, I can recommend the Bora 7, which is a good flier in a wide wind range and comes in the "usual" Prism range of colours.

@peterjung2247 3 ай бұрын

When this kite was first announced by Prism, I thought perhaps it was a failed design that they could not stabilize. So they just advertised it as a feature.

@JimNicholls 3 ай бұрын

That's quite possibly true, Peter! I bought it on impulse just to see how it went, but it's not a kite I'd really recommend.

@kiteflyingdownunder....car6272 4 ай бұрын

Interesting how if a kite design results in the kite having a lot of movement it is described as "lively". Odd also how the line handle passed approval.

@JimNicholls 4 ай бұрын

I think the handle may have been designed for some alien species, Carl, but certainly not for any human that I know.

@longbeachpeninsulawaphotos 5 ай бұрын

that kite will keep you busy. It looks like that the kite wants to be uncontrolable. It has a mind of it's own.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

Well, it stayed in the air, so it can't be all bad, but it's certainly lively, and some might say annoyingly so. I guess it depends what you want in a kite, and if it's movement then this would be a good choice.

@user-ce7ic1ze2u 5 ай бұрын

Still nice to look at!

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

I'm glad you liked it, Evan.

@cyntil4362 5 ай бұрын

It'll be interesting to see it beside any of the Boras..I have a Bora 5..this looks bigger than a Bora 7..

@mattolsen5102 5 ай бұрын

It's meant to replace to Bora 5, so it's roughly that size. My Bora 7 is definitely bigger than my Sinewave, though.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

@cyntil4362 As Matt has already commented, the Sinewave apparently replaces the Bora 5, which has now disappeared from the maker's catalog, although it's still available from some dealers. The Bora 7 is quite a bit bigger, as you'll see in my comparison video which I'll show soon.

@cyntil4362 5 ай бұрын

Do you have a Bora 3 as well?...(was there one?.. I forgot)

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

@@cyntil4362 I have only the Bora 7. There was never a 3 as far as I know.

@mattolsen5102 5 ай бұрын

@@cyntil4362 Prism made Bora 2s, which were later replaced by the Pocket Flyers. I actually have all three colors, but they don't see much use because they like to turn and dive in the unsteady winds I have around here.

@Hasbi-tw7ur 22 күн бұрын

Hi, hope one time you make video of how to make power sled kite.

@JimNicholls 22 күн бұрын

Sorry, I am not a kite-maker. I buy all my kites.

@Hasbi-tw7ur 22 күн бұрын

@@JimNicholls Ok. thanks for the reply.

@JimNicholls 21 күн бұрын

You are welcome.

@TheKRU251 5 ай бұрын

I like the idea of you with your experience testing new kites. Saves me buying a lemon or missing an ace product etc. This particular kite has a nice colour scheme but as for the rest ? Not for me thanks. Keep up the good work Jim. PS As your son will testify, Global Warming is not happening in southern UK. Mega rainfall is !!!!!!

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

I'm not an expert, but I have flown a lot of kites. I also like to say what I think about a kite, not follow what the maker says about it. I bought this kite just to see what it was like, and had I been able to test it first I would not have spent my money on it. That doesn't mean it's a terrible kite, but it's certainly not my style. Yes, I've heard from my son and others just how bad the weather has been. I hope things improve for you soon.

@TheKRU251 5 ай бұрын

@@JimNicholls I think you are 'underselling' yourself Jim ! Your experience counts for a lot !!!!

@CoffieCupp 5 ай бұрын

Is that a new kite?

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

It's new to me, and I think the newest in Prism's range, but it's been available for a while, having been released I think early last year.

@craigh3381 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the show and tell...this kite will not be for me. I enjoy my small Triad kite when it comes to small kites..I also have a couple of pocket kites...both of these small kites fly well...in my opinion .

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

We all have our preferences, Craig, and I'm sure there will be some who think this a great choice. It's not joining my list of favourites, but I'm sure I'll make use of it occasionally unless I decide to hand it on to someone else.

@joskites8374 5 ай бұрын

Depending on the price. Think for kids shoult be a fun kite.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

It's listed at US$40, so not exactly cheap for something this size, but the quality is good so if it's going to get a lot of use it would be good value, I guess. I agree about the fun aspect, Jo, and unlike some kites it's very easy to launch.

@MrOldflyer 5 ай бұрын

Looks like a copy of the panflute to me.

@JimNicholls 5 ай бұрын

I think they may have taken that as their inspiration, Nigel, but this one is more tapered, 80cm at the top and 36cm at the bottom. It definitely isn't as steady as the ITW version, nor as attractive I think.