Fractured Axel

I've been having a conversation with a friend about who makes the best kites. We sort of agree but really... we don't So I thought it might be an idea to open it up to a wider data sample. And that means you.

We're just talking about kite making here. Not about the end products abilities as that's even more subjective. The working range is 0 to 10, where 10 is the best available today (not perfect) and 0 is one step above biohazardous waste. I've cobbled together a quick GoogleDoc to handle some values, average them and bung out a chart.

So... wanna help out ? If you really want to you could share the document or just PM or post some numbers and I'll add them in. However few or many kitemakers you want to appraise. I can add and remove to suit.

And, yes, just for duallies 'cos SLKs and quads don't interest me nearly as much

Mike.

Where is the doc.?

Craig wrote:

Where is the doc.?

Hidden, beyond the wit of any thief.

Or here, as the case may be. But you'll need to be added to the sharers list (I think). It's hardly rocket science BTW.

Mike.

Hi Mike,

What about a poll like here ?

Early doors but beginning to gain shape:-

I think the .doc is open to all to at least look at. I saw a regular here pop in while I was editting.

Polls for bestest are fine but this might actually form some sort of ranking to compare how we view kite makers across a range. I mean... Eolo are hardly going to win many best votes are they (not to prejudge things) ?

Mike.

Zippy8 wrote:

I saw a regular here pop in while I was editting.

I think I'll be taking a look at my kites to come up with some numbers/rankings - the only trouble will be working out actual numbers.

The question is do I own or have I seen a "10" kite, and if not, how should I set a scale?

misterbleepy wrote:

The question is do I own or have I seen a "10" kite, and if not, how should I set a scale?

Like I wrote 10 is the best available today (not perfect) . There's no need to overthink this as I don't imagine that it's anything approaching science.

Mike.

Well, I don't have a kite from every one of those but I'd surely think that a BMK outdoes Benson as far as overall finish. While Tim does great at keeping things simple and very tidey, he overlooks minor sail wear aspects on some of his more popular kites and I often find things fraying here and there. Nothing a lighter can't cure but it could have been prevented with a hot knife cut rather than a scissor cut. This hasn't been the case with any of the Blue Moon kites I've seen. Just my observations.

lowerdfool wrote:

Well, I don't have a kite from every one of those

You don't need to have. Even if you only have experience of one brand and think it's the best available today, let me know.

I'd surely think that a BMK outdoes Benson as far as overall finish.

Opinions great. Numbers better.

Mike.

I get a 'view only' option.

Craig wrote:

I get a 'view only' option.

Are you signed into google?

Ignore me.. looks like you can't see a thing if you're not.

Oh.. I'm read only too.

If you really want to have editing rights then I can give you permission to do so but.... really ?

Mike.

I don't want to edit anything, just add my numbers or is that not the idea?