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Moondance SUL Stiletto

Manufacturer Wind Range:  0 - 6 mph

Optimal Wind Range (MHO) : 0- 6 mph

Weight (my actual kite)  5 1/8 oz    146 g

October 20, 2002

At 1 mph: I took out Moondance at my local park for its true Maiden flight.  The wind was 1 mph at the start & I found keeping the kite aloft pretty effortless (not allot of backing up). The kite has a really smooth floaty feel.  I did several helicopters & 900s.  Moondance didn't lose much altitude once pancaked out allowing for a couple of pops in order to achieve the 900.   I was lucky enough that the wind speeds started to climb so I could try it in a wider wind range during the same flight.

At 2-3 mph: the kite starts to act similar to the standard version (very good forward speed & some pull).  The axels are typical PBSK which are very flat.  PBSKs tend to go really flat & Moondance does not disappoint.  Also your perception of wind speed will get skewed.  Reason being that the kite's pull & speed would make you believe that the wind speed is much greater, say 5-6 mph.  Also did a couple of nice lazy susans which tend to be difficult with most SUL.

At 5 mph: Moondance starts to feel like a Warrior.  It axels to fade easily & spins very nicely in a 540.  Pop up launches are excellent.  Pop one line & the kite jumps nicely into the air & if you 'tend' the line you get a nice slow axel.  You can see my Warrior doing one of these at my video site. 

Overall:  This kite will be my main go to SUL.  Light enough to be flown indoors & also able to be flown in 5 mph enjoyably.   I personally love the looks & ease of no wind flight.  I am not partial to constantly moving backwards or doing 360s in order to gain field position.  I found with Moondance I could gain ground by pancaking the kite out or spinning it from the top of the window while walking slowly forward.  

October 3, 2002 (late at night)

I couldn't resist.  I tried Moondance on my front lawn.  In zero wind & on 10' lines I flew this kite easily.  I also did some tosses & catches.  The Moondance is especially good at a toss I like to do indoors.  I grab the kite at the base of the spine in turtle position then push it away from me.  Moondance floated away & lost no altitude.  When it ran out of line, Moondance popped into normal flight.  Really sweet.

Also a notable about Moondance.  Not sure what this means but I do an experiment by dropping my SULs at shoulder height & 'see' how they float to the ground.  Feather & Ozone glide away from me whereas the Moondance slowly descended straight down to the ground. If you have any idea what this may signify feel free to email me.

October 3, 2002

Moondance just arrived.

GORGEOUS

September 26, 2002

I just bought this very special one of a kind kite.  It is the only SUL Stiletto in existence & also is one of those rare PBSKs that Peter builds & auctions off.  These rare kites are also given a special name other than their model.  This one is called 'Moondance'.

The kite is still on route to me. (Received Now)

I can't wait to get it.