New Tech Kites

Dodd · High Flier Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 166

Good question.....

The New Tech/Dodd Design entry level sport kites for the 2005 season are made up of the following sport kites.

Ignitor, Detonator, Cherry Bomb, Pryo XS, Techno
All of these are great kites to begin with. So which one do you choose?

Ignitor - This is our smallest and least expensive sport kite. The reason it has been one of our best sellers for 5 years is because it really does outperform the competition in every way, and it is inexpensive.
It is our only sport kite framed in Fiberglass. Its smaller size combined with the stiffness in the Fiberglass with spars of this size, equals a very durable sport kite for the first time flier, this is very important.

Small kites normally translate to fast kites. Many kites in this price range simply do not have much of anytype of performance. They are produced cheaply because the manufacturers believes that this size and selling price of kite doesnt need to fly well.

TOTALLY WRONG! But hey if the other manufacturers think that, thats bad for many new kiters, but good for us, because the Ignitor flies well! And the shops know that too, thats why they sell the Ignitor because if a person is going to get started in sport kites and just doesnt have the money for something larger, they should not be punished by a bad sport kite, and the Ignitor gives the shop a great small kite that has been designed to fly slower, in more winds, and with performance to give a pleasurable experience to the first time sport kite flier.
SSRP $18-25 USD

Detonator - 4mm solid carbon frame
The Detonator replaced 2004s successful Fuse. The size was enlarged, the frame changed to carbon, and the whole package was updated. Now includes a designer padded bag as do the rest of the kites from here up in the NTK/Dodd Designs Line up.
Larger is better, spend a little more, get a little more. So the Detonator is a step up from the Ignitor.
SSRP $26-30 USD

Cherry Bomb - 4mm Carbon frame
The Cherry bomb is simply awesome! It replaced the famous NTK/DD Firecracker that was a great seller for us over the years. The size of the cherry bomb is larger, the performance...............Different than the two previous kites talked about, this one is just not for the beginner alone, this one slack line tricks too, yet it is still stable enough for the entry level flier.
I learned the Comete on this kite first! If you are a serious kite flier, you need one of these in your bag immediately for yourself and other fliers! Dont let the low price scare you away from this awesome sport kite!
SSRP $36-40 USD

Pyro XS - 5mm pultruded Carbon frame.
Many have given great reviews about this one, this is still considered a wonderful starting point. But why choose the Pyro XS? Because is large, its slow, it has a small amount of pull, perfect for the child who wants a big kite but cant get it because of the amount of pull. Pefect for anyone who cant handle the heavy pull of most kites, yet, able to fly in a huge wind range!
With Performance of course!
SSRP $50

Techno - Skyshark P-200 Wrapped graphite frame
Would a beginner actually buy a kite like this? the answer is yes. The TECHNO is for the entry level flier who doesnt mind spending a little more to get alot more, to get the most durable frame in the industry, to get one of the most stable sport kites available, to get a real flying machine with not only incredable performance a flier can grow with, but as with all NTK products, qualtiy!
SSRP $80

Desire UL - 4mm carbon
Used by the world famous demo stunt kite team, TKO, the Desire is an easy to fly ultra light sport kite for all skill levels. I would not suggest making this anyone first kite, but definately a fliers second and the Desire will start off the next list and post for "whats next?"
SSRP $100

Any questions?

Dodd

randyg · Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 8

Dodd, if you don't mind, here is a video of the Techno I put together a few months back for those that may not have seen it. Definitely an incentive to upgrade a few dollars to buy this kite which is my favorite New Tech kite by a nose over the Big Bang at this point.

Techno Video

I spend 95% of my time flying kites that cost $250 and up. I was comfortable out of the box with this kite. An amazing value for the price by any standard. My opinion of course.
_________________
Randy

My Sportkite Blog

cmau · Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 11:02 am Post subject:

I'm really looking forward to getting my Trance Techno Should be here next Wed. Add it to my collection of a NewJam, PyroXS and Cherry Bomb

The PyroXS was my 1st sport kite. It was only about 2 months ago I saw someone flying a dual-line kite and had to have one. Now I have 5

The PyroXS as stated in other reviews and experiences is a GREAT 1st time kite. Really takes a beating and keeps a flying. It took me a couple of days and ALOT of watching Dodd's DVD before I was able to keep it in the air for awhile but once I got the hang of it The PyroXS flew great for me and got me hooked on Sport Kite Flying. 2 weeks ago I taught my nephews, ages 7,8 and 9 to fly the PyroXS and they actually got some good flying in with it and had a great time. Highly reccomend this kite Very Happy

I also picked up a Cherry Bomb - Ember (awesome color) For the price you can't beat it and when the winds get up around 20 it's a freeekin' blast to fly around. Super Fast and fun to build your reflexes with trying to keep up with it and it also can handle some very hard crashes and still keep flying

Kudos to NTK and Dodd for making some great affordable, durable, good looking and great flying RTF kites for us Recreational Sport Kite Fliers who are just getting into this fun activitey

ed_diaz · Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 5:29 pm Post subject:

I have a question...wheres my coffee? (just kidding i dont drink coffee lol).. but serious what about the great, one and only NEW JAM!!??? im sure thats for beginners isnt it not?! is NT not producing these any longer!??!?!?
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Dodd · High Flier Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 166

I just wanted to list the kites of ours that I considered good for entry level fliers.

The New jam can be and has been , but I find it not as stable or forgiving as all the others I mentioned and would classify it more in the Intermediate and above skill level catagory along with the Big Bang.
I was saving that for another thread, this is only the 3rd day!

Dodd

astrowolf67 · Joined: 18 May 2005 Posts: 3 Location: West KY

I started with the Detonator, and, it's currently the only one I have. We had bought the kids some kites at the local Sam's, and this sparked my interest in what was on the web. I found out about a thing called a stunt kite. Looked pretty cool. Next, I look on eBay, and come across the Detonator Rainbow. I liked the colors, loved the price, and figured what the heck, if I didn't like it, I won't be out much money. Well, a few days later, it arrived. A few days after that, I was having more fun on 25 dollars than I've ever experienced!!! I plan to make the Techno my next one, and would already have it, but my other hobby (high power rocketry) took a heck of a chunk out of the hobby funds this past weekend at a two day event. Now, with the two hobbies together, I have fun all the time. No wind? Fly rockets. Too windy? Grab the Detonator Very Happy

By the way Dodd, I picked the Detonator up off ebay for 26 bucks. Upon it's arrival, and opening the box, I was greeted by a kite much better than I expected, for what I paid. Excellent work!

Greg H. · Kite Enthusiast Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 11

Nice post, Dodd!!! Very Happy

Maybe; I will get the Cherry Bomb next. Seems like a great price point, too!
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- Greg

Dodd · High Flier Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 166

Thank you Greg, yeah, the Cherry Bomb may not be the highest wind kite around, but it will handle a good amount of wind with its extra bridle leg.

That leg of the bridle was the way we strengthened leading edges for high wind flying and stiffining up smaller rods for example, the 4mm in the Desire UL, back in the competition days.

I am very happy with the low end performance too, it is a 4mm frame on an a larger size sail.

Hope that helps a bit.
Sincerely
Dodd

Greg H. · Kite Enthusiast Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 11

Dodd · High Flier Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 166

Hi Greg, as you can see, you can never have too many kites, and if you do there is a swap meet, trade, or even better, pass them on to new fliers in the family or friends.............

The Cherry bomb or any of the smaller kites from us for that matter, is a must have in the bag. You can fly it and have a great time yourself, or use it as a beater kite, dont worry, it can take it!

The Techno is also a "must have". Number one reason is IMO, its the best sport kite there is for the money! SRP of $80 is incredible!

The Cherry Bomb I believe lists for around $40, the Techno $80 (including spectra line of course) and I know many new kites comming out right now following our lead using skyshark that sell for $120 just for one

Like I said, its always nice to have a beater in the bag.......

Eventually, the Techno may become your beater. I did design it for all skill levels including entry level.

Best of luck to you
Sincerely
Dodd

Greg H. · Kite Enthusiast Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 11

Morning Dodd!
For a beginner like myself, what kind of different flight characteristics should I notice between my Pyro XS, and the Techno? I have read the specs regarding the build materials used.

Thanks!
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- Greg

Dodd · High Flier Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 166

The main diff between the two is that you will "feel" the Techno more.
It is larger, has more sail area so therefore the pull amount is increased. Depending on the bridle adjustment for each individual kite, you will also notice that the techno believe it or not is more responisve to command, yet still user friendy, both kite deliberately do not have oversteer on the factory setting.

Hope that helps
dodd

Greg H. · Kite Enthusiast Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 11

ptlh2a · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Austin, TX

After learning with a different mfg. stunt kite, I picked up the Detonator. What a kite!! Did some beach flying with it, and had an absolute blast!! It is a quick kite, and much more precise than what I was used to, but also helped with things like punch turns and such. Also, was able to fly it completely around the window, and could just leave it hovering in one place. For the price of this kite, everyone should have one! 110% satisfied.

My wife (we both fly) picked up a Cherry Bomb, and it has quite a different feel to it. I don't know if it just is an adjustment issue, but it seems a bit more slower in turns, and has MUCH more pull than the Detonator. We flew it this weekend, and it would get going, but it seemed to be a bit more "truck like" than the Detonator. Don't know if it is just out of adjustment, or if it has more pull on purpose. Also noticed punch turns were not quite as precise. Still enjoyed flying it, but also had to do some adjustments to it to make it track straight. Still, after we played with it a while, we were 100% satisfied with it as well. Possibly someone can help with adjustments on this, or has any insight?

We have the DG Flight School Video, and watch it at lenght to start working on tricks. Helps to even slow it down frame by frame to see hand movement = kite movement. Getting better everytime we fly, and enjoying the sport immensly. Always fun to go into kite shops and immediatly bond with people that have the same passion for this sport. Will be life long flyers![/code]

Dodd · High Flier Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 166

Welcome to your forum, our forum!

The Cherry bomb is quite the different sport kite from the Detonator which is considered strickly a entry level sport kite.
The Cherry bomb is larger, does pull more, and is designed to fly more like a full size sport kite, a bit slower as larger kites generally tend to do, but also, it is designed to slack line trick which it will do far better than the Detonator does, As the detonator performs everything better than the Ignitor and so on.
I look forward to talking more with you here on the forum. Let me know if I can help you with your Cherry Bomb.
SIncerely
Dodd