Tracer                         (I,Ba)         $$$-$$$$
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Jeff Burka 

Manufacturer:  Skyward Kites
Materials:     Graphite or Fiberglass spars

Wind Range:    *no info*
Span:          8'+        (244+ cm) 
Height:        4'+
Type:          Delta

Review: [NOTA BENE:  based on *modified Tracer*]

It's a big kite, with a wing span of over 8' and a height of 4'--
there's lots of sail area.  The sail is extremely deep--the stand-
offs, at 10.5" from sail to spreader are amongst the longest I've seen 
on a standard 'full-size' kite.  In addition to this, the leading edge 
is curved, creating a camber.  Finally, the kite makes use of what 
Skyward is referring to as "active frame tensioning" --instead of the 
usual bungee in the leading  edge, the sail is held taut by a length 
of spectra sewn into the trailing edge.  This has the dual role of 
keeping the trailing edge taut (making the kite quite quiet) and 
keeping the sail tight on the frame.  It actually works quite well. 

In terms of performance, the Tracer is somewhere between a precision 
kite and a radical ballet kite.  With a combination punch-pull turn 
you can cut extremely tight angles with great precision.  While it's 
not really on  rails, the kite does track pretty well, so groundsweeps 
look good.  Despite all this, the kite has a nice bit of oversteer, 
and it's a very simple matter to dump air from the sail, stalling the 
kite in a lot of neat positions.  This also makes the kite good for 
groundwork. Belly and leading edge launches are a snap, and the kite 
is very easy to turtle--and recover.  It's a good idea to string some 
monofilament along the trailing edge to keep your lines from wrapping 
around a tip or the keel. 

*I will point out that my kite is not a stock Tracer.  I've removed 
the extraordinarily heavy vinyls and bridle and replaced them with 
much thinner-walled vinyls and 300# Spectra.  I also added rubber 
bands to each end of all 3 spreaders to hold them in place.  I've set 
the clip about 1/8" _above_ the half-way point along the main bridle 
line.  If you buy one with the 2400 frame, consider making the 
modifications I've suggested above; it's like a completely different 
kite. - Jeff Burka 

cat >  Trlby <<'EOF'
Trlby                          (B)            $
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Ken Yoder 

Manufacturer: Trlby Products
Materials:    Fiberglass (solid)
Wind Range:   8-20 (single kite) mph    (4-9 m/s)
Span:         3'0"                      (91 cm) 
Height:       **
Type:         Diamond

Review:

A good, cheap beginners diamond.  Takes a beating and gives you the 
feel for flying a stunt kite.  Trains or stacks of three or more with 
their long tails are a great spectator attraction. - Ken Yoder