The renaissance in the UK kite scene is being strengthened by some work in progress by a number of UK designers and manufacturers. We take a quick look.

Dot Designs

John Taylor of Dot Designs is several prototypes in to a new 6ft kite provisionally called the Shaman. At present a standard 3 point bridle and a p100 frame are all he can tell us, but having flown a previous prototype I think we are looking at something quite radical and good fun, which will be a nice change to some of the more technical freestyler's we have seen recently. kHiTe will hopefully be getting their hands on one as soon as we can.

Airdynamics

The big news from Airdynamics is that a new version of the T2 Solo is already on the way. An evolution rather than a revolution, the kite features a brand new three point bridle and a ballast system, all of which can be retrofitted to existing Solo's. It sounds like the Airdynamics team have brought the Solo bang up to date with current flying fashions.

T2 Solo - New Version Soon

Orders are already being taken, and we hope to get a press pack for a full preview soon. Look out for a review later on this summer.

Benson

The rumors are flying about a new kite from Wardley and Benson, a successor to the Outerspace. Those who claim to have seen some sort of prototype are very positive indeed.

"Think of a cross between a Phantom, a Fusion and a Gemini. But then forget I told you anything. This kite does not exist. It is a figment of your imagination. "
Andy Wardley

kHiTe suspects that this one is going to be very special, but knowing Tim and Andy it is unlikely we will see the new kite until it is perfect.

Carl Robertshaw

After all the fuss over the Carl Robertshaw Fury, it looks like the forthcoming Dot Fury may well offer what some people felt the Fury didn't. The present prototypes are 85% of the existing Fury, and seem to be very popular with not only Carl and his sponsored fliers but everyone else who has flown them.

Okay maybe it's a bit smaller than that.

We already have the promise of a review kite, so watch out for a flight test and some video of Carl's lads flying the kite soon. Expected retail is £175 for the Skyshark version.

Andy Preston

Earlier this year Andy suggested that kHiTe should watch out for the Level 8. We have heard nothing more about this, but we thought if we mentioned it, it might happen. In the mean time the Tribal seems to be retailing at closer to £100 which makes it a better deal than its RRP. Check it out.