Dot Matrix Feature
Review
Video
Stills
Night Pictures

I first flew the Dot Matrix at Bristol two years ago - I nearly bought the prototype at the auction. However it was another year before I flew one again. In the mean time I had moved from six foot kites to seven foot kites, and I didn't get on with the Dot Matrix - it seemed too small and flicky. However Bristol this year gave me the opportunity to fly one again, spend a bit more time with the kite and remember why I loved it so much two years ago.

The Dot Matrix is a scaled down version of Andy Preston's Matrix, making it a stiff (p100 frame) deep sailed small trick kite. The construction quality is excellent - those panels must take some time to sew. It has a simple three point bridle, and maintains a good deal of its larger siblings precision ability. With good control on the fliers end the Dot Matrix is very predictable, a big kite in a little kite.

When it comes to freestyle there is not much that the Dot Matrix struggles with. Axles, Flick Flacks, Backspins and Fades are all straight forward. Knock the kite on its back and hit multiple Lazy Susans, or wrap the kite up into a Yo Yo. All this it does with predictability and grace. The Dot Matrix really excels at wrapped up, backspin and turtle tricks; in a short period with the kite I was soon finding that I was learning new tricks fast. However I couldn't get the Dot Matrix to Deadlaunch, and I felt I was being a bit more careful during 540's than I was used to.

The Dot Matrix has to be the UK's ultimate six foot trick kite right now, so it gets a kHiTe Star ... Carl said if I am very good he will let me fly his again some time...

Dot Matrix Feature
Review
Video
Stills
Night Pictures