Upvoted Kites
Got wind? Then get yourself a flyer…
The flying colours Huge Rainbow
Every parent knows it to be true: children suck at flying kites… and it doesn’t help that when things aren’t going well they give up hope quicker than Arsenal fans. Fortunately, this literal-titled huge rainbow kite has been designed for easy flying, even when there’s only a puff of wind on offer. £12.90 / amazon.co.uk
The wingless wonder Prism Flip
With no wingspan, this kite is essentially flipping off flightless birds with its ability to take to the sky. By taking advantage of the Magnus effect – the same force that makes cricket balls spin – the Flip is able to suspend itself in the air, while a gyroscope ensures it’s not bossed around by the wind. £32 / amazon.co.uk
The self-preserver Revolution Reflex XX
Lose control while showing off on your skateboard and the worst outcome is a sprained ankle. Lose control while flaunting your skills with a sports kite, though, and that’s £300-odd lost to the trees. e Reflex XX prevents this with an autopilot recovery mode to spare your shame. £340 / kiteworld.co.uk
The magic mollusc Funtok Octopus
If you ask us, the best kind of kites are the ones shaped as animals, especially those that are supposed to live underwater – just to be contrary. is airborne octopus’s nylon tentacles should be durable enough to survive your toddler’s tugs and fully capable of terrifying your neighbours. £11.48 / amazon.co.uk
The quick learner Mojo Volcano R2F
is batarang-shaped sports kite is not only affordable, but also approachable for beginner flyers. Detachable wind-brakes work like bike stabilisers, helping the user become accustomed to the art of kite stunts before they’re ready to fly the nest and try more advanced tricks. £140 / windswept.co.uk
The private plane Spirit of Air 3D Jet Fighter
If you don’t sing “Highway to the danger zone” while flying this kite, then it should be forcibly taken from you. at would be a shame, because – thanks to its 110cm wingspan – it’s a pleasure to watch glide through the sky. You won’t want to go back to paper planes after this. £24 / skyhighkites.co.uk
The ship out of water Haptic Lap Flying Dutchman
e brains behind Haptic Lab were clearly so annoyed that the legendary Flying Dutchman ship is misleadingly not capable of flight that they felt forced to intervene. And so they made this beautifully crafted kite – with bamboo masts and ripstop nylon sails – which truly can sail the skies. US$76 / hapticlab.com
The trickster Sky Burner Fulcrum
is high-performance quad-line stunt kite is capable of more tricks than Dynamo and Derren Brown combined – including some manoeuvres that are normally associated only with dual-line flyers. No word yet on whether it can predict the lottery results, though. £333 / kiteworld.co.uk