Karl Longbottom - My Designs

Prices held until 31 March 2012. Order by email, see Contact page

Blockhead

Updated and relaunched for 2011.

A figure kite inspired by the early Maori bird kites, available with a range of head shapes. They can be flown as a train.

1.75m high by 2m span, £150.00

Pterodactyl XL

Introduced to the range in November 2010, it became a starting point for the Jabberwocky.
The tie dyed versions of the XL pterodactyl are unique.

Available to order.
XL 3.5m span, £425
Tie dye version £475

Four Wing Thing (FWT)

Originally built a few years ago but now introduced into the range for 2011.

The holes in the kite are as important as the sails, it nearly was called the three holed kite.

Available in various colours.
Standard 2m high, £125

Rocket Kite

A similar kite was originally made as a commission in 2010 but with an adapted tail it is included in the 2011 range.

Available in silver, black or red
1.83m high by 0.65m wide, £225.00

Pterodactyl

First seen in April 2009 and most popular kite for 2010. This small single line kite is at its best when flown on a light line in low winds. Both the larger Icarex verson and smaller ripstop kite are great fun to fly indoors.

Available in a multitude of colours.
Standard 1.15m span, £35.00
Large 1.75m span, £85.00

Dove

The original Dove Kite, first designed in May 2009 and very much admired for the realistic feather detail and wings that flap. Stunning when flown as a pair off a bar. Reflective pieces for night flight are an added extra.

Available in white. 1.5m span.
Single dove, £85.00
Pair of doves, £170.00

Swifts and Swallows

In keeping with the theme of bird kites we add more light wind soaring kites; the Swift Kite and the Swallow Kite. Basically the kites are the same but with different tail details.

Available in black, dark blue or two colour versions as standard; can also be seen in orange or white.
2.1m span by 0.97m high, £85.00

Red Kite

This is an ultra lightweight kite that flies in next to no wind; made from Icarex and thin-walled carbon. A kiteflier's favourite that in very light winds can be made to perform a number of single line tricks, including flat spins.

Available in Light Grey, Dark Grey, Brown, Black and Red. Combinations or other colours available to order.
1.2m high, £115.00

Swan

Designed in October 2007; became a workshop favourite in 2008. It is a steady flier in low winds; an attractive and unusual white kite with orange/yellow and black detailing.

Available in Whooper or Mute varieties. Also sold in kit form, ask for details.
2.08m span, 1.22m high, £85.00

Owl

The owl uses the same Yakko wings as the Bee Kite, this gives a good performance in a wide range of winds. Ideal for night flights.

Available in White & Grey, Brown & Black or Brown & White.
0.9m high, £45.00

Yakko Bee

This kite is a tribute to the kite making skills of the Japanese. As a fan of the Abu-dako style of kite, but being unable to get hold of one Karl decided to make his own version in carbon fibre and ripstop nylon.

Angel

Designed in late 2006 to complement a Christmas display of Angel Sculptures by Carl Robertshaw. Consequently the micro angel is a Christmas Tree decoration that flies. The large version won the Eddie Megrath Kite Innovation Trophy in 2007.

Large 1.2m high, £90.00
Medium 0.8m high, £50.00
Micro 0.4m high, £15.00

Pants

These fighting pants first made their appearance in early 2006 in France, but soon became a hit at UK Festivals. It was not long before Karl was asked to produce a female version.

They fly like a fighter kite hence they are not really for beginners.

Available in a variety of colours, personal monograms can be requested.
0.6 m high, £55.00

Ladies' Knickers

These became an obvious partner to the male pants and appeared mid 2006. Featuring frilly decorations, they have the same flying characteristics as the male version, but fly very slightly slower.

Available in a variety of tasteful colours, trimmed in lace.
0.6 m high, £55.00

Shorts

The shorts were first seen in September 2007. Although based on the popular pants they do not have the same fighting characteristics, they are a stable single line flier. Football shorts or boxer shorts, with button fly detail, are available in a choice of colours.

1m span by 0.6m high, £45.00
Unique tie-dye shorts, £55.00

Vest

This humble vest was made to complement the pants and shorts. It first appeared in India in January 2009 but then hid at the bottom of a kite bag for a few months, along with the dirty washing!

Available in red or grey at the moment.
0.8m tall, £50.00

Delta Sled

Introduced in 2006, as an alternative altitude sprint kite to the Dunton Delta. Made in Icarex.

A larger version, made in ripstop, is ideal for use in kite aerial photography (KAP) because of its high angle of flight and stability in the sky.

Standard 0.9m high, £45.00
Large 2.5m span by 1.5m high, £125.00

Fighting Edo

Several years ago at the Shrewsbury Kite Festival, Tony Slater suggested using Edo kites for fighting competitions as an alterative to the usual Rokkakus. This kite is the result, it flies like a Korean, but pulls harder due to the lack of hole in the centre. Great fun to fly.

0.7 m high, £45.00

Tangram

A variant on the Hexagon which gives a unique shape in the sky with the added bonus of a greater wind range.

1.05 m, £45.00

Mad Hata & Mini Mad Hata

This was designed as an attempt to produce an original looking kite. It flies well in most wind conditions being constructed in ripstop and carbon fibre and having a long ribbon tail.

Mad Hata 3.2 m, £110.00

Mini Mad Hata 1.15 m, £30.00

Toody

The design was developed to make a different looking kite. It flies best in steady winds and can be a little anti-social in poor wind conditions.

1.45 m, £60.00

Yakkedo

Inspired by the classic Japanese kites, this one combines the sleeve wings of the Yakko and the basic rectangular shape and bridling of the Edo. The 50m long bridles are difficult to set up but the effort is worthwhile once you see it in the sky.

1.7 m, £490.00

Hawk Bird Scarer

This kite was designed in 2004 and was first supplied and marketed in April 2005.

Photo of Mini Mad Hata by John Dobson.