Manufacture: Premier Kites
Product: Penta Kite
Price: $15.92 (FWW club member price)
Description: The Penta kites are a 5 sided Eddy/Diamond derivative.
Skill Level: This kite is suited for all ages/levels of kite flyer.

Test Results
We flew/tested the Penta Cat Kite and Penta Tie Dye kite (new for 2006). We flew/tested the Penta kites in 4 to 5 MPH and 8 to 9 MPH.  In this wind range the kite went up easily and flew steady. The instructions do not state the recommended/optimum wind range .  We estimate the recommended wind range to be about 5 to 15 MPH. NOTE: We have not had the opportunity to fly this kite in wind speeds of greater than 9 MPH.

The Penta kite comes with 300 feet of flying line and its own winder.  Assembly instructions are included.  The kite comes with a clear plastic bag which can be reused for storage.

The dimensions of the kite are 40 inches x 40 inches (sail) with a 80 inch tail.  There are additional tail attachments (loops) at each bottom side of the kite for additional stability in stronger winds.

The kite requires no modifications to the bridle.  It is a fixed bridle.

There are 2 sets of rods (struts) to assemble the frame of the kite.  One set of rods are sligthly thinner than the other.  The thicker cross struts should be attached to the top half of the kite. The thinner rods which help form the shape of the kite should be attached to the lower half of the kite.  Note: The instructions included with The Penta Cat do not specify which rods (thicker or thinner) should be used for the top and bottom halves.The instructions with the Penta Tie Dye Kite which is new for 2006 are clearer in that it states to place the slightly longer rods on the top.

The kite is made well using quality materials.  The sail is made of silk screened ripstop.  The rods are fiberglass and uses plastic fittings. The sail and tail are all hemmed for increased durability.

Due to the moderate sail area of this kite it lends itself to nice bold graphics which are easily seen in the sky at 100 feet.

The instructions do not refer to the loop attachments. Nor does the kite come with tails to attach to the loops.  We suggest Premier consider including 10 to 15 foot tails for increased stability within its wind range or for variable winds.  Also, we like this kite so much we would like to see Premier make a larger version of the Penta kite, perhaps 2 to 3 times the size with included tails.

Summary: At a member price of $15.92, the Penta kite is a great value and looks different than the traditional diamond and delta shaped kite. We highly recommend this kite.

There are many different Penta designs: Tie Dye, Elephant, Wavy Gradient, Dog, Cow, Cat, Mouse, and Pony.