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Manufacture: Skydog Kites
MFG Stock Number: -16815 - 16
Name: Skydog  LS17 Sled
Introduced: 2012
Price: $59.99 (FWW club member and AKA 10% off )
Description: The  Skydog  LS17 Sled is a traditional sled shaped kite with two foils.
Skill Level: Well suited for adults and entry level large kite fliers
Models: Two Sizes  LS17 (Sled 66 x 38 in.) and  LS30 ( 94 x 45 in.)
both models available in Flame and Rainbow (as of 7/31/2012 LS30 Rainbow was still not available)

Rating: Four Star (four stars due two two foil rather than the traditional three foil sled). 

Test Results
We flew/tested the Skydog  LS17 Sled a 9 MPH steady sea breeze. In this wind range the kite went up easily and flew steady. The kite also flew very steady in light and moderate winds of 6 to 15 MPH. The tag description states the wind range to be 5 to 18 MPH.  We estimate the recommended/realistic and safe wind range to be about 5 to 18 MPH. 

Kite Contents: Skydog  LS17 kite, Pull String Kite bag, tag description, Instructions and 110 lb x 300ft twisted nylon on a 6 inch dia. spool. Recommend upgrade to braided dacron 130 lb x 500 ft.

The dimensions of the kite are 66 inches wide x 38 inches high.

The kite requires no modifications to the bridle.  It is a fixed bridle.  Assembly is not required.  Attach your flying line to the heavy duty bridle. This kite requires 130 pound braided poly test flying line (provided line is not adequate, additionally during our test the provided line contain three splices). Note: Initial assembly requires you to undo the factory-tied daisy-chained bridle. The bridle was daisy-chained and requires removing the ribbon and pull the line to it's full length. The spars are inclosed and need not be inserted or removed for storage. Skydog  LS17 Sled has tow loops (2) 23 inches apart.

The sail is made of ripstop nylon with quality stitching to achieve the kite design.  The sail and 2 keels are hemmed for durability. There is a 1 inch Dacron edge binding around the 2 cells for additional reinforcement which also improves stability in flight. Each of the six cells contain a light weight extremely flexible fiberglass spar inclosed to maintain the shape of the cell and improve the flight and stability (care should be taken not to bent these spars to a breaking point during storage).  

The large sail area of this kite lends itself best for visual appeal at a height of at least 300 feet or more.

This kite provides very moderate lift/pull and thus is suitable for attaching small sized windsocks and other similar laundry to the flying line (pending wind conditions).  There are also 2 tow loops 23 inches apart for tail attachments on the sail. The LS 17 two foil sled generated less pull than the three foil 1.0 HQ Power Sled with a smaller foot print.

It is a safe kite to fly for entry level adult kite fliers (in the recommended wind range) since there are six flexible fiberglass rods which form the frame. Moderate tie down system may be use. Warning particular attention should be followed concerning long term storage in the drogue bag. The fiberglass rods tends  to take the shape of the storage bag. Please (long term) store the kite out of the bag.  
 
Summary: At a price of $59.89, the LS 17 is an excellent value for entry level adult kite fliers.