61/49
A light wind, controllable single line kite, the 61/49 makes those days with light and variable, frustrating winds fun!
One of our friends calls the 61/49 "the most fun you can have with only one line!" I tend to agree. It's a natural bridge between the worlds of the static single liner and the often frantic stunt kite.
Pictures don't do the 61/49 justice, but once you see one, (or better yet, fly it) it's only a short leap to needing one of your own. Its graceful lines and sculptural form make it a natural for display in your home or office, but trust me, this one belongs in the air. The turns and lines you carve with the 61/49 in the sky are even more gratifying!
More 61/49...
You'll find many more Blue Moon Kites images in our gallery
About the name
The name 61/49 is inspired by the legend of 1930's blues man Robert Johnson. Robert was a solid but unexceptional musician with a strong desire to be the best that ever lived. One dark Mississippi midnight, Robert met the devil down at the crossroads and made a deal for the talent to be the best in exchange for his soul. That crossroads? You guessed it, the intersection of routes 61 and 49. As for Robert Johnson, he died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 27, having recorded only 42 "takes" of 29 songs. His music, however, has lived on to inspire and influence many musicians, including Keith Richards and Eric Clapton.
Of course, the story of Robert Johnson and the crossroads is a legend, some say a fairy tale. I see it as a metaphor for change, and for making a decision to move in a new direction, even if there might be a cost. For Blue Moon, the 61/49 represents not only a new kite, but a change in philosophy that might just impact everything we do. A crossroads, if you will.
Within it's wind range, an amiable and forgiving dance partner that is slow to point out any mistakes you might make on your initial flights.
Despite the lithe framing, the 61/49 is tolerant of the occasional nose plants. Ground recoveries are exemplary.
The lack of a leech line in the TE of the upper panels allows the kite to remain amazingly poised in tree line turbulence.
If you only allowed yourself one SLK, you could do much, much worse.
Thanks for all the grace & whimsy, Ken.