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Patrick's Blue Moon"Exile" (Custom Colors)
Updated March 8, 2007
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Introduction
The Exile is one of Ken McNeil's newest designs. Like the custom colored Mamba Ken made for me, this too is a custom color
sail pattern. I'm proud of the combination, which gives the sail a slight optic illusion. I chose two color tones of
blue for each side. The lighter blue fabric reflects to match to the darker tone at certain angles of view. The white
section, if you look very close, is only white on the right side, as opposed to a very light gray on the left, which gives the optical
illusion of more depth to the kite's construction. The construction was top notch and was built and shipped to me in a very
short period of time.
Dimensions, specs & cost
The width of the Exile is 90" (7' 5") and is rated for 3.5-20 mph. (No verdict yet but I don't think I would rate it as
low as 3.5 mph.) This stunt kite is made in the USA and cost me $280.00.
Flight Characteristics
The Exile comes with a set of weights that have a clever way of being installed on the lower spine. Without any weights added,
I didn't like how the Exile performed but that was quickly changed with the addition of a couple. The Exile features adjustable
standoffs, which allow you to change its flight dynamics. Generally, I like how it flies. However, I am not yet a skilled
enough pilot to show off what I know it can do. The Exile doesn't come with rubber tip covers for the leading edges, which many
of my stunt kites came with, or I added. I would definitely suggest adding them since the Exile's tips are sharper that most
and have a tendency to get stuck in the ground. The Exile is a fine kite and I am sure I will
appreciate it more when my flying skills improve.
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