The 61/49 is a light wind, controllable single line kite. It can make 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.
I'd built a lot of kites before this one came along, but If I were to pick one kite that was a turning point in rethinking design and construction as a whole, it would be the 61/49. I started the project with a vague idea of where I wanted to end up, but the 61/49 taught me so much along the way. It's informed design decisions in every kite since. It was a major influence in the updates of the Ichiban and Reprise.
Seventeen years in, it's still the kite I always keep at hand at festivals. When the wind lulls, the 61/49 becomes my dance partner, and it's still teaching me new steps.
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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 me, the 61/49 represented not only a new kite, but a change in philosophy that's impacted pretty much everything I do as a kitemaker. A crossroads, if you will.[/bg_collapse]
61/49 Reviews
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I love my 61/49. Fun kite to fly and the build quality is like a piece of art.
This is one of my favorite kites (out of hundreds). If you have flown other maneuverable single line kites, like fighters, you’ll get the hang of the 61/49 real quick. If not, take the time to learn and you will be rewarded greatly.
I’ve had my 61/49 for many years and love it. It’s not a kite that likes a lot of wind and flies best when the breeze is a bit light. It flies like a fighter when it’s slacked and is great fun. Some of the attachment points got a bit twisted but were easily fixed. Ken’s very helpful in diagnosing problems and finding solutions. The ferrule on the cross spreader got unglued and slipped in the tube, cracking the other tube. Best to keep an eye on that.
I bought my 61/49 last year. The contact, the handling and the shipping to Germany went very well. Even after the purchase Ken was there to help me with advice and action. Thank you very much.
The 61/49 is a very special kite that I love to fly. It has very special flying characteristics that you have to get involved with – and then it is a lot of fun. In the sky it looks just great!
Bunduki Vlieger
A fantastic kite I always keep on hand for when the wind goes away. Superb craftsmanship and a joy to fly, it has saved many flying sessions with only a breath of a breeze.