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Stranger UL (Flexifoil)

Pardon the pun, but this kite will be a Stranger to no one.

From the inspirational genius of Andy Preston, the Stranger is the kite that started trick flying as we know it today.

Here we look at the Ultralight version which provides enhanced performance, particularly in lighter wind, although at a significantly higher price.

Design & Construction
The mould breaking design of the Stranger has changed the face of kite flying in recent years. The "twin reflex" leading edge and simple but striking asymmetrical panel layout make the kite instantly recognisable. A combination of a tight sail and leech line make the kite silent in flight and the trick line reduces tangles. The quality of construction is good, as are all Flexifoil products, but lacking in some finesse as is typical of "production line" kites.

Wind Range
The Strange UL performs superbly in almost next to no wind and thanks to its slow graceful flight, remains controllable and predictable. The upper wind range is quite low and in a stiffer breeze, you have to fight the kite to coerce it into tricks. Best suited to lighter winds leaving the standard Stranger for windier days.

In Flight and Trickability
The Stranger has a unique flying style which could be described as lazy, sleazy and laid-back. A delight to fly in an unrestricted and flowing manner although it can be a little sluggish to response to sharp commands.

The characteristic oversteer of the Stranger is acceptable in that it goes with the flying style of the kite but as trick kites have become sharper and more responsive the Stranger feels like it is lacking a certain edge. The Ultralight Stranger far surpasses the Standard version in terms of performance and I would urge any Stranger fan who hasn’t flown the Ultralight to give it a go.

Review by Andy Wardley.
This review was taken from
Kite Passion Magazine - May / June 1997