Current AeroStar Auction:  Sano SSZ "DYAD" #146-8 ends 7/25/08 @ 1:00 PM PDT. 

AeroStar Sportkites is no longer accepting orders for custom kites.  If you are interested in acquiring a new AeroStar, a very select number will periodically be auctioned on eBay.  For the current auction details, please refer to the News/Updates page!
If your AeroStar is in need of repairs and/or spare parts, support will still be provided -- please call or e-mail for assistance.

 

 

 

2003 News/Updates

October '03 Highlights

1. Does your computer need spruced up?  Then check out the new AeroStar Wallpapers.  Making one of these images your desktop background is definitely the hot ticket for you and your PC!  

September '03 Highlights

1. The Spica Pro EX page has been updated.  New photos were added for the optional YoYo stoppers plus the three sail upgrades.  In addition, the prices for all these options are now clearly listed.  Sorry this has taken so long to post and this should now eliminate any confusion. 

2. Another review of the ZeroStar SUL is now on-line.  This article was written by Joe Aull.  (Thanks Joe for granting permission to link to your web site!)  You can access all the reviews for this model by going to the ZeroStar Page.

3. All new AeroStar kites will now come with cases made from a Gold Diamond Ripstop.  With a very durable 6 ounce weight and a water repellant Urethane coating, this fabric offers excellent protection for your kite.  Also, this material really has a distinctive look and changes appearance when viewed from different angles.  Cool stuff!

August '03 Highlights

1. All five styles of the new AeroStar Sportkites hats are now in stock!  Click on the photo below for more info or to place your order.

2. Decided to discontinue stocking the Royal Blue PC-31 sailcloth.  In its place will be Midnight Blue.  This shade is darker than the Royal and can actually appear almost black when viewed indoors.  However, once in the sky and backlit, it turns a vibrant dark blue.  Also, it is a better match to the American flag when doing Patriotic kites (see photo below).  Sky Blue PC-31 will still be offered for those who want more of a neon blue appearance.     

AllStar UL in Red/White/Midnight Blue

July '03 Highlights

1. On the Flying Tips page, a new article was added that explains the technique for performing Flat Spins.

2. In the market for a full-size SUL?  A ZeroStar with low hours is available on the Finished Kites page.  Incidentally, this is the same kite that is featured on the Flash Intro! 

3. There have been several requests for apparel.  Pleased to report that AeroStar Hats are finally now here!  These ball caps are striking in appearance plus available is a wide variety of styles.  Can't promise they will improve your flying, but at least you'll look good (even when doing "the walk of shame" after a nasty tip wrap!)  Note: Styles AM1 and AM2 will be in stock soon. 

June '03 Highlights

1. The PC-31 fabric shortage seems to be over (for now!) and all colors are presently in stock.  Thanks to those customers who have patiently waited for the missing colors to arrive.  Rest assured, these backordered kites will be top priority and completed ASAP.

2. Several customers have experienced bounced e-mails when contacting AeroStar.  Turns out my ISP service has introduced a new anti-spam feature.  Unfortunately, a lot of legitimate messages aren't making it through either!  To remedy this problem, I set up a second e-mail account that utilizes the servers of my website hosting company.  The new address is:  paul@aerostarsportkites.com

3. Flier extraordinaire Ben Liptak has been doing some trick line testing on the Spica Pro EX.  He discovered that a 'W' profile trickline with very deep indents produced superior results when compared to the older 'W' and 'V' setups.  To maximize the indent, the main lines were initially going to knot directly to the inner standoffs.  However, this would not permit the center elastic section to always keep the trick line taut.  To remedy this, I added a pair of very short lines to each inner standoff.  Now when the wingtips flex inwards, these short sections act as pivot arms and let the elastic do its job.  This new trickline will now be standard on all production Spica Pro EXs!     

4.  Speaking of Ben, have you seen his new Spica Pro EX segment on the Video Clips page?  Very impressive to say the least!  Just about every sportkite trick known to man is included in this one clip. 

5. In addition to the '3D S' appliqué announced last month, you can now order a Spica Pro EX with the popular 'ArrowStar' design featured on the AllStar.  All the appliqués are options - prices will be listed on the Spica Pro EX page soon.  All three appliquéd versions of the sail are also now on the Design a Spica page...decisions, decisions!  

6. Wow, even more Spica news!  Lately, this kite has been overshadowed by the newer 'Star series, but it seems to be making a resurgence with several orders lately.  That is a good thing since this is an awesome little kite!  And, if you've had an opportunity to fly one, you know it is very easy to pitch.  To exploit this capability even further, Yo-Yo stoppers can be specified for the leading edges.  These fittings help to contain the lines better when doing roll-ups.  Like the appliqués, this will be an option (very nominal charge).  Probably best this way since some flyers will never use them while others think it ruins the clean lines of the kite.       

May '03 Highlights

1. Finally got a broadband Internet connection for the computer.  Now that the uploads speeds to my server are 10x as fast, decided to give the entire AeroStar website a fresh new look.  Hope you enjoy the changes.  Note: If you find any problems, please send an e-mail.  Thanks!  

2. Upon request, all the colorizer images now have sky backgrounds.  This should give a more accurate depiction as to how the various color combos would appear in flight.

3. A second colorizer Applet was added to the Design a Spica page.  Now, you can also model colors for the new '3D S' appliquéd version!  Adding this design to your sail will be a $25 option. 

April '03 Highlights

1. An AllStar Gallery page was started for some of the custom kites that have been completed.  These photos show the AllStar in a wide range of colors and styles - it may just spark some ideas for your own custom creation!

March '03 Highlights

1. New pictures were added to the Action Photos page.  Thanks to the people who submitted these.  If you are trapped in a cold climate, these new images shown at the bottom of the page should help to ease the pain!

2. Yet another great video from Ben Liptak may be found on the Video Clips page.  This is a large file, so using a broadband connection when downloading is suggested. The video features some fantastic freestyle flying of the Spica Pro.  Some very cool moves Superbird!

February '03 Highlights

1. Some news regarding the popular 'Star series of kites.  Lately, I've received several inquires asking if it would be possible to swap appliques.  (For example, use the 'ArrowStar' logo featured on the AllStar UL in place of the '3D Z' traditionally used on the ZeroStar SUL and vice versa.)  This is no problem - you can select the applique you prefer!  In fact, several 'Star UL and SUL kites with either applique have already been built.

AllStar 'ArrowStar' Appliqué

ZeroStar '3D Z' Appliqué

To eliminate any confusion, here is how the kites will be named, numbered and constructed:  The appliqué style will dictate whether the kite is called an AllStar or ZeroStar.  This will also determine the kite build sequence number.  The UL or SUL designation at the end is what actually distinguishes the intended wind range and major design differences such as airframe type, bridal geometry, amount of sail reinforcement, etc.  

In summary, an AllStar SUL and ZeroStar SUL would be identical kites with the exception of the appliqués.  Conversely, a ZeroStar UL and ZeroStar SUL would be substantially different kites despite having the same '3D Z' appliqués.  Some customers who have ordered both a 'Star UL and SUL have specified they be made with the same appliqué and in identical color schemes.  Besides wanting a matching pair, their wives could also be fooled into thinking only one new kite was purchased.  Very sneaky!

2. Ben Liptak took some AllStar UL video clips he shot and made a compilation piece complete with music.  Check out the Video Clips page to watch this new video.  Nice light wind flying Ben and good job on the video editing- thanks!

3. Effective immediately, the Pulsar Pro and Elite have been discontinued.  Various new Aerostar designs are being considered.  Not sure what the first kite prototype tested and ultimately put into production will be.  Could it be an updated Pulsar (with stunning graphics!), a Vented 'Star series kite or maybe another trickster?  Only time will tell!  I never rush my designs, but hoping for a Fall '03 release of a new model.

January '03 Highlights

1. Aerostar Sportkites has recently established a PayPal Business Account.  This will provide customers the convenience of paying on-line with any major credit card.  More details can be found on the Ordering Info page.

2. Another review of the new Aerostar AllStar UL is now available with an article written by Joe Aull.  Thanks to Joe for granting permission to link to his web site!  CLICK HERE to read this review.

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