ultracompact, breathable, weather resistant lifestyle jacket, for cycling, running and flying as a stunt kite. Join us and get yours!
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€497
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ultracompact, breathable, weather resistant lifestyle jacket, for cycling, running and flying as a stunt kite. Join us and get yours!
About this project
KyteMe is a windbreaker or light jacket that is ultra-compact, ultra-light, breathable, and wind and rain repellent. It is ideal for cycling, running, and many other sporty outdoor activities. KyteMe is the first multifunctional windbreaker that can fly. With a few simple steps, it can be converted into a fully functioning stunt kite! We have put a lot of months and countless tests into bringing this product from conception to finished prototype. This is our second Kickstarter project and we are now ready to begin production with your help and support.
KyteMe is a windbreaker/jacket that has primarily been designed to protect the wearer from rain, wind, and cold during outdoor activities. This is achieved by using high tech materials available today.
KyteMe is not just a normal, stylish sports jacket. KyteMe is more. First, we developed the jacket and took care to include the features we would want in a lightweight windbreaker. In order to ensure we could incorporate all the features, a lot of testing had to be done. KyteMe now has more than 18 exciting features that we want to briefly describe here. All pictures were taken with our prototypes and do not correspond with the final quality. It’s still not yet clear what kind of fabric will be chosen, but it will certainly have the described functions.
KyteMe isn’t a normal stunt kite. With a few simple steps, KyteMe transforms into a stylish windbraeker jacket. Due to the special form, the sophisticated stitching loops and the provided insertions, it is possible to transform KyteMe from a stunt kite into a jacket and vice versa.
The entire sail area of the adult version is approximately 0.28 m² and the kid’s version 0.25 m². Since the surface of the kid’s version is smaller, the weight is reduced by using smaller hybrid bars. Almost the same flight characteristics as the adult KyteMe can be achieved.
The kite bridle connects the KyteMe with the leash. The bridle is responsible for the position of KyteMe to the wind and determines the flight characteristics. In general, the bridle determines the ratio between traction to buoyancy when splitting the wind power (angle of attack). The steeper KyteMe stands, the more it will be turned into traction. The flatter it is, the more it will be turned into buoyant force. The bridle of KyteMe provides good flight characteristics and is optimally coordinated and aligned. Anyone who has ever built a stunt kite knows from experience that it is not easy to determine which clip of the bridle has to be fastened with which end, due to missing labeling.
We easily resolved that problem with KyteMe. All end points are color coded. The flight direction to the front right (starboard): green – flight direction front left (strokeside): red – Down (astern) white and on top black. Similar to the navigation lights of an airplane ;-)
We use high-quality, especially light and durable hybrid carbon fiber bars. In total, the PURE Version comes with six bars. Two for each wing and two for the trunk. At the same time the necessary connectors (3 pieces), end caps (3 pieces) and the nose of the stunt kite are all included. The PRO Version also includes a spreader bar that guarantees a higher stability and increases the flyable spectrum to 3 – 6 Beaufort (2x hybrid spreader bars, 2x spreader fittings, 1x middle connector).
Transform the Jacket into a Kite in four steps:
- Lay the jacket flat with the back to the floor
- Assemble the fiber bars for the right and left arm and insert them into the inner arm sleeve near the cuff.
- Put the bars into the kite nose and insert the middle bars through the Velcro and fix them at the bottom.
- Put the middle bars into the nose.
RTF - Ready To Fly!
Our biggest challenge was to work out a design which is wearable and at the same time flyable. We had to experiment with changing the surface, angles, lengths, loops and holders in order to achieve the right ratio to provide the features listed above. In countless trials, we step by step searched for the best shape and finally found a flyable form. After the shape was found, we thought about the actual design and coloring. KyteMe should be simple and cool, preferably unisex but yet stylish.
We decided on a muted black / dark gray and integrated colorful glowing features. At the same time, these glowing features serve the purpose of a safety aspect on sports clothing. Even though the main color is dark, the applications on the arms and the collar are glowing and serve as an eye catcher in order not to be overlooked. You can choose between two color applications: black/yellow hornet or black/pink butterfly.
We’ve already tested many possible fabrics, but so far we haven't decided on one. The manufacturer is also has not yet been determined, but we have already been in contact with different manufacturers within Europe as well as in Asia. Luckily we have a lot of choices - especially for the outdoor area. A lot of interesting possible fabrics have been created in the last few years.
KyteMe PURE:
Includes 1x KyteMe (size and color can be decided later at the survey), complete framework (6x hybrid carbon fiber bars, 3x connectors, 1x kite nose, 3x end caps), quiver for transportation of the framework/accessories with retaining Velcro tape, bridle, handles / reel with tethers. RTF "Ready To Fly".
KyteMe PRO:
Includes 1x KyteMe (size and color can be decided later at the survey), complete framework (6x hybrid carbon fiber bars, 3x connectors, 1x kite nose, 3x end caps), additional spreader bars for more stability (2x hybrid carbon fiber bars, 2x spreader fittings, 1x middle connector), quiver for transportation of the framework/accessories with retaining Velcro tape, bridle, handles / reel with tethers. RTF "Ready To Fly".
KyteMe PRIME:
Includes 1 x KyteMe (size and color can be decided later at the survey), removable hood used as compact bag in application color, complete framework (6x hybrid carbon fiber bars, 3x connectors, 1x kite nose, 3x end caps), additional spreader bars for more stability (2x hybrid carbon fiber bars, 2x spreader fittings, 1x middle connector), quiver for transportation of the framework/accessories with retaining Velcro tape, bridle, handles / reel with tethers. RTF "Ready To Fly".
The differences of the perks:
- Pro = additional spreader bars
- Prime = plus additional removable hood can be used as compact bag
KyteMe PRIME x-mas package:
choose this perks and receive KyteMe cap, handles and a nice voucher for a x-mas gift. You will get this first package before x-mas. Second packege with your KyteMe PRIME will follow.
We have tested a lot and we are ready to start the manufacturing process within a narrow time frame. Some parts, such as the kite nose, have to be specifically produced for KyteMe with the injection molding process. For this, costly tools will need to be produced. In order to let KyteMe fly, we need your support. We assume that we will need a maximum of 5-6 months for the final production, including the production of all the tools we will need. A year ago, we came close to sticking to our timeline with our successful project DreamMe. We have learned a lot about setting expectations. There is nothing more frustrating than waiting for the long-awaited Kickstarter product or not receiving it at all.
We’ve already pleased 866 backers in more than 18 countries of the world and we will do our very best in order to produce satisfied backers for KyteMe. We would be very happy if you would help us out – let us make the streets and sky more colorful!
Risks and challenges
Small risk of time delay with manufacturing. We have investigated many manufacturing options and will choose the manufactures we trust the most. However producing real hardware always includes the risk of rework needed for one reason or another. We have done our best to make sure we have provided an as accurate as possible timeline for delivery of your KyteMe, including some buffer time allowing for delays.
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