Hardware: Swivels | Carabiners | Figure Eight Rings | Pulleys Anchors: Straps | Sand Anchors | Spikes Flying Line: Heavy Line | Premium Heavy Line | Line Spools | Light Line | Line Winders Bags: Wonder Bags | Scramble Bags | Compression Bags | Stuff Sacks Poles and Accessories: Tellescopic | WindStinger | TourMaster | Sleeve | Stake Clothing: Gom-Ware Pullovers | "Serious Kiter Caps | Other Clothing | Pins & Patches Flying Tips: Laundry Attachments | The Larkshead Knot | Using Line on Rings and Biners Frequently Asked Questions Click here for information on how to place an order.

Flying Line for Larger Kites: Quality flying line can seem expensive. But when you consider the cost of quality kites, paying a few dollars for the right equipment to fly them is a small and worthwhile investment.

Heavy Line for Big Kites: For larger kites, we like a line we can put our hands on. The diameter may be a bit thicker, but big kites can usually lift it and overcome any drag without a problem. This line also has a little stretch. Normally, that's not what you want. But with big kites, a bit of flexibility will keep a gust from pulling your anchor out. Our heavy line has a twisted nylon core and a black polyester cover. It is tough, wear-resistant, attractive, and economical.

Rather then pack hard line winders, we store and transport our heavier lines in fabric bags. Stuff it in after a day of flying and you'll be surprised how easily it comes out next time. Plus, these stuff sacks pack into the same soft bags as our kites without any problem. A fabric bag is included with each heavy line purchase. Line comes in 300 foot spools. The price listed is 25% off the suggested retail price. We provide this discount when you buy line with a kite, or for a kite you have purchased from us in the past six months.

Strength	Diameter	Lbs per 100 ft	Price
500 lbs	3mm	.55	$45
750 lbs	4mm	.77	$54
1200 lbs	5mm	1.23	$71
1800 lbs	6mm	2.02	$100
2500 lbs	7mm	2.62	$125

Premium Heavy Flying Line: One of the problems with heavy duty flying line is that it is .... heavy. Three hundred feet of 2500 pound line weighs nearly eight pounds. And that can add up when you travel to festivals in airplanes like we often do. For that reason, we are starting to carry a more expensive line that is thinner and lighter for its strength. Specton is a 12-strand single braided rope made from 100% HMWPE (high molecular weight polyethylene). We carry 1/8 and 3/16 inch stuff with a working strength of 1,800 and 3,800 pounds respecively. They weigh one-fourth the weight of dacron line in the same strength.

Here is what the manufacturer says: 100% Spectra Single Braid. Spectron 12 offers great strength and negligible stretch coupled with extremely low weight. This combination makes it the right choice anywhere maximum weight savings is desired. Special UV coating is slippery, so it runs well, though it can be difficult to handle. Spectron, like the lighter spectra lines you use for sport kites, is spendy. The 1,800 pound is 40 cents a foot and the 3,800 pound is 65 cents. We'll cut any length you want. So for 100 feet, they are $40 and $65 respectively. That's about 30% off the list price.

Looking for a quick and effective way to attach the flying line to the kite? Use a larkshead! Just tie a loop in the end of the flying line. Double the loop over itself, slide that over a knot at the end of the kite's bridle, and snug it down. Line tension will keep the larkshead tight until you are ready to remove it.

Once you get the hang of this simple knot, you'll find it indispensable for connecting your flying line, attaching laundry to "pigtails" and anchoring.

Lighter Flying Line: For what most people call "normal" kites -- ones that require less then 500 pound line -- we use a black dacron line. The lightly waxed finish is easier to handle and the hollow braid can easily be spliced back together in the case of a cut or break. We prefer the dark color because it repels dirt, is easier to see in the sky, and because, well, because we like it... Again, the price listed is 15% off the suggested retail price. We provide this discount when you buy line with a kite, or for a kite you have purchased from us in the past six months.

Strength	500 feet	1000 feet	3000 feet
100 lbs	$17	$34	$102
200 lbs	$27.50	$55	$165
300 lbs	$30	$60	$180

Premium Wooden Line Winders: You can use all kinds of things to wind up your flying line. We use these handsome Hardwood Handles, individually crafted here in Oregon. There are two sizes - the standard 12 inch for $9 and the large 18 inch for $12.

Plastic Line Spools: Grab a handy 6 inch line winder in bright plastic colors. Our colorful spools are hard to break, hard to lose, and hard to resist. The narrow construction makes them easier to hold and to store. Choose 200 feet of 85 pound line - great for smaller kites - on a blue winder for $6. Or choose 150 feet of 170 pound line on a red winder for $7.

Anchors and Hardware: A good strap and a strong carabiner are essential accessories for every large kite. You can easily tie off to trees, bumpers, fences, or ground stakes. And if you are forced to move, holding the strap is much easier then hanging onto the flying line.

Anchor Straps: When we anchor, GKPI uses an eight foot length of tubular climbing webbing with loops power-stitched into each end. We combine this with an Omega oval carabiner rated at over 4000 pounds. Then we attach a small piece of bungee to the strap so we can wrap the whole thing up neatly. If you need a similar set-up, we'll sell you the strap and biner for $15.

Click here for information on how to place an order.

Mini Carabiners: To attach tubes, pillows. spinsocks, and flags, we twist small "pearabiners" into the line. We used to buy them at climbing stores for $4.50 each, but have now found a way to buy in bulk and save a few dollars. We'll sell them for $3 each. Note: Although ideal for attaching accessories, these smaller carabiners are not designed to handle the stress of anchoring larger kites.

Large Carabiners: We also have the larger biners, Omega oval carabiner rated at over 4000 pounds. Use them with sand anchors or other hardware. $7.00 each.

We've seen all kinds of tricks used to attach laundry to a flying line. Most involve knots which cause abrasion and weaken line strength. Our approach is a lot more simple.

We wrap small carabiners into the main flying line. Normally, three twists work just fine. When the line is slack, you can slide the "biner" anywhere you want. But when the kite goes up and tension builds on the line, the "biner" is locked in place. It's quick, easy, and doesn't reduce line strength.

Swivels: If something turns or spins, it needs a swivel. If it doesn't, then don't bother with extra hardware.

For fast turning pieces like Parachutes and Spiked Bols or Baskets, we recommend Sampo Ballbearing Swivels. They are smooth, tough, and don't wear out. We use the double-ring style which we find stronger than the wire snap. The rings are just the right size for Mini Carabiners. Sampo are a bit more expensive, but will pay for themselves over a long working lifespan. Your cost is 3 for $10 on the 500 pound and 4 for $10 on the 300 pound

For larger jobs, you need bigger hardware. We now have a bigger, stronger aluminum swivel designed for large Spinsocks and Bols. Rated to about 1500 pounds, the aluminum swivel will resist sand and grit, and turn about as well as anything not under water. The cost is $20 each. And for very serious workloads, the best swivel we have found is the Petzl. It is rated to 5000 pounds and we provide one with each of our 28 foot Crowns. The price is pretty hefty too -- $60 each. But a quick internet search will show that we're actually well below the normal pricing on this ultimate turning device.

Micro Pulley: Here's how it works: The pulley slides over your flying line, and then you snap a caribiner and strap through the holes and walk the line down. Sure you can do the same thing with your bare hands. But why bother??

Our pulley handles line of up to 1/2 thickness. Sideplates are anodized aluminum with a steel axle and a nylon sheave. Each pulley is rated to 5,000 pounds. We sell them for $15 each.

Figure 8 Rings: You can lock your line into the carabiner at the end of the strap with a simple larkshead. Or you can put a few twists of line around the oval and slowly let line out. It works fine. But it works better with a Figure 8 Ring. These rings are designed for smooth, controlled line adjustments. Anchor the small end to the ground with a strap, and then wrap the line around the larger "O". With one wrap, you can slowly let line out. With a second wrap, you can lock the line in place.

They are a bit spendy at $16 each, but it's worth having one around. Besides, they never fail to impress the amateurs...

Click here for information on how to place an order.

Sand Anchors: You arrive on the beach ready to fly, look around, and there isn't anything in sight to tie off to. What to do??

Simple. Just pull one of our sand anchors out of your bag. This ingenious Australian design is a square meter of fabric with straps sewn into it. You dig a hole in the sand, lay the fabric in the hole, fill the sand back in, and then connect your kite to the straps with a carabiner. We sell the anchors for $9.99 each. Or you can make your own. Use different size "biners" depending on the size of your kites. Mini Anchors - two to a package each 6 inches square - $10 Large Anchors - one to a package each 3 feet square - $10 Super Anchors - one to a package - big biner included each 4 feet square - heavy duty - $25 Click here for more instructions on how to use sand anchors. Smaller anchors will hold kites that pull up to 50 pounds. Larger anchors will hold larger kites, up to and including the giants if you follow the instructions we've included.

Click on the photo for a schematic.

For hard ground, use solid metal stakes. Check your hardware store for re-bar or construction spikes.

Make sure you set your anchor spikes deep into the ground. And remember to tie-off low on the spike. Otherwise the kite will pull your spike loose and create a dangerous situation.

Storage and Travel Bags: Big kites need big bags. But you don't want to spend a bunch of money on bags so check this out.

Wonder Bags: Our big duffels are big enough to hold just about anything! These big kite duffels are a huge 40 inches long. They hold a full-size Peter Lynn giant, a disassembled buggy, or enough assorted kites, laundry, and line that you easily go over the airline weight restrictions. And now we see that they will even hold your wife! Click here for a better photo of the bag.

Wonder Bags are absolutely the biggest bags the airlines allow. Your price?? Just -- $25! (Wife not included.)

Stuff Sacks: Use them for kites, cram them full of laundry, or store your line in them for easy transport and access -- our stuff sacks are simple and indispensable Bags are in tough nylon fabric with a round bottom. They include a drawstring and plastic toggle-lock. We also have longer bags, which are great for poles, spars, or longer kites.

Giant "Scramble" Bags: You look over your shoulder and suddenly realize that a rain storm is bearing down on you and there are still big kites strewn over the field. You need to scramble! And to do that, you need a scramble bag!! Our "Scrambles" are a huge 60 by 42 inches and designed to stuff loose foils or a big Peter Lynn away fast. We sell them for $25. If you are lucky, you'll never need one. But when you need one, you'll find it money well spent.

Stuff Sack Sizes and Prices: Small - 16x8 inches - $5 each or three for $12 Medium - 24x12 inches - $7 each or three for $18 Large - 39x24 inches - $12 each or three for $30 Giant "Scramble" Bag - 60x42 inches - $25 each. Long - 49x5 inches - $6 each or three for $15

Compression or "Crunch" Bags: If you are traveling or pressed for storage space, Crunch Bags are the answer. They stand about seven feet tall but have three compression lines that allow you to squeeze down to about three feet. Designed and manufactured by Peter Lynn, the Crunch Bags will hold two large Octopus or a whole bunch of soft kites, line and laundry. They are tough and take a beating, but also take some effort to compress. This is the bag-of-choice for traveling fliers who want to limit bulk. But they are spendy at $110 each. So if you are just looking for storage, our Wonder Bags are a great option

Compression Stuff Bags: Fill it full of fabric and then cinch it down to maximize valuable packing space. Our 13 by 30 inch Compression Bags are just the right size for a 252 Flowform or a Peter Lynn Mid Size. They will also hold a lot of laundry or even a sleeping bag. This is a top-stuffing bag with a zippered closure. Side straps pull the top and bottom together for maximum compression. They come in black or black-- what a surprise! Your cost is $30 which may seem like a lot until you check what REI or Camping Depot is charging.

Click here for information on how to place an order.

Banner Poles and Accessories: Gomberg Kites offers the complete line of banner and windsock display systems. These are not fishing poles with a "sensitive" (ie. flimsy) tip that will break off in the wind or puncture your banner. Our award winning poles were specifically designed for display and banner applications. When selecting a display system, you should first consider what you want to do with it. Some poles are designed for convenience and portability. Some are designed for durable long-term commercial displays. Stronger poles are heavier and more expensive than lighter ones. And of course, we have a selection to meet any of these conditions and applications. Tellescopic Poles:Generally speaking, telescopic poles are more convenient for traveling exhibitions. They are lighter and extend quickly. But they have extra parts (end caps and plugs), and sometimes the sections will collapse. Taping the transition will eliminate this problem but that reduces the ease of installation. Modular Poles:Modular poles contain multiple independent section that connect externally. They are heavier and more durable than telescopic poles. They don't have extra parts to keep track of. But they also take slightly more time to assemble. ("Slightly" in this case, mean three minutes instead of one minute.) Anchor Stakes:Use a proper anchor. Metal anchors will weaken or damage the inside of fiberglass poles. Fiberglass anchor stakes are clean, lightweight, and minimize pole damage.

Heavy Duty Telescopic Poles GKPI stocks a thick-walled, telescopic pole in 16, 28, and 31 foot lengths. If you need to display windsocks, or put a smaller kite on static display, this is the tool to use. And it still collapses to 45 inches. Priced at $35, $50 and $60 retail plus $9 for an anchor stake. The heavy duty pole has a wider, 2 inch base, multiple extending sections, and a flat black matte finish. To extend the pole, simply remove the end cap and tilt the pole down so all the sections slide out. Kite line can easily be stored on the pole when wound around the two firmly attached brass clips. Choose 16, 28 or 31 Feet Compact Storage of 44.5 Inches Two Brass Winder Clips Top Ring for Easy Connections Total Weight - Under 5 pounds Black Matte Finish $35, $50, and $60 Retail $9 Anchor Stake Wide 2 Inch Base Nine Tellescopic Sections Two Brass Clips For more details and specifications on all our poles, check our Poles and Display System Pages.

The 16.5 foot TourMaster™ is designed for people who can't carry a longer 42 inch pole. It has all the great benefits of our larger tellescopic poles but with smaller sections, it breaks down to just 24 inches. The TourMaster™ is perfect for a suitcase, duffel bag, or crowded car trunk. $40 retail or $49 with anchor stake. Unbreakable Metal Base Cap Collapses to Just 24 Inches Improved Metal Connector Tip The TourMaster™ includes a metal screw-on base cap that won't crack or break, 9 telescopic sections, a solid fiberglass end section for more strength, and an improved metal tip that won't puncture banners and is easy to connect windsocks to. And it costs the same as the standard 16 foot pole.

The 16.5 foot tall WindStinger™ modular fiberglass pole is designed for long-term display and commercial applications. It was named the best new product of 2007 by the Kite Trade Association International. $75 retail or $84 with anchor stake. The "Stinger" is a heavy-duty commercial banner pole featuring our exclusive modular stacking assembly. This pole cannot collapse even during extended use and there are no pesky caps and plugs to keep track of! Each section is numbered for fool proof assembly. WindStingers are more rigid and better suited to permanent banner or windsock display. It is specifically sized to hold a Windfeather Banners Add an optional extension section to stretch the WindStinger to 20 feet! Stinger Exrtenstions are $15. Deluxe Storage Bag Modular Assembly Reinforced Base Improved Metal Tip For more details and specifications on all our poles, check our Poles and Display System Pages.

The 16.5 foot tall WindRuler™ modular fiberglass pole is designed for recreational banner displays and commercial applications. It was named the best new product of 2007 by the Kite Trade Association International. $75 retail or $84 with anchor stake. The "Ruler" is a heavy duty banner pole featuring our exclusive modular stacking assembly. This pole cannot collapse even during extended use and there are no pesky caps and plugs to keep track of! Each section is numbered for fool proof assembly. WindRulers are more flexible and better suited to recreational banner or windsock display. It is specifically sized to hold a Windfeather Banners Deluxe Storage Bag Modular Assembly Reinforced Base Improved Metal Tip For more details and specifications on all our poles, check our Poles and Display System Pages.

Banner Stakes: Many people use rebar to anchor their banners. And that's why their poles break. The metal edges rub the inside of the pole and weakens it. And the metal doesn't flex in the wind. The preferred way to anchor your poles is with lighter weight, flexible and clean fiberglass stakes. $9 retail. The Get In the Wind stake is a 42 inch solid 1/2 inch diameter fiberglass pole. Buy them in a set with your poles or buy them separately for $9 each.

GKPI Poles and Accessories 16.5 ft Telescopic Pole and anchor stake -- $44.00 16.5 ft Telescopic Pole only (no stake) -- $35.00 28 ft Telescopic Pole and anchor stake -- $59.00 28 ft Telescopic Pole only (no stake) -- $50.00 31 ft Telescopic Pole and anchor stake -- $69.00 31 ft Telescopic Pole only (no stake) -- $60.00 16.5 ft TourMaster™ Telescopic and anchor stake -- $49.00 16.5 ft TourMaster™ Telescopic only (no stake) -- $40.00 16.5 ft WindStinger™ Modular Pole and anchor stake -- $84.00 16.5 ft WindStinger™ Modular Pole only (no stake) -- $75.00 3.5 ft WindStinger™ Extension Section -- $15.00 16.5 ft WindRuler™ Modular Pole and anchor stake -- $84.00 16.5 ft WindRuler™ Modular Pole only (no stake) -- $75.00 Solid Fiberglass Stake -- $9.00 10% discount or orders of 6 units.

Pole Sleeves: Want to display more than one windsock on your pole? We've got just the thing! The exclusive GKPI Pole Sleeve is designed to fit over the 16.5 foot Ringmaster™. It connects to the banner hook at the base of the pole, and contains four plastic snap-hooks spread at three foot intervals from the top.

Pole-Sleeves are $12 each or three for $30 and are designed for small and moderate sized "pole laundry" such as Spikey Balls or Star Pillows.

Click here for information on how to place an order.

Clothing, Window Stickers, and Accessories: We'll admit it. Seeing someone sporting our well-worn name on the field gives us a special thrill. So in order to encourage just that, we've produced the very best kite clothing we could find and then offered it to you at our cost. And keep in mind, you never know what kind of discount you may get on other stuff if you make a habit of wearing our colors...

Gom-Ware Pullovers: In 1996, we outfitted our group to China in GomWare pullovers. We paraded in the cool night air of the Weifang opening ceremonies, flew in the blistering sun of Tianamin Square, and climbed the Great Wall in a light drizzle. We wore them day-after-day, slept in them on the train, spilled all kinds of Chinese food across them, shook out the dust and then wore them to formal banquets. After ten days, our Gom-Ware still looked great! This shirt may be the perfect kite pullover. The outside is tough, soil resistant twill, while the inside is 100% cotton woven fleece. The design is a classic, long sleeve, 2 button polo with knit collar, banded waist and cuff. No silk-screening here. Everything is completely embroidered and features our distinctive eagle logo. Gom-Ware Polos come in black for $35.

Are you a serious kiteflier?? For the past year, we've been sending out hats when people buy big kites. These brushed twill caps are a Gomberg exclusive. And to prove it, we put our web address on the back. We normally sell them for $20, but you can have one for ten bucks if you have bought anything from us in the past year (or buy something now!) A seriously good deal!

We've finally got patches and pins. Cool!! Wear them on your hat, your jacket, or sewn to your kite bag. The embroidered patches are 3 inches and the cloisonné pins are one-and-a-eighth inches. You can have either for $5.

Other Clothing, and Accessories: In cooperation with CafePress, GKPI is now offfering a collection of clothing, tote bags, mugs, window stickers, and cards. You can even order GKPI boxer shorts! Click on any of the images to see our entire product line. Please note that these products are ordered direct from CafePress and not us. And if you are interested in a line of your own shirts, CafePress can do it for you too. They make them one-at-a-time so you don't have to pay for inventory. Please be sure to list GombergKites so we get credit for referring you. Oh -- and if you buy a Window Sticker for $2.50, send us a picture of it on your car and we'll give you a $5 credit on your next kite or laundry purchase.

Place an Order Go to Flying Line, Anchors, and Hardware Go to Foils and Lifters Go to Bols, Socks, and Line Laundry Go to Peter Lynn Kites Go to Fun Inflatables Back to Gomberg Kite Productions International Email: Info@GombergKites.com Phone: 541-996-3083 (8 to 8 Pacific)