Kite flying is the ultimate spring activity. When the sun is just starting to poke out more often, everything is beginning to look a little greener, and the wind picks up just a little, that is perfect kite weather. Although to be fair, a lot of weather is kite weather!
If you really want to make your next kite day special, you can always make your own. To do this, however, you’ll need good materials. You can’t just tie some paper and sticks together with anything and assume it will maneuver the air with ease!
So what’s the best thread to use for flying kites? The best thread to use for flying kites is a sturdy but light thread. Polyester and nylon will last longer; cotton is not a lasting choice. You should also opt for threads that are braided rather than twisted.
In this guide, we’ll explain the key things to consider when searching for thread to use for your kites and suggest a few products that will fit the bill.
What to Consider When Choosing Thread for Kites
Kite line is available in many different sizes, lengths, diameters, weights and fibers.
There are also different ways to construct kite line. Typically, thread is either braided or twisted. Braided line is much better for kite-flying because it stays together and won’t easily fray, whereas twisted line tends to unravel in no time.
It takes more work to construct braided line or thread, so naturally, it will typically cost more. But, it will also last a lot longer. If you take kiting seriously, it is definitely worth investing a few extra bucks for the good stuff.
If you are making or repairing a kite for a child who doesn’t like to do many tricks or fly very high, any light thread will do, particularly fishing line.
But, if you want to seriously cut up the sky with some fancy high-action stunts or express your inner self with a little soul flying, you need a thread that can stand up to the pressure. You don’t want your gorgeous hand-made kite flying away without you. So, we’ve put together a few picks for the best kite threads below.
Best Threads for Flying Kites
Let’s take a look at the best threads for flying kites.
This list represents the best threads for flying kites. You will notice every one on the list is a braided thread made of heavy duty fibers that will take anything you can throw their way. The strength and durability of these cords guarantees that you won’t lose your kite to trees or windy days.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Emma Kites Braided Kevlar String for Kites | Kevlar, stronger than steel, braided |
| 2. | DingBear Braided Kite and Fishing Thread | Extra durable, light, multiple colors |
| 3. | AngryFish Super Strong Braided Fishing and Kite Line | Abrasion-resistant, 3 colors, braided |
| 4. | SGT Knots Spectra Cord for Kites and Crafting | Spectra, stronger than Kevlar |
| 5. | KastKing Super Power Braided Fishing Line | Bulletproof-strength, braided |
Whether you bought your kite ready-made or made it yourself, you can save yourself a lot of grief by using one of the threads on this list. Anything else and you almost certainly will lose your kite with the first strong breeze.
1. Emma Kites Braided Kevlar String for Kites
Heavy duty utility cord is the best thread for flying kites. It’s made tough to handle a variety of strenuous uses.
This 100~2000lb cord by Emma Kites is an excellent example of how great this stuff is for kite string, fixing kite lines, dragging lines for large kites, kite surfing, fishing, tent lines, and a whole slew of other applications.
This high-quality string is braided with 100% DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber. The same material is used in a variety of protective clothing and equipment to make them safer and more durable. It was developed to be five times stronger than steel and early uses included replacing the steel bands in tires with this material.
When you tie this thread to the end of your kite, you can be sure that kite is not going to break free. It is used whenever a tough, thermally stable, durable line is required. The cut-resistance of this line is one of the biggest advantages. You never have to worry about a tree branch cutting your kite line.
Because Kevlar doesn’t melt very easily and won’t seal itself like nylon and polyester, you have to seal off the ends with a tight knot or secure tape.
Pros:
- Cut-resistant.
- Highly resistant to abrasions and chemicals.
- Won’t melt in high temperatures, which is why it is used in firefighter safety equipment.
- Low stretch, giving you better control over your kite.
Cons:
- May be a bit too heavy for smaller kites
2. DingBear Braided Kite and Fishing Thread
The Dingbear super strong braided thread is ideal for fishing and kite- making.
This braided cord is tightly woven from 4 Dyneema® PE microfibers for superior strength and durability. The small diameter is much stronger than it looks.
It is covered with a special coating and enhanced with color protection. When you make your kite with this high-quality thread, you can take it out in the strongest wind and never worry about losing your kite.
The abrasion-resistant fiber won’t easily wear out, no matter how many times your kite gets caught in a tree. It won’t easily be cut off by a sharp branch, either. The smooth, round texture of the cord is easy to tie into a super strong knot to keep your kite securely on your line.
If you like bright colors, then this is definitely the kite thread for you. Dingbear line is available in dark blue, fresh green, multi-colored rainbow, white, dark green, gray, red, and yellow. Create the coolest kite ever with your favorite colored kite string.
Pros:
- Incredible abrasion resistance.
- Excellent strength and durability.
- Smooth and round.
- Available in a variety of colors.
Cons:
- Tends to fray over time
- Can snap when wet
3. AngryFish Super Strong Braided Fishing and Kite Line
Don’t let the low price of this super strong braided thread fool you. The Angryfish kite and fishing line is just as tough and durable as the higher priced versions.
It boasts zero stretch (which is an essential feature for flying a kite because it gives you better control) and a small diameter (which makes tying tight knots easier). It is the perfect cord for all of your heavy-duty crafting and fishing needs.
AngryFish specializes in producing high quality and durable lines so you never have to worry about breaking or fraying. The PE line braid is made with the same tough fibers used in protective safety wear, such as bulletproof vests and firefighting gear.
This line is super resistant to abrasions and cuts. The high quality thread is easy to tie into the tightest knots to keep your kite safely at the end of your line and not floating off on its own.
This is truly one of the best threads for flying kites and all sorts of other applications. If you are a serious kite maker or just playing around with the idea, you cannot go wrong with this kite line.
Pros:
- Excellent abrasion resistance.
- Resistant to cuts.
- High knot strength.
- High quality.
- Beautiful appearance, three color choices.
- Fine workmanship with line lubrication.
Cons:
- Will wear a little bit over time.
4. SGT Knots Spectra Cord for Kites and Crafting
Braided spectra twine will keep your kite securely on the line no matter how high you fly.
This tough thread is also great for spearfishing, rock climbing, tent building and so much more. When you need a tough, durable cord, SGT Knots is the answer.
Spectra is made of a durable synthetic fiber that features superior abrasion resistance, fatigue resistance, low-stretch and unrivaled strength.
In fact, this thread boasts strength of up to 15 times stronger than steel and 40% tougher than Kevlar.
This braided Spectra thread is super strong, weighs almost nothing, and can be used for a large variety of indoor and outdoor applications. This general-purpose cord excels in areas like speargun lines, kite lines, arbor throw lines, guy lines, rock climbing, lashing lines, tent support, and all-around survival cord.
Created by former marine, Mike Shelley, SGT Knots operates under the same high standards of honesty and integrity as The Marine Corps. When Mike approached the company to manufacture this product, he knew SGT Knots would bring these values to the market.
Pros:
- Very high quality
- Super strong
Cons:
- A bit more prone to snapping than other products on this list
- Not a smooth braid, slightly fuzzy
5. KastKing Super Power Braided Fishing Line
The super power braid line is like regular line kicked up about twenty notches. This braided cord is designed for strength and durability. The superior braids mean you never have to worry about frays or breaks.
You can use this super power thread with a whole slew of applications. From hanging plants in your garden or living room to flying a kite on a bright sunny day to casting your fishing line further than ever before.
Climb a mountain and pitch a tent or hang your clothes up to dry. Whatever activity you are involved with inside the house or out in the great outdoors, this cord will do the job like nothing you have ever seen.
Need to drag a canoe onshore for a portage? No problem. Anytime and any place you need a super powerful braided cord, this line from KastKing will be there for you. The ultra high molecular fiber is made with the same superior materials as bullet proof vests and other safety gear.
The low memory construction lets you fly your kite high and proud without worrying about your line getting all tangled in the wind. And the super strength of this thread ensures that your line won’t snap and leave your kite flying off into the horizon.
Pros:
- Bulletproof strength
- Very smooth, strong braided thread
- Every bit as good or better as the more expensive brands
Cons:
- There is a strange residue on the line that won’t easily wash off your hands
- The color fades over time
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