The Kite Shoppe Glossary is a living document that will be updated with new information over time to define acronyms, abberviations, and terms that are used within the kiting community.   

Box kite – A kite with a box shaped framework, often a single line kite. 

Bridle – Configuration of line attached to the frame.

Delta kite – A kite with a triangular shape often flown with a single line or dual line.

Dual line kite – Two lines used to maneuver kite.  Generally a delta shape.

End cap – Hard and vinyl parts attached to the end of spars.

Leading Edge (LE) – Leading edge frame. The outer framing of the sail  tip of the nose to the wing.   Some kites will have a one piece LE (leading edge) while others may have a two piece leading edge consisting of both a lower leading edge (LLE) and an upper leading edge (ULE).

Lower Leading Edge (LLE) – See Leading edge (LE).

Laser Pro Gold (LPG) – High performance kite line. 

Nock – Attachment to the tip of the lower leading edge (LLE) used to tension and secure the sail.

Quad line kite – Four lines used to fly kite.  Generally a rectangle shaped kite. 

Ready to Fly (RTF) – Flying line is included with kite.

Single line kite - Kite flown with one line.

Spar – Part of the frame.

Standard kite – Kite designed to generally be flown in the 4-18 mph wind range.

Stand off (S.O.) – Connects the sail to the lower spreader

Super Ultra Light (SUL) kite – Kite designed for optimal performance in wind range 0-6 mph.  Individual kites may be designed to excel in even more specific wind speeds.

Upper leading edge (ULE) – See Leading edge (LE).

Ultra Light (UL) kite – Kite designed to be flown in wind range of 2-6 mph.  Some kites may be tailored to perform best even in more specific wind speeds.

Variable Vented  (VV) kite – Kite with variable venting capabilities to allow the flier to increase or decrease exposed mesh to control the amount of wind passing through the sail.

Vented kite – Kite with mesh in the sail to allow air to pass through the sail to alleviate pressure on the sail.  These kites are flown in the 16-30 mph range.