Why do fighter kites usually fly without tails?

Fighter kites are designed to fly without tails because the presence of a tail would hinder their agility.1

While many flat kites require a tail to provide the drag necessary for balance and directional stability, fighter kites achieve this stability through a balanced bow. By incorporating a tapered bamboo spine and a bowline that creates a curve in the kite's face, these kites maintain stability without the drag-inducing tail. This tailless design is essential for the high maneuverability required in kite fighting, where the objective is to skillfully control the kite to cut an opponent's flying line.21