Power Kite Forum - Newbie Kite selection Question

Newbie Kite selection Question

oOTomOo - 16-9-2009 at 06:15 AM

Hi,

I'm fairly new to power kiting. My mate gave me his unwanted present - a cheepo 2m x 80cm 2 line kite (I think that's the size - it's in the boot, I forgot)

I've taken it out a few times now in fairly calm wind (leaves and small twigs blowing) and absolutely love it.

Now I'm looking for something a bit more - I'd like a 4 line kite with some more power and i've been looking at the Flexfoil Sting. But the thing i cant decide is what size to go for, I'm torn between the 2.4 and 3.3

I want something with a fair bit of pull that i can lean back into and will drag me across the ground a bit in some higher winds. but i dont want to be overwhelmed first time out!

But i also dont want to get a smaller kite and be fed up of it after a while!

As i say, I usually go out in a light breeze and i'm a little over 13st

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking to spend around £100 - £150 if there are any other kites i should look at?

Thanks,

Tom

WELDNGOD - 16-9-2009 at 06:30 AM

either one would be safe. Stings are the easiest flexifoils to fly. I got my wife the 1.7 in pink. Sometimes I use it to landboard in25-30 mph.
Good pick mate!
WG

furbowski - 16-9-2009 at 06:30 AM

I'd get the 3.3, it will start giving you the pull you want about 8 mph or so. The dragging would kick in around 12 or so, on soft sand that is, on wet grass you'll be sliding in 8 mph.

leaves and small twigs blowing is a bit more wind than that, though... sounds like 10-12 mph or so...

if you have many winds stronger than what you normally go out in, consider starting with the 2.4.

soccerflyer - 16-9-2009 at 06:30 AM

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=1985 - Lots of info to help close the knowledge gap!

What are the typical wind ranges in your area?

Just FYI - some others in your boat . . . . . .

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=10747
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=10772
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=9998

oOTomOo - 16-9-2009 at 06:45 AM

All, thanks for the info, i'll have a skim through the other threads!

Quote:

Originally posted by soccerflyer

What are the typical wind ranges in your area?

I'm not sure what typical speeds are, i've never paid much attention before i picked up a kite. Usually fairly calm.

Looking on the met office website, this week they are ranging anywhere between 3 and 12 mph, usually being around the 5-8 mark.

So i think the 3.3 might be the way to go

furbowski - 16-9-2009 at 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oOTomOo

I'm not sure what typical speeds are, i've never paid much attention before i picked up a kite. Usually fairly calm.

Looking on the met office website, this week they are ranging anywhere between 3 and 12 mph, usually being around the 5-8 mark.

So i think the 3.3 might be the way to go

if they're like for a month or two more, then go for it! :thumbup:

but do have a look at your winter winds, with skills you could handle 20 mph+ after a few hours on the kite.

your previous two-line will be a big bonus, but most folks transitioning from two to four lines often mess up their brake line usage a lot in the first little while.

the sting is a stupid easy relaunch, you will love that aspect after dealing with your two-line....

oOTomOo - 16-9-2009 at 07:08 AM

Yea, it's always fun having my mate run around after the 2 line when I nose dive it into the ground!

Do winter winds tend to be stronger then?:embarrased:

furbowski - 16-9-2009 at 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oOTomOo

Do winter winds tend to be stronger then?:embarrased:

most areas, yes.

don't know where you are, can't comment further.... :no:

a loyal kite monkey is a very good thing, btw...

oOTomOo - 16-9-2009 at 07:56 AM

I'm in the UK - Yorkshire area

Hopefully my Girlfriend will serve as a kite monkey, usually take my kite out when we walk the dog..

furbowski - 16-9-2009 at 08:27 AM

if u r in the uk, u will def have very strong winter winds.... starting sooner rather than later. say a month at most, maybe two.

the uk is one of the windiest countries on earth.

but if i remember right, yorkshire is inland, so gusty and wiggly winds may be more of a problem than the actual wind speed.

do check your winter winds, mate...

oOTomOo - 16-9-2009 at 08:43 AM

Hmm, might have shifted a little more to the 2.4 side of the fence after that :puzzled:

I usually tend to fly in lighter winds though, it's too cold out if it's too windy!

One of my concerns would be the kite actually flying in slower winds.. would both actually fly in a gentle breeze, or would the 3.3 be better for that?

furbowski - 16-9-2009 at 08:48 AM

the 3.3 is better for gentle breezes...

some other kites are a LOT better, but that's for later...

too cold is bad yes, but flying kites hard can make the sport warmer than you might believe...

if you get into this sport, a quiver of kites for your breezes is inevitable.

but after a few hours of flying time, you'll be able to handle some pretty good winds with the sting.

it's the first few flights that need to happen in light winds, but with your 2-line experience (you do know what the wind window is, right?) you're well ahead of the beginner learning curve.

just don't forget to watch what you are doing with the brakes, be very aware of the slack / tension in the brake lines.

oOTomOo - 16-9-2009 at 09:01 AM

Do you have any examples of kites that are better in breezes?

I realise I'll probably end up with several kites, but, obviously I want to choose a first (proper) kite that will give me the most flexibility and enjoyment before I start expanding my range

I know what the wind window is.. It's the window I look out of to see how strong the wind is... right ? :bigok:

furbowski - 16-9-2009 at 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oOTomOo
Do you have any examples of kites that are better in breezes?

I realise I'll probably end up with several kites, but, obviously I want to choose a first (proper) kite that will give me the most flexibility and enjoyment before I start expanding my range

I know what the wind window is.. It's the window I look out of to see how strong the wind is... right ? :bigok:

backwards order...

I'm not sure if you're joshing me there on the wind window front... you being british, I'll guess you are...

"most flexibility and enjoyment before I start to expand my range" well yes, 3m stable kites are good for that, which is why we suggest them first. they also grow into a highwind kite later, stings are excellent for both roles.

kites better in breezes, well I was referring to big fixed bridles in the 8-10 meter range and the big depower foils in the 15-19 meter range... best not to fly those just yet, I fly an 8m FB regularly but I'm a cautious two years into the sport and uninjured so far. I've just ventured into depowers, can't say much more about that at the mo...

but actually the sting is quite a good early starter for kites in its size range.

good luck with your decision...

soccerflyer - 16-9-2009 at 09:22 AM

If your looking for a kite to fly in 5-8 mph winds then a 3.3 would be the smallest you would want to do. I would actually suggest looking at something a hair bigger like 4 meter.

My first kite was a Pansh Blaze 3M for $100 brand new. (great 1st cheap kite in my opinion). And I can't even get it to fly in less than 8mph winds. It is just your standard medium aspect ratio 4 line kite. Now in anything 10-30 mph it is a blasty blast!! In winds 20+ I have to wear pants I don't mind getting grass stained caues it is draggin me accross the field!

That's my 0.02 worth . . . . . . . . . .

furbowski - 16-9-2009 at 09:37 AM

try a sting sometime, soccerflyer. big vents, nice stable yet slippery profile, minimal bridle, and light in weight for its size. It gets off the ground a bit quicker than a blaze, and flies a wider window sooner.

like I've said elsewhere, i'm not trying to be snobbish when i talk about pansh.

but :thumbup:

on the 4m idea. there is one fellow on here who got a lot of advice aiming him towards a non-lifty 3m but ended up getting a 4.1 after thinking about it and he is happy so far:

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=10092

but yes it is very dependent on both your wind speed range year-round and/or your willingness to buy more kites to deal with that range.

soccerflyer - 16-9-2009 at 10:46 AM

Furbs, I wish soooooooo bad I could try a LOT of different kites, but the only kiters I have found in my area are kitesurfers and they only fly Best Waroos. And they have yet to offer to let me try em out. :-(

I am on a pass the Twister II thread so I am excited about that opportunity. You are right though - I am very limited in my actual use knowledge. I have only flown my two kites and they are both Pansh. I am excited to try something more expensive and high quality to feel the difference!!!!

I am just glad Pansh does make cheap kites otherwise I may have passed on this sport and chalked it up to the list of thing I would love to try, but can't afford.

furbowski - 16-9-2009 at 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by soccerflyer

I am just glad Pansh does make cheap kites otherwise I may have passed on this sport and chalked it up to the list of thing I would love to try, but can't afford.

They got me in the sport too, mate.

You're going to love that twister, I'm jealous, I've not flown one yet but I'm sure they're hot!

I'll tell you another thing, though... you'll find out what's in the kite and what's in the pilot, and you find that out in a good way going from pansh to better... if you know what i mean... I still fly my aces a lot, my blade is bracketed nicely by my 5 and 8.

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 02:07 AM

Furbs, I was joshing you about the wind window.. (I'm British, it's what we do :D )
Simplest way I can think to explain it.. stand with your back to the wind and you're looking at it.

Oh and my kite is 2.5m x 80cm ( I took it out last night ) again, fairly gentle wind, maybe 5-8 mph.. nowhere near enough power, need to wait for some more windy days

Just been looking at a 4m Hornet are hornets pretty much on a par with Flexfoil?

I've been reading a few threads that say you cant go wrong with HQ, Peter Lynn, Ozone and Pkd I had a quick look at an Ozone flow, but it's a bit out of my price range.

PKD Busters look OK? the 3 and 4m are both in my price range..

Are Flexfoil pretty much on a par with them?

Thanks for all your help

Tom

Rodders - 17-9-2009 at 03:22 AM

i'm new to this kiting lark too and have invested in a 3.0m hornet its ace had it aout yesterday in a steady 21mph north northeasterly and it was great with lost of drag also got a decent pull on sunday in a turbulent 10-12 mph wind

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 05:18 AM

lol, i dream of seeing 21mph winds..

I'm kind of torn now between the 3.3 Sting or a 4.0m Buster, or maybe even the 5.0m buster (which is cheaper than the 4 :o )

I've also seen a DP Power kite ( http://www.edgepowerkites.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=86&cate... )

but I've never heard of them before, anyone seen these before.. they any good?

furbowski - 17-9-2009 at 05:22 AM

hey... you fly that 2-line a bit... how do your winds feel? are they nice and steady? can you hold the two meter at the edge of the window close to the ground with good control? or do you get the wind shifting around a lot so the kite continually collapses if you try that?

If you get the smooth wind, you could go for something with a bit more lift and juice, an ace 3.5m for example is cheap, you will get zero style points, but it's an early starter in low winds and an exciting kite to fly.

If you get the wiggly winds tho you'll like something like the hornet, apparently it's one of the more stable beginner kites out there. I don't know the brooza, but it's a more stable kite yet quicker than either a beamer or a hornet, by the looks of it's canopy and what little I've heard about it.

Flexifoil kites are generally very good, but they are not head and shoulders above the rest, and they spend too much money on their image for my taste. Which one were you interested in? Most of their kites are quite good, some (like the blade) might not be appropriate for you just now.

Here's a couple interesting viewpoints to consider (near the end of the thread):

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=10855

In the end, you'll need to decide one way or the other...

Good luck!

furbowski - 17-9-2009 at 05:36 AM

the 5 meter buster is cheap because it is a very difficult kite to resell. It's a large stable traction kite best suited for buggy cruising. It might be an OK choice if your winds are wiggly, but it's a very big step up from your two-line. Most folks buying that size or larger are looking for something a little more focused.

I have a DP power 2.5, there's a review of it up on here I think... yep. wasn't much interest in the review...

(edit.. wrong link at first, fixed now, sorry)

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=8902

4.0 m buster or 5.0 buster might be the way to go, but only if you are certain about your winds and feel like you can be responsible about choosing nice low steady winds to learn in.

There's a lot of kites out there, it's a lot easier to tell between them after you've flown a few, but just get something workable in the 3-5 range, with consideration for the winds you have now and are likely to encounter this winter. That kite will teach you lots, nearly all the kites above will teach you well.

You're right to be concerned about the low winds, though... not all the kites above work well below 8 mph. most small foils fly great with more than 8 mph of wind, but not all keep flying well below that wind speed. Quite a few fly well into low winds if they are smooth, but kites that fly well in low and gusty winds are rare.

If you have access to empty flat spaces at least a few hundred meters in size with good wind, you can safely go a bit larger than you might otherwise.

It sounds like you are casting your net a little wider and thinking a bit more about the different kites out there, don't be afraid to do so.

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 05:47 AM

how do your winds feel? are they nice and steady? - Tempremental, they are fairly clean while they are blowing, but then they stop.. and the kite falls out of the sky.. and I send my Girlfriend running after it!

can you hold the two meter at the edge of the window close to the ground with good control? or do you get the wind shifting around a lot so the kite continually collapses if you try that?
I've never tried holding at the edge of the window near the ground, i've held it near the edge at a sort of 40-50 degree angle to the ground and it stays fairly well put. (if the wind doesn't stop that is!)

I've yet to have any nice windy days to take the 2 line out in. there was one, but we had other things to do

I was looking at the Flexfoil Sting 3.3 - which I was now sort of swaying towards, mainly because the handles etc that come with it look generally better quality than the others, nice big padded grips etc..

I'll have a look at the Ace

Do you think a 5m would be a little bit ambitious for a first propper kite?

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 05:59 AM

I do most of my flying here... 53.912228, -1.682004 (put that in google maps) It's 4 football pitches next to each other width ways with empty fields to the north and east Prevailing wind is ENE (coming off the fields) So it has fairly clean winds

I am casting my net a little wider, I'd like to try and consider all possibilities before splashing out my 'hard' earned cash

The assistance you guys are offering with your extra experience is very much appreciated

So.. my wind is fairly clean, but I don't have very many windy days, most of the time the wind tends to be down below the 10-15mph mark occasionally dieing off to nothing lol

ragden - 17-9-2009 at 06:05 AM

if your wind are consistently less than 10 mph, then the 5m Ace might work for you. I would recommend the Beamer over the Ace because it is a much more forgiving kite, but it is also a bit more expensive. I have a 5m Beamer III that I hardly fly, but it was a good beginner kite for me to fly in less than 10 mph of wind. The Ace might work though... Just make sure you understand when to NOT fly it (winds over 15 mph would be very painful with that kite...)

furbowski - 17-9-2009 at 06:14 AM

I basically went from a little snapshot to an Ace 5, but I did have a few hours on a couple of legends, the 2 and the 3 (only took ten hours to stretch the bridle out on the legend 3 BTW). Also I had soft sandy beaches and gentle onshore winds about 6-8 mph for many of my first flights, couldn't ask for better or safer conditions really. And the bridles on most of the aces are solid so far, mine has at least several hundred hours on it and it continues to fly as new.

You winds sound like you could fly a less stable kite. It may well continue to fly in the lulls where your other kite drops out of the sky, but not in as big a wind window.

Yes, consider an ace 5... a couple things to keep in mind tho, one is that it is lifty. An ace 6m once broke two legs within minutes after its new owner flew it for the first time. Lifty kites and strong gusty winds are nasty. Aces can be really nice in smooth gentle winds and you will definitely have a little scud on hot launching a 5 in 8 mph. Do it in 20 mph and you risk a superman or worse.

They demand respect, and will injure you to get it if you don't already have it.

They other thing to keep in mind is that you are on your own for set-up. If you are VERY lucky it will be almost ready to fly but you will still have to unwind the most badly wound lines in the known universe, check them for length, connect them up correctly, and monitor their stretch during the first few hours. There are good directions and help out there, but they sure don't come with the kite.

You could consider this kite, I know for sure it is set up correctly and flying well:

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=10646

soccerflyer - 17-9-2009 at 06:18 AM

In my opinion an Ace wouldn't be the best first kite. It would work, but not your BEST option. All I have to go on is my own experience.

Reasons: #1 Ace is a very lifty kite. If your winds are as low as you say you should be fine. It won't lift you in 5-8 mph. BUT if a gust comes in it can and will lift you up quick and if you aren't good at redirecting you will come tumbling down. Like this guy . . . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oveLq6j4JUw&feature=PlayL...

That was a Pansh Ace, and that is why we say be careful. Now granted that was in stupid winds (high and gusty) and won't happen in 5-8 mph winds that aren't gusty.

#2 The Ace is a finnicky flyer. As you can see I have both the Blaze and the Ace. The Blaze was my first and it was easy and fun to fly, and still is. When I got the Ace I realized it was a whole new ball game. It is just harder to fly.

But if you respect the wind and are patient with it and practice a lot it can be a really fun kite.

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 06:27 AM

Ok, Cheers for all your suggestions! I think i'll carry on keeping an eye on the wind speeds in the area and see what they are like.

Then maybe go for an Ace or Buster 5, or the Sting 3.3 if i just happen to be frustrated in a low wind lul ... lol

Is there some where I can look up historical wind speed data for an area?? I've tried a quick google but found nothing meaningful

furbowski - 17-9-2009 at 06:30 AM

try "meteorological normals" plus your location info.

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 06:42 AM

Hmm, still not much luck.. All I've found out is it's going to get windier towards the start of next week... :dunno:

Maybe I'll sit squarely on the fence and start looking at 4m kites.. lol

soccerflyer - 17-9-2009 at 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oOTomOo

Maybe I'll sit squarely on the fence and start looking at 4m kites.. lol

This would be my suggestion. I know it is a 5M but it is a great deal on an excellent beginner kite that you'll wanna keep forever.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=10848

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 07:21 AM

Hmm.. Bit of googleing and I think i'll have to give this a go when the wind dies on me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkeVaTXmI-M

Ve'y cool :tumble:

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 07:29 AM

Hmm, More googling and Pansh do a 3.0M and a 4.5M package for £144...

http://panshkite.com/index.php?gOo=goods_details.dwt&goo...

Views?

furbowski - 17-9-2009 at 07:31 AM

yep, that looks like 2 maybe 3 mph with the ace. very narrow window about 50 degrees to 60 degrees wind, doesn't ever even get a third of the way to zenith.

it's easier to fly in those winds than my 8m.

furbowski - 17-9-2009 at 07:45 AM

could do... you'll get less than half that on resale, closer to a third with only one set of lines.

the smaller aces are little killers when powered up, they are extremely fast, the 3m is solidly in the fast kite / high wind widowmaker bracket.

the 4.5 will approach the low wind performance in the last video above. be warned that they are tricky to launch in such slow winds. the trick is to inflate the kite by gently pumping on the handles to create multiple bouncy kinda semi - launches while walking back into the wind, as soon as it inflates enough to have turning control, get it high enough on a bounce to turn sideways across the window, as the kite picks up speed, it will inflate better, after a couple of figure eights you'll be able to stop moving upwind and fly static.

there's a certain roll-the-dice factor with pansh purchases, a significant number don't like them.

The good thing is that the newer you are to 4-line kites the more likely you are to like the aces...:evil:

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by furbowski
The good thing is that the newer you are to 4-line kites the more likely you are to like the aces...:evil:

Not sure if that's a good thing or not lol..

I don't want to get a cheaper kite just to be frustrated by the lack of quality once my experience grows..

I think i'm still floating towards the 3.3 Flexfoil to be honest.

Would that give a 'reasonable' pull in 5-8 mph winds?

by reasonable, I mean would I be leaning back..
and i'll just leave scudding until those windier days.. :wee:

furbowski - 17-9-2009 at 08:13 AM

don't get me wrong, sub 10 mph both of those kites are quite safe, unless you are scudding the 4.5 on wet grass in which case you'll likely get going pretty nice.

It's the bigger winds that make these aces angry killers. 15+ for the 4.5, 20+ for the 3 is very risky country at your skill level. add 5 mph for good skills at your weight, I'm 11 stone and I'd be pretty nervous flying those two in 20 and 25, let alone more wind that that.

gusty and wiggly winds are really frustrating on the aces. smooth winds with lulls like you describe above can be OK. You'll likely be able to keep your 4.5 moving through many of those lulls.

you'll be able to lean back against the sting in 8 mph, but you'll have to work it hard or go for a slick surface (wet grass) to get scuds.

i could probably pick up my feet on the 4.5 in 10 mph, but I'd have to run hard and push the set-up envelope a bit, and it wouldn't feel like a jump, you'll need 12-15 to begin jumping on the 4.5 at your weight.

i'm not trying to push you to jumping, i'm just trying to give you an idea of the different risk levels these kites have at different wind speeds.

i haven't mentioned kitekillers, they are sometimes good for folks starting out with 4-line kites.

have a look here, remember that you are not a racing buggier but a fellow just starting out wondering how kite killers can help you... (don't post on it, just let it die for now... :ninja:

)

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=10630&p...

have a look and decide for yourself...

(edit... but be aware the sting will be ready to fly with only a few minutes of set-up time involved, it will include swag and a manual and nice lines and decent kite killers, but I guess you know this already)

ragden - 17-9-2009 at 08:14 AM

Unless you are flying a very small kite, you will be leaning back. Scudding will come with higher winds and larger kites.

I'd lean towards a 2.5 FlexiFoil Rage if you can get your hands on one for a decent price. They can be one of the more expensive kites, but you are getting what you pay for. Now, I havent flown a lot of fixed-bridle kites, but I love flying the smaller rages...
1.8m Rage in 30mph winds... That was an awesome day.

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 08:28 AM

@ furbs - I'd definitely be getting kS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s i think I've had a quick skim of that thread before, and certainly the flexis come with them as standard.

What's the difference in flight characteristics between long thin foils and short fat ones? seems to be that the short fat ones are more stable and better in gustier winds, while the long narrow ones are better in smoother lighter winds?

Or have I completely mis-understood?

You'll also be pleased to know I'm firmly back on the fence between a ~5m and being careful about when i take it out (certainly until I've got a few hours on it) or ~3m and potentially being dissapointed about the power it generates in the less than awe inspiring winds we get here 90% of the time..

Ohhhh the choices..!

ragden - 17-9-2009 at 08:42 AM

You nailed that one on the head in regards to aspect ratio of the kite (short fat vs long thin). Longer thinner kites are definitely less stable, but much faster. Shorter, fatter kites are much more stable, but dont generate nearly as much power. The other thing to take into consideration is that higher aspect ratio kites tend to be a little bit more twitchy. They respond quicker to what you tell them, but if you make a mistake, you will pay for it more. Lower aspect ratio kites give you a little more play and a bit more forgiving...

Hope that helps.

oOTomOo - 17-9-2009 at 08:46 AM

Yep, cheers.

Now all you need to do is decide if I buy the 3.3m Sting (with all it's nice handles and pre-stretched line goodness) but potentially be disappointed with the pull..

Or if i go for the budget 5.0m Pansh with it's gnarly looking handles and stretchy lines I've heard so much about (and do my best superman impression as soon as there is anything that resembles a bit of wind..)

I might just flip a coin :sniff:

furbowski - 17-9-2009 at 09:00 AM

you decide, mate.

let us all know how you get on.

of course I'll be happy to help you dither further if you like... :megan:

LOL

Rodders - 18-9-2009 at 01:16 AM

try www.xcweather.co.uk it will give you great wind information i work in the shipping industry and its what i use to check on how it will affect our vessels also great for checking what the winds like before i head out

oOTomOo - 18-9-2009 at 03:08 AM

XC is broken at the moment.. technical difficulties.. Cool animation when it works though!

I think I've plumped for the 3.3 Sting. I'd rather have a kite with good feel and learn to control it properly than a big powerful one that i cant learn to control properly.

I've also asked on Harrogate power kite club which is local to me for some more advice on what our normal winds are like. It's a less active forum though (last post about a month ago) so i'm not holding my breath!

Thanks again for all your help!

Tom

oOTomOo - 18-9-2009 at 03:29 AM

Ok, one last thing, I promise.. Would the 5m PKD Buster II be a better choice than the Pansh Ace 5m? :ninja:

furbowski - 18-9-2009 at 05:00 AM

as your first kite or as your second after the sting?

5m pkd buster II in the first case, 5m ace in the second.

I don't know much about the busters, though, try the reviews on racekites, when you run out of your two free reviews just google for them individually by kite and author, they load fine that way.

oOTomOo - 18-9-2009 at 05:40 AM

I was meaning as a first kite.. still a toss up between the 3 and 5m kite.

Although I did watch a vid of a bloke flying a 2.4 Sting in 10-12mph winds and he was getting pulled around a treat.
Makes me think the 3.3 would be adequate.

As for race kites, I have AnEC cookie editor installed, so I just delete the racekites cookie :singing:

Again, thanks for the advice

furbowski - 18-9-2009 at 05:55 AM

happy dithering there...

you're going back and forth, you know that, eh?

just choose the level of risk you think you are comfy with and take it from there, your first kite will teach you all you want to know about your second kite.

oOTomOo - 18-9-2009 at 06:01 AM

Oh I know.. I'm a ditherer - it's in my nature :crazy:

I'll sit it out a bit longer, see what the wind speeds are usually like around here.. if it's over 10 I'll get the Flexi, if not, i'll prob plump for the Buster.

I'll let you know how it goes!

furbowski - 18-9-2009 at 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oOTomOo

I'll let you know how it goes!

and i'll be looking out for it... good luck to ya.