Power Kite Forum

Snow Kiting with control handles.

aronma - 10-12-2009 at 09:48 AM

I want to try snowkiting and have Rage 6m with handles. Could someone please let me know if this is a good idea, or if I should switch to a bar.

Maven454 - 10-12-2009 at 09:52 AM

Ummm... isn't this basically the discussion we already had where you asked if you could snow kite with a Rage 6m with handles? In this post?

Jolt - 10-12-2009 at 10:25 AM

Bar's are easier to use, and you'll be able to go on them for hours, where as if you're using handles youre gonna get tired a lot faster unless you use a harness, and even with that you'll get tired fast...

B-Roc - 10-12-2009 at 10:30 AM

I don't think you get any more tired using handles with a strop and harness then you do hooking in with a bar and if you're using the Rage I'd leave it on handles.

I've been kite skiing on handles since 2005 with no problem and I ride for hours at a time in all kinds of conditions. Your kite and control option is fine assuming the winds are on the lighter side or you're a real big boy.

Jolt - 10-12-2009 at 10:36 AM

well by bar im recomending going into a depower. and not just using a rage.

PrairieWind - 10-12-2009 at 03:52 PM

For an example of riding on snow/ice with handles this video shows how easy it can be... www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTvEXqAhSRw

If you are used to your Rage on handles already, then use them on the snow. A strop so that you can hook in would be nice. If the winds are suitable for the size of kite then it won't tire you out any faster than if you were hooked in on a bar.

Depending on the surface and wind conditions I use fixed bridles on handles, or a depower, or a kitewing,... .

Bladerunner - 10-12-2009 at 05:58 PM

I would spend the money on ANOTHER KITE before I bought a bar !

That kite is pretty big. On handles you can take advantage of the better control and use it as your low wind kite. You NEED a high wind kite or you will be headed for trouble !!!!!!
You will be tempted to take that kite out in too much wind ( and that will be often ) if it is all you have . If you are going Fixed bride expectto need 3 kites at least.

If you want to rest, get a harness and strop for your handles

PrairieWind - 10-12-2009 at 11:00 PM

None of us know where you are located, what conditions you might be trying out with the 6m Rage? If you know your rage and the wind range it works in, then you'lll know if the rage will work for you. If you had a couple of smaller fixed bridle kites that would be best (in a perfect world),... but if alll you'vve got to work with is the one kite then you can make it work for you (in a narrow wind range to start). If there is enough snow and ice in your area to merit more investment - smaller fixed bridle kites might be in your future,... - or a couple of depower kites. If you find some local riders then you might be able to try before you buy,.... best idea in my books. See what works best for your area. If the only tool you have is a hammer, then everything becomes a nail.

aronma - 11-12-2009 at 10:42 AM

Thanks everyone. Maven454, I did have a similar post, but was really trying to understand if I could ski with handles. I'm still looking at some depowers and would love to try a few (been reviewing the Apex also :). I'm in NJ and typically have low inshore winds 7-11mph(higher at the beach 14-22mph). I also fly a Beamer 3.6 if wind get higher but have only really flown both static.

TerraKiter - 11-12-2009 at 05:21 PM

I took my Beamer 3m out today with handles and had a blast, 15-20 mph W winds and it worked well. Got me going pretty fast and the handles worked fine. I will be looking into a bar in the future though. Go for it have fun!

Bladerunner - 11-12-2009 at 07:26 PM

I think that what you need is a harness.
If you are comfortable with those 2 kites then they are the ones to use at 1st. You may eventually want a depower but nothing is stopping you from using what you have. You can hook in to a harness with both those kites if you add a strop to the handles.