teelzy - 14-4-2010 at 10:04 PM
Hi all, I got a crossfire 2.4 recently and had a blast when the wind was up to 20mph ish. However, at lower winds it can be a bit bland for my liking.
I am looking for something that is gonna give me some good lift for kiting without any board or buggy, but that at least shows some promise for
possibly a board in the future. With my crossfire I have started doing kite loops for some extra pull which has made my jumping that much more fun,
but alas, 20mph winds don't normally come without a bunch of rain. I'd like something that is easy to fly in 5 or so mph wind, gets some usable pull
around 8 mph, and "tops out" so to speak around 15 mph.
To make it short and sweet, some of the things I like are:
Good lift
Low/medium winds
Possibility to fly with a board
I'm not picky about colors, brand, or year (as long as it's still in good shape and didn't have some bad characteristics that year).
I don't know if this kite truly exists, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If you know of a kite that is like this or (you would be my savior) have a
kite like this that you are willing to sell then please send me a u2u or simply make a post.
Any information would be awesome!
Zach
InvertedForce - 14-4-2010 at 10:57 PM
Flysurfer Silver Arrow is arguably the best low-wind engine. That thing will get you flying high in mosquito fart wind.
kteguru - 14-4-2010 at 11:13 PM
Don't know what your budget is but I noticed that Angus has a demo 5 meter Crossfire II for sale.
http://www.coastalwindsports.com/servlet/the-578/HQ-Crossfir...
teelzy - 14-4-2010 at 11:15 PM
Although flying in "mosquito fart wind" sounds like a ton of fun, I think I want something a bit smaller than 19m. I saw some videos of blades. Those
looked nice. I think 6 or 8 meters is probably plenty enough. Any thoughts on blades or something similar?
power - 15-4-2010 at 04:12 AM
The 19m is a depowereble kite and has a different range than your fixed bridle kite.
InvertedForce - 15-4-2010 at 05:27 AM
If you're looking for Fixed Bridal (Flexi Blade) then for wind in the 6-8mph range, you'd probably want at LEAST a 6m+ kite. An 8.5 or 10 meter would
be pretty good.
teelzy - 15-4-2010 at 02:22 PM
So you are thinking something like this then?
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=13389
If it makes a difference I only weigh 140 pounds and will probably only ever get to 150. I'm strong for my size, but I'm still not a huge guy.
How about I try a new approach here, I went from a snapshot 1.9 two liner to a 2.4 crossfire quad line. Now I'm looking for something that is going to
be my next progression. I want this next jump to be bigger than the last in terms of pull because I am looking for something that will give the pull I
got with the 2.4 at 20mph in less wind. I am looking for something where I can do static kiting or maybe landboard. Once again, don't know if this
kite exists, but I'm hoping. If any of the kites listed before would still fit this then please let me know. My budget is up to about $450 or 500
absolute tops. Hoping to spend less, but I may just have to wait and buy later.
Looking forward to hearing back soon!
Zach
acampbell - 15-4-2010 at 02:36 PM
Peter Lynn Twister is smoother and not quite as violent as a Blade; more affordable too. 7.7m is $469 and 5.6 is $389
The 5.6 will have a broader wind range that you are looking for and lifty enough for jumps with your weight. Just be careful about jumping.
It is another Fixed bridle. I would not go for de-power unless you were to put it into motion on a board or bug.
arkay - 15-4-2010 at 02:37 PM
That 8.5 is a _huge_ lifty kite. Will certianly cause you to either progress or break something. It'll be a big step up from a 2.4 in 20.
teelzy - 15-4-2010 at 05:40 PM
The Peter Lynn Kites look pretty awesome. I definitely like the looks of the twister II. I think I'm leaning towards the 7.7. The wind range looks to
be between 2 and 12 knots which is roughly 2-14mph. The 5.6 runs from about 3mph up to 17mph. Either way I'm thinking I will be quite satisfied. I
want to keep my 2.4 for the really windy days, and have a bigger kite around for the more normal days. Seems like around here the "normal" wind is 8
or 10mph, which is one of the reasons I'm leaning towards the larger kite.
I learned very quickly how to manipulate the 2.4 into doing just what I wanted. I'm not too worried about not being able to control the kite. I know
to stay out of the high winds during the learning period and such. All "Don't jump, it's dangerous" aside, which size would you recommend?
I can feel the excitement building as the list seems to be narrowed down! :bouncy:
awindofchange - 15-4-2010 at 05:58 PM
The Crossfire II and the Twister II are excellent kites for lift / jumping. The Crossfire II has an adjustable bridle that you can set for either
more lift or more speed - making it a great choice for someone looking to do both boarding and buggying.
teelzy - 15-4-2010 at 08:42 PM
It's good to know that the crossfire II can be adjusted. However, I have heard that it tends to be a bit more choppy than a twister. Anyone know about
that?
mougl - 15-4-2010 at 08:52 PM
I cant comment on the crossfire, as I have never flown one. I can tell you about the twister though. I have boarded, flown static, and had one day in
the buggy with mine and it has been an all around great kite. Lots of lift, and lots of pull. Very stable and forgiving from my exp. with it. From
what you posted originally here, I would highly recommend the Twister II 5.6....just be careful when you approach the 15mph range, it turns into a
beast. I can vouch for that! I was sidelined for a few months because I got #@%$#!y with that kite...lesson learned. Pay attention to the useable
range on her and she will treat you right 
teelzy - 15-4-2010 at 09:05 PM
@ mougl, it's good to hear that the 5.6 can be forgiving but still beastly as long as you don't let your guard down so to speak. Every good review for
the Twister makes me get that much closer to making a decision 
To everyone who put in their 2 cents and took the time to post I really appreciate it. I'm getting really hooked on kiting and it's great to know that
their is a community to support me If anyone else has any more comments or
warnings or anything feel free to help me expand my knowledge. I learn more with every post!
Zach
stetson05 - 15-4-2010 at 10:51 PM
Out of what I have flown I would say the twister II 5.6m would fit the bill of flying in 5, pulling in 8-10 and for me it lifts too much above 15mph
acampbell - 16-4-2010 at 02:23 AM
The crossfire II is a great versatile kite. Stable in the high lift mode but you just have to know to ride the brakes when on the low lift setting or
it can overfly and luff, snapping shut like a mouse trap. Well built solid kite, heavier than others for the same size.
jaymzmn - 23-4-2010 at 12:39 PM
Buttspanker (ie Blade 4.9 in either mark 2,3,4)
nocando - 23-4-2010 at 03:45 PM
right on jaymz, was thinking of this one all through this discussion.
A right butt spanker
flash - 23-4-2010 at 04:32 PM
You determined to stick with fixed? You should come over to the 'darkside' of de-powers especially if you are going to get into landboarding and want
to get some 'pop' and 'float' time up there. That and you can go with a bigger kite. I will fly my Montana V 9.5 in a steady 15+ without a hitch,
and I am about your size. Some of the boys I fly with tend to stick around the 12-15m range in LEI's. It's diff when you are on a board then when
you are jumping, especially on grass. You have to overcome the friction point of the grass to your board, which requires a bit more pull, and a
little bit different kind of pull then you get from handles. To give you an idea, I have had a 5m handle/fixed kite feel somewhat the same as my 9.5
bar/depower in the same wind. *disclaimer: i had to futz with the settings of both kites to get them like that*
otherwise I second that you need to start bumping it up a notch to the 6+ meter range. Try the crossfire 6.5m, she handles a bit differently then the
smaller versions. I flew her at NABX this year in 12/16mph wind (before it kicked up to 30) and spooked the living daylights out of myself because I
was way overpowered. But the funny thing is I will fly her on my home field on my landboard in 15-20mph winds and not think anything of it.
teelzy - 24-4-2010 at 12:07 PM
Just waiting for my next paycheck then I'll be getting a used Twister II 7.7 Maybe my next kite will be something like a Montana.