Power Kite Forum

Wanted: Good First Jumping Kite

Keeler - 1-7-2010 at 03:41 PM

Hey guys, I'm looking for a good first jumping kite. I'm an intermediate flyer looking to upgrade. I was hoping for something in the 4m-6m range as the winds in my area are usually 5-15mph.

For all the reading and such that I've done it seems a blade/crossfire/twister are the best for what I'm needing, but I'm thinking that they are out of my price range (around $200) so I'm open to ideas.

I would rather get a more advanced kite that will last longer than buy a beginner one which I'll out grow (so to speak) in a couple of weeks (I seem to have a very quick learning curve).

Thanks for looking!

-Gary

Bladerunner - 2-7-2010 at 07:47 AM

Why not buy a smaller kite that you won't grow out of ? Notice how we nearly all have a Quality smaller kite so we can fly in high winds + teach our friends.

It is the kite you need and can afford right now and if you buy a good one you won't regret it or sell it. If not , you can always resell a quality used small kite fast. Probably to someone who walks up to you and says , " where can I buy one of those " !

I know this isn't the answer you want but if you look at all the other beginer threads you will see it is the best one !

Houston AirHead - 2-7-2010 at 11:59 AM

5 meter pansh ace

Keeler - 2-7-2010 at 01:53 PM

I wouldn't mind getting a smaller one just my wife has only agreed to me getting one kite for now ;)

I was thinking about getting this deal from pansh (4.5m Ace and 3m Ace) or this one 5m Sprint and 5m Ace but I'm questioning if it is good quality or not?

B-Roc - 2-7-2010 at 02:15 PM

Well those may be the best 7.5 - 10 meters worth of kite deal you'll find but whether or not its a prudent use of your money is another story. Do some searches here and on racekites about pansh and you'll find some love them, some hate them and most comment that their is not consistency in their manufacturing so some may have a great Ace and others an awful one.

Even if your kite is great you're still probably looking at upgrading at least the lines so that's another $150 - 200 for those and if you need better handles, the cost keeps going up.

I've never owned a Pansh and I never will. Quality kites cost more for a reason. Some of my foils are probably close to 8 years old and they've held up incredibly well and still have good resale value. Don't think you'll be seeing either of those with a Pansh.

I'd recommend you just bide your time. Sooner or later a great deal will come along. Maybe its the pansh deal, maybe not - only you know. I'd just hate to see you jump in to something with limited funds only to find out its going to cost you a lot more then you realized.

revpaul - 2-7-2010 at 02:24 PM

19m Speed 2 SA should do it:tumble::tumble::tumble:
just kidding.... heed the warnings of others. plenty of good advice here.

Keeler - 2-7-2010 at 04:58 PM

19m? even I'm not that crazy!

I guess I'll just have to be patient. But it's so hard having to wait! So if anyone has a 3m-5m Blade, Twister, or Crossfire that they would like to part with, I'd be interested.

BigMikesKites - 2-7-2010 at 05:04 PM

Ive got a 3m Twister II that is in that ballpark. Used slightly.

Houston AirHead - 2-7-2010 at 08:53 PM

ya pansh is great for the money, other people might tell you different. i leatned on a 5 meter ace.

the sprint is a race kite so unless you intend to buggy thats all its really good for. go for the 4.5 package of aces. its a super aggressive kite, so it will for sure give you a good workout.
good jumps, scudds, pulls, yanks and plenty of "wholy craps"

Keeler - 3-7-2010 at 06:34 PM

I decided to go with Mike's 3m Twister II. Now I just have to wait for it to come! Maybe I'll go with pansh for the up grade because they do seem like the best bang for the buck.

shehatesmyhobbies - 4-7-2010 at 07:23 AM

Be careful jumping a 3m kite. Not a lot of material there to float you back down from big jumps. In the right winds it will take you up, but it could also let you down in a hurry! Just saying! Good luck!

Bladerunner - 4-7-2010 at 08:29 AM

I think you made a good choice. Now the rub. The 3m will be lifty and it will be a good tool for going through the motions but it will NOT be a floaty kite. Be very aware that it can ( and proably will ) lift you . Be extra carefull in very high winds .

As people have mentioned Pansh kites can be inconsistant . The handles and lines are not exactly beefy.

You want to ask yourself if you want to start jumping on a bargain kite or one made by a reputable company that over builds their product with your safety in mind?

Explain to the wife that we don't have 3 kites for different winds for fun but for safety ! We NEED a High . med and low wind kite or we will be unsafe in certian conditions. That unfortunately there is not a one size fits all kite.


Good news is that you can buy 3 quality used kites for the cost of 1 new one !

Keeler - 4-7-2010 at 10:44 AM

I'll have to try that argument. I gotta I'm really impressed with how the kiting community is welcoming and helpful for beginners. It's made my decision a lot easier!

arkay - 4-7-2010 at 04:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bladerunner
I think you made a good choice. Now the rub. The 3m will be lifty and it will be a good tool for going through the motions but it will NOT be a floaty kite. Be very aware that it can ( and proably will ) lift you . Be extra carefull in very high winds .

As people have mentioned Pansh kites can be inconsistant . The handles and lines are not exactly beefy.


Good kite to learn how to fly with _BUT_ I'm of the opinion that it is not a jumping kite. It will lift you into the air but it does not have enough float to land you safely. Remember while jumping up might be the most fun part, the other 1/2 of kite jumping... aka landing is arguable the most important part. If you dare jump with this kite be prepared to fall hard.

I personally would never jump with a 3m, in the twister think the 4.7 is just floatly enough for solid landings. But it is certianly an excellent kite to learn kite skills and will server you in a buggy or on a board.

I've had good luck with pansh, but they have a lot of inconsistencies. It's a good choice if you are low on budget and want to get into the sport but I'm of the opinion that the stock lines are not strong enough and the handles are unsafe to jump with. I had a blaze II and upgraded the lines and bar. Mine flew like a champ. I've seen other's blazes fly like junk :/

tridude - 4-7-2010 at 06:34 PM

you need a Blade III 6.6 or Blade IV 6.5........................dont buy a Pansh

BIV 6.5 is the best jumper Ive flown..............Pants dont even come close