Power Kite Forum

HELP! New guy looking for a kite!

a11an - 30-12-2010 at 01:33 AM

Hello!

I need your help guys.
I'm looking for a FOIL kite for snowboarding and landboarding.
Skill level 0. Budget 300 - 600 €.

Kites I have:
BEST trainer 3m (2,5m2)
2006 Ozone Instinct Sport LEI 11m2.

The 11m2 Instinct is too much for me so I'm looking something more fun and safe for learning. I can fly my BEST trainer eyes closed with no problems but the Instinct is just too much trouble to have fun with.

So I'm looking for a affordable FOIL to have fun with.
I know that the depower foils like Access, Frenzy, Montana would be the best option but those kites are out of my budget.

I have a few options with my budget:
1. 4m Ozone Method + Turbo Bar 494 €
2. 4m Ozone Flow + Turbo Bar 360 €
3. Find more money to buy the 8m2 OZONE ACCESS 833 €
4. Take a beating from my Instinct.

Is depower really worth double the price of the Ozone Method + turbo bar? I've read some good stories about the Method kite but all of them are coming from buggy buys. Is this kite any good for snow/landboard?

Sorry for my english.
BR,
Allan.


EDIT: Just got a really good offer for HQ Montana V 7 m2. 532 €. Should I take it?

erratic winds - 30-12-2010 at 01:54 AM

Is that price new or used?

The real test is flying the kites, do you have any locals you know or events occurring in your area where you could have a go at some? What kind of riding do you want to do? Where? What kind of winds?

When I was learning I went from 1.5m trainer to 12m C-kite, it's totally possible to translate your skills properly on the bigger kite with enough effort. It takes some time to realize flying the big kite is just like static flying the little ones, you just happen to be moving quite fast sometimes! :tumble:

a11an - 30-12-2010 at 02:05 AM

I live between a big lake and a big field. So the lake would be my best place for snowkiting 'cause there is too much snow on the ground (0,5 m powder on the field right now). I would like just to cruise on snow/ice with my snowboard for now but don't wanna buy new kite every year when I have more skill.
Usual wind here is 6 - 20 knots, sometimes 30.
The Montana is NEW!

kiteboyza - 30-12-2010 at 02:07 PM

what about a big fixed bridle? My goto kite has been a 10m Pansh Blaze on handles and it flys sweet. I also have a 7m and 5m for the more windy days

John Holgate - 30-12-2010 at 02:24 PM

The Method is going to be pretty fast - ie: it will power up fast with plenty of pull and you're going to have to deal with the power - ok when your sitting down in the buggy and you can slide but would be trickier standing up on the boards.

The 8m Access will power up much more slowly (probably won't be a whole lot more power than the 4m Method) so you will have more time and you can pull the bar in and let it out to help you balance on the board.

I think the 8m Access would be the better option for landboard/snowkiting. The method would be a lot fun in steadier beach winds.

Don't discount the Apex II/III - cheaper than the Access, very stable dependable kites. I use my 7.5m a lot. Perhaps not quite as forgiving as the Access and quality of bar and fittings is not quite as good but they are really excellent value for money.

a11an - 30-12-2010 at 11:53 PM

Apex III was out of stock where I order my stuff.
I think the problem with HQ kites is that they don't have a mesh in front of the kite.
So when it's snowing or I crash it into snow then there will be a lot of show inside the kite.

I'll wait and get some more money to buy the real deal. Ozone Access 6 m2 for sronger winds. I'll think I can handle my 11m Instinct in low winds. I'll buy 8m Manta when I've destoyed my LEI :) Thanks for the help and HAPPY NEW windy YEAR! Peace!

arkay - 31-12-2010 at 12:15 AM

I've got a 5m montana that sounds like it would suit you well...