Power Kite Forum

Noob asking for advice

ujacrac - 26-9-2012 at 05:29 PM

Hey all,

I am new to the sport and I would like some advice from more experienced people.
I've been playing around with a HQ Rush 4 pro 350. It have a good push but I don't think it is appropriated for landboarding.
I am a heavy guy (almost 300s) and I would like some advice in which kite should I go for and which board as well.
From what I read so far in the forum, it looks like a 10m depower kite would be the wise decision. If so, which one should I go for ?

Regards,
Fernando

Bladerunner - 26-9-2012 at 05:40 PM

You will want to decide if you want a kite with lift for jumping or something that will work toward keeping you earthbound.

You can jump / get lifted with any kite but some are better than others. Less lifty kites are usually also more stable and better for beginers.

Kite size depends a lot on your average winds locally + your weight + your terrain . 7 - 8m is often a better size for getting into depower.

erratic winds - 26-9-2012 at 05:48 PM

Hello and welcome! Well, kite size is really about what sort of winds you have, or hope to fly in. There is a vast array of options in kites, there are kinds for any wind speed or condition.

Since I like to ATB on grass(about all I have access to) rather than good hardpack sand, I know I need a little more kite due to surface. But also, since I am nocoast, it's nothing but gusts for me, so I always have to size smaller to be safe. These really alter my kite choices, and would alter our recommendations to you!

All that said, you've got the taste for flying, and thinking land, eh? And on a bar? Shall we assume you want to fly depower kites like ozone frenzy/flysurfer outlaw/hq montana/so many others..?

If you give us a little more info we can definitely help your search to be successful.

ujacrac - 26-9-2012 at 05:50 PM

Thanks for the reply Bladerunner.
I was considering a Apex 3 10m. Winds here are from 5 to 30 mph, I would like a kite that could use in winds between 10 and 25 mph (not sure if possible with only one tho).
As I am a heavy guy, does it makes sense to go for a larger kite ?
Oh, I don't plan to go flying around, but I would not like something that keep me in the ground all time. Little bit of air is welcome :)

Thanks for the help,
Fernando

ujacrac - 26-9-2012 at 05:55 PM

Hey Erratic,

Thanks for the advices, like I said in my reply to Bladerunner, if possible, 10 to 25 mph would be great.
Also, I will probably be stuck in the grass as well (thanks for pointing this). SO far I only used the bar, but I am open to try other options.

Quote:
Originally posted by erratic winds
Hello and welcome! Well, kite size is really about what sort of winds you have, or hope to fly in. There is a vast array of options in kites, there are kinds for any wind speed or condition.

Since I like to ATB on grass(about all I have access to) rather than good hardpack sand, I know I need a little more kite due to surface. But also, since I am nocoast, it's nothing but gusts for me, so I always have to size smaller to be safe. These really alter my kite choices, and would alter our recommendations to you!

All that said, you've got the taste for flying, and thinking land, eh? And on a bar? Shall we assume you want to fly depower kites like ozone frenzy/flysurfer outlaw/hq montana/so many others..?

If you give us a little more info we can definitely help your search to be successful.

erratic winds - 26-9-2012 at 06:11 PM

The Apex3 10m would be an appropriate kite, but be careful going with such a jump up in size. No matter what, you will be surprised!

You will need a harness with a bigger kite!

Bladerunner - 27-9-2012 at 05:10 PM

How refreshing to meet a new pilot who understands one kite can't do it all.

10m is getting pretty big for 25mph winds. The upper limit even once skilled. You are right that it is sort of the mid size kite but are you sure it's the right place to start?

I suggest you consider a 7 - 8m . You can get a LOT out of that size becuase they fly + turn so fast. Fly them hard to create " apparent wind " . That size has plenty of power to get you going at 10 once you learn to milk it. It will take you into those higher winds thus increasing your potential days out. The 10m is a lot of kite and will be too much too early reducing your fly time or tempting you to fly overpowered.

If you buy a 7 - 8m and know you will need a larger kite down the road you can go to 11 or 12 and have a large range. If you buy the 10m your next kite will be very close in size. Apex is somewhat low lift but that will be a good quality in a high wind + beginer kite. Once you have it dialed get a larger lifty kite. Jumping with a larger kite is better!

As far as a board goes. Avoid the entry level ones like MBS Atom at your weight. Shipping can be spendy so if you have anyplace local buying new isn't a bad way to go. If you don't have a shop watch Craigs list and other local buy/sell sites. Ask on here if the make / model will serve you once you find one.

I would suggest the best 2 kite quiver I have ever had together was my 7m Pulse and 13m Psycho III combo.

B-Roc - 28-9-2012 at 06:32 AM

I weigh 150#s and I've flown my 10m upto measured 17mph winds (smooth sand, smooth winds off the ocean). At nearly double my weight, a 10m is not going to get you moving super fast in sub 15mph winds without working it. If I were you I'd be thinking something more in the 12-15m range for my goto / light wind kite and something in the 7-9m range for my moderate wind kite. If you are very comfortable on the Rush you should be OK jumping up to any of those kites as long as you start out with caution. If you are flying inland and on grass, I'd be thinking more of a low aspect kite but its tough to find low aspect kites larger than 10m,

I'm very partial to Gin and I've almost bought this kite (http://www.live2kite.com/gin-kites-eskimo-iii-high-performan... ) several times. Its a great deal and would be a good kite for you. It is not the kiwi color pictured but milkshake (pink and white). Something to consider. I think you could start out on a 7-9m but I think you'll be wanting more if you are 300#s. I tow my kids behind me at times and just adding 60#s to the ride really has an impact on me going from powered to struggling to get up wind. You'd be adding not 60 but 150#s to the package which is why I strongly feel a 10m is too small in moderate 10-20mph winds for you (once you are comfortable).

As a rule of thumb, think high aspect kites (frenzy, montana, eskimo) in large sizes and low aspect kites (access, apex) for small kites.

Bladerunner - 28-9-2012 at 06:43 AM

I get confused. Around here it seems that phyisical body size has a LOT less to do with kite size than personal choice and terrain. It is almost the opposite with us little + skinny guys tending to fly too big when the bigger folks like smaller kites ?

I lean toward 8m because you list some very high wind numbers. For all the reasons above. I agree you will want / need a larger kite like 12m but think you will end up shy of a good high wind kite and then have to sit out or man up?

My go 2 , 2 kite quiver lately has been 18m Phanny and 15m Syn but our winds are pathetic. I move to my 15m when guys 80lb more than me are going to 3 and 4m FB . If you listed winds like ours I would be suggesting larger.

Moving from a trainer to 12m with suggested strong winds all on your own isn't something I would be pushing on strangers ?????

lives2fly - 28-9-2012 at 07:44 AM

For boards try looking at the Trampa range. they do 17ply boards for rider weights up to 127 kg - 250lbs or so. Considering that these ratings are usually quite conservative you should be good to ride on one of those.

As for a kite, 10m is my goto for 10-20mph but i weigh 160lbs. or my 13m Arc which I can manage in 25mph fully trimmed. I usually head for the water once it hits 20mph these days.

A 12m may be more suitable for you in sub 20mph and then you could get an 8m later on for riding in higher winds when you have the experience to match. a 10 may place you in the middle of your range needing a kite at either end.

If you go for Peter Lynns then a 15m and a 12m would be about the same.

You dont need lots of power to get rolling on a board but you need more at your disposal once you start learning tricks.

I would agree with being cautious but would suggest get a big kite and be cautious with strong winds. Your wind range gets bigger with experience but a small kite will stay small.

g-force junkie - 28-9-2012 at 06:12 PM

ujacrac,
in the for sale section is a 17 waroo, it has your name on it, they almost fly themselves and all you have to do is hang on!

shaggs2riches - 28-9-2012 at 08:38 PM

In a smooth open soccer field at 190lbs, I can get a decent rolling (no jumping) session with my 6m access (similar to apex) in 13mph. Adding another 100lbs, I would think that a 8-10m access/apex will get you along fine from 8mph-18/20mph. Keep in mind that from 8-12mph you will mostly be static flying, scudding, and a little bit of rolling downwind while learning how to start out on your board. Your fun spot will be from 13-17mph for riding. 18-20mph will be hairy till you get skills down and when you get to that point you will be having a blast. After that point, I'd imagine you will start thinking of dropping your kite size. You always need to select your kite size to the gusts though.

I wouldn't go above 10m till you got the skills to get full use out of that much kite. Keep in mind that while you have more weight to hold down the kite; it, also gives the chance to accidentally pre-load too much power, which could prove dangerous in the wrong conditions. I would imagine though that once you have the skills to go above 10m then you will be looking more to a 14-16m range, so the smaller kite won't be a bad investment. If you have access to the mountainboard, then I also suggest going an playing around with it and your current kite, it should help you out a bit till you get the other kite. Just my $0.02 worth hope it helps.

abkayak - 29-9-2012 at 06:58 AM

I’m 150# and started w/ the same HQ 350.... proper winds and that will get you moving… If you have no help and fly alone it’s a big consideration.. Seeing and handeling all that ripstop when going to bigger depower kites I found a bit intimidating.. Particularly in the winds you really want to fly them… I felt more comfortable stepping up in sizes w/ the Fix bridle stuff than crossing into the larger Dp's …. Than again I still feel more comfy Fb......idk, jusayin.

ujacrac - 30-9-2012 at 10:23 AM

Hey all,

Thanks for all the comments, really help a lot.
I am starting in the sport and always a little bit scared to make the wrong investment.
Looks like I have some homework now :)

Really appreciate the help :)

ujacrac - 30-9-2012 at 01:23 PM

Hey all,

I found a FS Speed 3 12m for a good price here in UK.
Do you guys think this would be a good low wind kite for me ?
If yes, I will use it in low winds only until I can develop some more skills.
Later I will try to find a smaller kite for higher winds.

Snake - 30-9-2012 at 01:44 PM

Is it a good price or a screamin' deal? If it's a screamin' deal I'd snatch it up and store it until you get good kite skills with a smaller kite. If it is just a good deal, let it pass, there will be similar kites for sale down the road. If the cost of buying a trainer is a factor, look into a 3m or 4.5m pansh legend. It is only $109 for the 3m and $129 for the 4.5 new from the factory. They are not the highest quality kite, but you can't beat the price.

ujacrac - 30-9-2012 at 01:56 PM

Half price from the store. Mint condition.

erratic winds - 30-9-2012 at 03:58 PM

The kite is way more than you need, but that price may make it impossible to pass up.

Essentially, you have a bicycle and are looking to buy a scooter, the speed is a superbike.

More than the price must be right for a purchase like this. If you are really, absolutely positive that kiting is for you and you will use this kite for years and progress to the point where you grow into the kite, then yes, it sounds like you have found your kite. If you have any doubt, then I would save the hundreds of

But be very careful about what winds you take it out in, and what conditions you fly it on/over.

ujacrac - 3-10-2012 at 08:16 AM

First of all thanks very much for all the help you guys provided. If were not for the advices I received here I would probably end up doing the wrong thing.

I decided to throw some more money in the pot and buy two kites (both pre-owned)

One of them is a smaller that will help me in my learning process (and in the future, will work as my high wind kite)
It's a HQ Apex 1 7.5m

The other I will use after I have gained some experience with the Apex. It's a Flysurfer Speed 3 12m.

I understand that in the future I might need an even bigger kite, but for now I will play with this two :)

See you guys around :)
Fernando

abkayak - 3-10-2012 at 09:03 AM

whenever i want a new kite i usually buy 2 also........we would get along real well

Kober - 3-10-2012 at 09:47 AM

Nice set to start with .... congrats ..... let us know how you do with progression .... and please ... do lots of static flying and start with small jumps when using Speed .... It behaves a bit differently then other foils and its very easy to land hard ... after you master technique of using FS its so rewording ....
Stay safe ..... and good winds .....

Bladerunner - 4-10-2012 at 06:45 AM

Good choices .

The speed is definately an intermediate / advanced kite. Starting with it would have been a mistake. A great kite to grow into that you won't grow out of. You will see just how tricky it is coming from the stable 7.5 . It will demand the respect you must give it. Still when you are moving up and learning to jump this will eventually reward you !

Notice all the small things Flysurfer does to protect your kite.