Power Kite Forum - Best power kite for big person?

Best power kite for big person?

Hymefly - 7-10-2012 at 12:48 PM

Hi. I just bought a Prism Snapshot 2.5. I've been using it for a couple of weeks, but I feel it is not powerful enough. I'm new to this type of kite flying, but I'm already hooked!. I'm 6'2 240 pounds. I'm looking into getting something more challenging. I want something that would lift me off the ground a bit. I had been looking into the Prism Tensor 5.0. Will such a kite be too much for a beginner like myself? I'm not ready to get too extreme, but I would like to get lifted off the ground and still be able to control the kite well enough. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

pongnut - 7-10-2012 at 02:02 PM

Welcome to the best power kite forum in the whole universe!

We want to know what winds you are working with, both speed and quality (clean ocean wind or gusty inland wind).

WELDNGOD - 7-10-2012 at 03:11 PM

The 5.0 will be fine ,just start out in lower winds and don't fly it in gusty wind .(It's the gusts that get you!) Use the 2.5 in higher winds.

BigMikesKites - 8-10-2012 at 02:52 PM

Tensor will do you fine for lighter winds until you get the hang of it. Twister 5.6 is one of the most popular jumpers. But wait until you are super comfortable with that kite.

Hymefly - 8-10-2012 at 05:12 PM

I will be using the kite inland and at the beach, but mostly inland. I live 20 minutes away from the coast (South Padre Island, TX). It gets pretty gusty at times. Usually, however, winds will be anywhere between 8 to 12mph. I understand there is an element of danger flying these kites, but I would like to remain relatively safe. As I stated before, I do not want to go too extreme, but I would like a challenge. I don't want the kite to lift me like a rag doll either, but I would like to experience some lift. Considering my weight and my beginner status, what's a safe wind speed to use the Tensor 5.0? Thanks all.

djinnzfree - 9-10-2012 at 01:54 AM

I'am 250lbs and ride with 6m² & 9m² and sometimes 2m² on skis & buggy depends wind condition.
:Ange09:

jimbocz - 9-10-2012 at 04:13 AM

<safety lecture>
IMHO, jumping is one of the most dangerous thing you can do with a kite. You should never do it with a small kite (2.5 meters) as it will pick you up and drop you like a stone. Some might even argue that 5 is too small to jump with, especially in the kind of wind it would take for a 5 meter kite to lift you up. Especially since you are a beginner. Read up on it and I bet you'll find that the safest option is big floaty kites (6 - 10 meters) in gentle steady wind.

In my experience, most kiters do not jump as a dedicated activity, mostly becuase it is dangerous, and more fun to get pulled around on wheels. The big exception is landboarders who tend to jump up each time they turn and do some tricks. They also mostly use big, depower or inflatable kites and have a lot of experience. I think of it kind of like rappelling, most of the people who do it are climbers who do it becuase theyhave to get back on the ground. Not many climbers rappel for fun bcuase it is dangerous and less interesting than climbing. Not many people actually do it a dedicated activity more than once or twice.

Within the last year we had a fatality from a guy who liked to brag on the forums how high he could jump with his Blade, so the danger is real. If getting air is the most important thing to you, consider paragliding where the focus is on that and they manage the risks.
</safety lecture>

Have fun, get an even bigger kite and try it in very low winds.

Bladerunner - 9-10-2012 at 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jimbocz
<safety lecture>

Within the last year we had a fatality from a guy who liked to brag on the forums how high he could jump with his Blade, so the danger is real. If getting air is the most important thing to you, consider paragliding where the focus is on that and they manage the risks.
</safety lecture>

Have fun, get an even bigger kite and try it in very low winds.

Good advice !

Sorry to hear about the loss within your crew. Can you tell us a bit more about what happened ?

Hymefly - 9-10-2012 at 09:38 AM

So sorry to hear about that fatality.

Thanks for that advice, jimbocz. I had no idea a bigger kite will be safer. I assumed the bigger the kite the more power it will have to do some damage. Maybe I should reconsider this whole thing. I mean, I just wanted to experience something more challenging from a kite than what the Snapshot 2.5 has to offer. I had also thought of getting pulled around in wheels at some later time when I'm able to invest in something like that. The Tensor 5.0 seemed like a good fit based on size and price. It just goes to show how little I know about this. I have done some research on the subject, but I could never find the answers to my questions. Which is why I turned to this awesome forum. Maybe I should just stick with the Snapshot. :embarrased:

BeamerBob - 9-10-2012 at 09:56 AM

If you go down the jumping path, the 5m will be a good stepping stone to learn about larger kites and their power. You will be happier and safer jumping with a 6-7 m kite though. More loft to pick you up in safer winds and to let you down softly. This size kite will pick you up in 12 mph and can do 10 footers with 16 mph or so.

Get experience with the 5 m and then get the 6 ish meter and start out in barely enough wind to warm up to all the new power. My stepping stone was a 5 m HQ Crossfire then got a 6.5m Flexifoil blade IV. Read about my experience in the " Blade is king" thread.

Btw I'm roughly the same size as you.

Bladerunner - 9-10-2012 at 10:00 AM

You are right about the bigger the kite the more power.

Jumping is something you work up to. You have learned the control and are ready for the next step. Get something bigger . Feeling that added power is a huge rush ! The Tensor is great with those convertable handles and all. Just be aware that jumping will have to be the next step + that getting in motion is when the whole sport really opens up. You can always sell the Tennsor to fund the larger kite that will be the one you actually enjoy jumping with.

The thing with jumping isn't so much about getting lifted as it is about having enough canopy to provide some float while up there. A 5m kite and even the Tensor will lift you if flown in the right winds. It just won't slow your decent like a larger kite will. Larger kites turn slower giving you more wiggle room. You make a mistake with a 5m and things go wrong faster.

BeamerBob - 9-10-2012 at 10:13 AM

Exactly BR! Old guys rule! :cool2:

bobsalinas - 9-10-2012 at 10:25 AM

hymefly,
I will be down your way(SPI) Oct. 20th-Nov. 10th with all my foils from 1.5 to 12 and you are welcome to try them out
to see what is good or bad for you. Call me after the 21st Oct. 5052500176

abkayak - 9-10-2012 at 10:41 AM

no no!!!!..... you need more kites!!! you need to be pulled around on wheels. you don’t want to miss that! everyone needs to be pulled around on wheels, the world would be a better place. its sad to here of fatalities but there is inherent risk in our day to day lives of course there would be in what can be an extreme sport. bite off kite sizes as you can handle them.... be cautious and have lots of fun doing so......you must get on wheels you will never forgive yourself if you don’t... get more kites quickly

pongnut - 9-10-2012 at 10:43 AM

... also, more kites = larger range of wind conditions you can fly in - when it's blowing 5-10 mph and your Snapshot starts to get a little boring, you can pull out that 5 meter kite for twice the power!:wee:

You sound like you were born with the common sense gene, based on your questions and the research you are doing, unlike some of the guys from Kober's recent post, "Another kiting lesson going wrong...". :rolleyes:

jimbocz - 9-10-2012 at 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner

Good advice !

Sorry to hear about the loss within your crew. Can you tell us a bit more about what happened ?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2018443/Killed-power...

Not within my crew, as much as I hate to say it this guy was an idiot. He was always on a UK forum bragging about how high he could jump and how could launch his kite in 50 mph winds and junk like that. We never heard too many details about exactly what happened, but one guy who was there posted that he got lofted 50 feet or so immediately upon launching. Apparently flying a Blade.

Like I said, I wasn't there, but if you launch in wind that's going to loft you 50 feet then you don't know how to fly a kite or judge conditions. That's not a freak gust. It's bad enough that his poor judgement got him killed, but he irreprably damaged the reputation of powerkiters all over the country.

Take note that the newspaper is a rag, and simply quoted discussions from our forum as facts. Becuase everything you read on the internet is true.

We had a bit of media hype about "dangerous" powerkites as a result, and "journalists" searched the forum for stories of injuries as proof of how dangerous these kites can be, with scant regard for the truth. It was a lesson for me that internet forums are NOT private and what you say can come back to haunt you.

jimbocz - 9-10-2012 at 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hymefly
Maybe I should reconsider this whole thing. I mean, I just wanted to experience something more challenging from a kite than what the Snapshot 2.5 has to offer..... Maybe I should just stick with the Snapshot. :embarrased:

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with getting a 5 meter kite and flying that in the right wind. It's not kite size that is inherently dangerous or not, it's kite size relative to the amount of wind. The other day I taught a guy who had never flown a kite on my 7 meter Samarai. Of course, there was very little wind. Other days I would not have let him launch a 2 meter kite. Having a big and a small kite is the right strategy, cause then you can fly on days when the wind is light as well as when it is blowing hard.

I'm not even that much against jumping per se, but as many people here have said, be experienced and knowledgable enough to mitigate the risks.

Don't be embarrased, wanting to fly bigger and different kites is natural!

Hymefly - 9-10-2012 at 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bobsalinas
hymefly,
I will be down your way(SPI) Oct. 20th-Nov. 10th with all my foils from 1.5 to 12 and you are welcome to try them out
to see what is good or bad for you. Call me after the 21st Oct. 5052500176

I'll give you a call, man. Thanks for the offer!

Hymefly - 9-10-2012 at 06:29 PM

Well, I really need to get a kite now. My Snapshot was stolen from my truck last night. Its a real bummer, but life goes on. There are greater things in this life. I appreciate all the advice everyone has given me. I'm leaning towards the Tensor 5.0. I was just wondering, will I be able to launch this particular kite solo? I've seen videos on YouTube where guys launch similar kites without the need of anyone's help. I would really like that feature. Also, is there a better alternative in the same class as the Tensor? I would like to keep it within the same price range.

pongnut - 9-10-2012 at 10:25 PM

Kite stealers suck!! :mad:

You should have no problem launching your next kite solo. Almost all of the kites recommended here are 4 line kites - 2 main power lines & 2 brake lines. The extra lines give you some extra control options like being able to keep the kite inflated on the ground until you're ready to launch, being able to reverse-launch the kite if it ends up nose-down, and can even increased turning control.

Several other good choices in the 5 meter range would be:
HQ Beamer
Peter Lynn Twister & Hornet
PKD Buster Soulfly
Ozone Octane
Flexifoil Rage ... to name a few.

Bladerunner - 10-10-2012 at 06:27 AM

Yes , you can ground handle the Tensor on your own. You can do that with almoat any 5m 4 line fixed bridle.

The Tensor is stable with low lift. Designed to make learning easy. The bar / handles combo is sort of unique and allows you to try both styles of flying. Bar makes learning a bit easier.

Hymefly - 10-10-2012 at 06:47 AM

Thanks all! I'll place the order today. I'll report back by the weekend or early next week. Thanks again! :D

abkayak - 10-10-2012 at 08:21 AM

that's it dont delay..... just get back in the air asap....... than buy another to cover higher winds.

sum420gt - 12-10-2012 at 01:31 AM

well im glad you asked this question because im 6'2 250 lbs, so this thread felt like it was created for me : D

im also new to flying kites, just ordered an hq rush 4 pro 3m kite with the idea to learn on this kite, than move up to a 5m or 6m kite (or possibly bigger) to do some buggying. i live right across the street from a beach in long island (about 20mins away from long beach, ny) so im lucky enough to not have to travel to be able to use my kite.

if you have consistent 12-15 mph wind what size kite should you be using for buggying?

BeamerBob - 12-10-2012 at 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sum420gt
well im glad you asked this question because im 6'2 250 lbs, so this thread felt like it was created for me : D

im also new to flying kites, just ordered an hq rush 4 pro 3m kite with the idea to learn on this kite, than move up to a 5m or 6m kite (or possibly bigger) to do some buggying. i live right across the street from a beach in long island (about 20mins away from long beach, ny) so im lucky enough to not have to travel to be able to use my kite.

if you have consistent 12-15 mph wind what size kite should you be using for buggying?

That would probably call for a 6-7m fixed bridle kite. Depending on the surface. Make the wind gusty and you go to a 4-5m. Size for the gusts not the luls.

kitemaker4 - 12-10-2012 at 09:50 AM

Have you thought about nasa wings. They are great in gusty winds.

Susan (npw goddess)

sum420gt - 12-10-2012 at 06:36 PM

@beamerbob, thanks for the info. as far as the surfaces go, well i imagine a lot of my buggying will be on sand and grass. the wind guests can get to be around 30mph on a windy day, and on a normal day dont go much higher than 15..

@susan thanks. ive still got a lot to learn and i hate to admit but i kno very little about the nasa wings. well besides the fact they are really cool looking :D

i will definitely do some research on them for my buggying future.

Hymefly - 15-10-2012 at 11:22 AM

Well, I tried the Tensor 5.0 this weekend. It was pretty windy, though. I was hesitant to use it, but curiosity took the best of me. With winds blowing at around 13-15mph and gust up to 20mph, I took it out of the package, unrolled it, and launched it. Immediately, I knew I was not dealing with a Snapshot 2.5. This thing pulled very strong! I must admit, it scared me! Well, not even 10 minutes after my first launch, the kite was back in its bag. :no:

Now, I am thinking of returning it and getting something for all around use, and not just for less windy days. I won’t be ready to start using a buggy or board anytime soon. It would be nice if I could afford many kites for different conditions, but I can’t at this time. I figure I could upgrade as time passes, though. So, would you all suggest I get another Snapshot 2.5 or try the Tensor 3.1? The Snapshot was really fun to use, but I imagine winds would have to be pretty strong for it to pull more. I would like to get a good workout. Perhaps get pulled and leave nice long tracks on the sand. At this point, I'm leaning towards the Tensor. It doesn have to be a Prism, but Amazon sells and ships the Prism brand and their return policy is superb. Also, I think Prism puts good quality in their kites.

abkayak - 15-10-2012 at 12:05 PM

Well, imo....3m kites deliver the goods...... everything your looking for.... try to hold on to your new5...grab a used 3 somewhere...im glad it scared you....it should, thats a lot of kite.

pongnut - 15-10-2012 at 02:05 PM

"...Now, I am thinking of returning it and getting something for all around use..."

Most of the kites recommended earlier are for all around use, including your 5m Tensor. The only problem is that there is no kite that is "all wind use". If your winds had been your typical 8-12 mph this weekend, you would have probably totally enjoyed your session.

I agree with abkayak, try to keep that 5m kite and try to score a used 3m (or a new 3 meter Pansh Flux or Legend for about the same price). Something that size would be more appropriate to take out in 15-20 mph winds.

And definitely take bobsalinas up on his offer to try some of his kites - having some different kites to fly + someone with experience to assist is priceless!

One other thing that is good to keep in mind - when you double the size of the kite (surface area) in the same wind speed, then the pull from the kite doubles. When you double the wind speed for the same size kite, the pull is quadrupled!:shocked2:

tridude - 15-10-2012 at 02:18 PM

Yes we do..................

Iam not a Phoenix but I am Don Leech.....seriously a bigger kite does give more margin for error if flown in the right wind.........my 8.5m blade III is a serious handful but manageble in 12 to 14 mph wind..........(static)........ 12 mph tops in the buggy.....above that she breaks traction on the wheels.........

Quote:

Originally posted by BeamerBob
Exactly BR! Old guys rule! :cool2:

:shocked2: :spin:

:shocked2::shocked2::shocked2::shocked2::wee::shocked2::shocked2::shocked2:

tridude - 15-10-2012 at 02:19 PM

Yes we do..................

Iam not a Phoenix but I am Don Leech.....seriously a bigger kite does give more margin for error if flown in the right wind.........my 8.5m blade III is a serious handful but manageble in 12 to 14 mph wind..........(static)........ 12 mph tops in the buggy.....above that she breaks traction on the wheels.........

Quote:

Originally posted by BeamerBob
Exactly BR! Old guys rule! :cool2:

:shocked2: :spin:

:shocked2::shocked2::shocked2::shocked2::wee::shocked2::shocked2::shocked2:

Hymefly - 15-10-2012 at 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pongnut
or a new 3 meter Pansh Flux or Legend for about the same price). Something that size would be more appropriate to take out in 15-20 mph winds.
:

Is this a pretty good brand? What would the difference between the Flux and the Legend?

pongnut - 15-10-2012 at 03:34 PM

I've only flown the 4m Flux (static and landboard) and think it flys just fine. I don't have any experience with the Legend. WIllardTheGrey may be able to describe the difference between those two kites. Other than the color scheme, all I know is that the Legend apeared on the scene in 2006 and the Flux was introduced in 2010.

KAZEDOKA - 15-10-2012 at 04:55 PM

I will be at SPI as well, if bobs quiver doesn't help you zero in- you can try my 2.0 Legend, 3.5 Imp Quatro, 3.0 Beamer etc.etc.

Hymefly - 16-10-2012 at 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KAZEDOKA
I will be at SPI as well, if bobs quiver doesn't help you zero in- you can try my 2.0 Legend, 3.5 Imp Quatro, 3.0 Beamer etc.etc.

Cool! When will you be there?

Bladerunner - 16-10-2012 at 04:32 PM

I little bit of what happened was shell shock. 1st time feeling real power can be a kick in the pants. With time you will feel more comfortable with that 5m in the same winds.

Folks suggested that the 5m would fit in when the snapsot was not cutting it. I have to expect the snapshot would have been entertaining in those winds. Also as suggested there is no such thing as a kite that performs well in all wind speeds. This is why you see most of us have at least 3 different sized kites.

I wouldn't be trading in so much as looking for a 3m to fill the gap. Flux is more expensive than Legend. It has better material, bridles and a safety package. I have no practical experience with either but the Flux is newer tech and I suspect better flying? Pansh are a somewhat good deal new but don't bring a very strong dollar in resale.

NOTHING will beat catching up with other pilots and sharing there knowledge + gear.

Hymefly - 17-10-2012 at 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner
I little bit of what happened was shell shock. 1st time feeling real power can be a kick in the pants.

That was some shell shock lemme tell you! :o
I still feel the effects of it on my back and arms! It really took me by surpised.

I really think it's best for me to get rid of the kite. I simply can't afford to buy a smaller kite without getting rid of the 5.0. I figure winds will frequently be blowing out of the north at higher than normal speeds during this season and especially during winter. I feel a 3m kite (or maybe even 2.5) will be better suited for my needs during this time. Call me an overly cautious guy, but I believe in baby steps before flying ;-) .

Im really anxious to get back to flying one without having to worry about winds being to strong. Winds having been picking up lately around here.

Perhaps early next year, I may be ready for a bigger kite.

Bladerunner - 17-10-2012 at 05:09 PM

If you need to trade down then do so ! Getting out as much as possible is the goal.

3m will fly in very little wind and take you into the 20's. It just doesn't produce much power + you have a much smaller wind window when the wind is low. If you aren't in a hurry to use the kite as an engine then a 3m 4line will deliver up lots of fun and still have enough power to shock your shell when it's windy !

NOTHING wrong with baby steps as long as you are feeding the stoke!

Looking_Up - 19-10-2012 at 08:18 AM

KEEP THE TENSOR 5

i am 6' 2"+ and wheig in at 290# and i can tell you you need to keep the 5
also last time i was in padre there was a kite shope on the island if i was you i would go get in the water i wish i lived that close to kitable water

Keep your eyes peeled on this for sale forum and you can pick up kites in fantastic condition at great prices i just made a deal on a couple of ozone kites 2 and 4 m for probably the same price you paid for that tensor and have bought 3 in the range you are looking for less than 125 rtf being the highest and 75 being the lowest

post in the wanted section and someone usually has a 2 or 3 m to get rid of

best of luck and please dont get discouraged keep the kite if you watch the wind like a hawk youll find the times to ride whien the wind is buttery smooth

Looking_Up - 19-10-2012 at 08:27 AM

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=23234

Dont think you can beat this bran new $110 Excelent Quality

Hymefly - 19-10-2012 at 01:05 PM

Hey Lookingup thanks for the info, man. I got rid the Tensor 5. I just couldnt bring myself to buying something else and still keep it. :no:

The guilt would've been too much and I know I wouldn't have enjoyed myself.

I should get the Tensor 3 today, though! There's currently a steady above average breeze, so I shoud be able to have some fun at SPI this weekend. :wee:

We'll see how it goes.

Cheers!

pongnut - 19-10-2012 at 02:51 PM

Glad that you're going to be able to get out and fly again soon. I'll be curious whether you prefer flying that on the handles or bar.

Hymefly - 26-10-2012 at 01:56 PM

You know what, I borrowed a Snapshot 2.5 (just like the one that got stolen from me..hmmm..) and realized how much more fun the Snapshot is in comparison to my new Tensor 3.1! Way easier for me to control and decent pull. In higher winds, I'm sure it'll be much more fun. So, anyone out there who is new to all this and wants a good starter kite, I suggest the Snapshot 2.5. That's the kite that got me hooked. My next purchase will be another 2.5.

razeontherock - 9-12-2012 at 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pongnut When you double the wind speed for the same size kite, the pull is quadrupled!:shocked2:

Really? Why?

MDK - 9-12-2012 at 08:49 PM

yikes! a 2.5 2 line to a 5.0 4 line is a big step IMHO too big.... take a look at the PKD Busters, fantastic quality and a better price than your Amazon kites www.pkdkitesusa.com start small and work your way up one size at a time and before long you will have a kite for any condition and the skills to boot. I fly the Buster 3.3 static all the time, and if and when you get some wheels it will serve you well, here I am buggying with the 3.3 Buster http://youtu.be/W-EAShq20zo

g00fba11 - 9-12-2012 at 09:05 PM

If there is someone out there that can get you set up with a Pansh Adam on a 4 line bar I think you will be very happy. It will be very familiar to the 2 line but since it is a 4 line on a bar you will have reverse launch ability. The Pansh Adam is a very beginner friendly kite. It comes in 3.5m and 4.5m and since it is a closed cell kite you can actually take it to the beach and fly it in then water and have some fun also.

IMHO this set up would be a nice step up for you while keeping you on a bar but not introducing you to depower. Just a thought......

UnknownAX - 11-12-2012 at 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by razeontherock

Quote:

Originally posted by pongnut When you double the wind speed for the same size kite, the pull is quadrupled!:shocked2:

Really? Why?

AFAIK that's because the kite generates most of its pull through forward movement. If the windspeed is doubled, the kite gets so much faster, that atleast the "peak" pull is nearly quadrupled. Doubling the kites size will make it much slower, so it doesn't qain that much in "peak" pull.:sniff:

flyhighWNY - 11-12-2012 at 07:54 AM

@hymefly.... don't forget you can adjust the amount of pull you feel with that tensor by adjusting your top lines connection on bridle. Middle knot factory setting, good pull, top setting less pull in same wind, and bottom knot more pull for same wind. It can make a bit more manageable in higher winds and more fun in lowe to moderate winds.... might give that a try.. all is explained in manual.

BDX - 16-12-2012 at 01:02 AM

Great thread. At 350 6'5" it seems a 5m is a perfect entry kite. Any recommendations on make & models? Opening budget is about $400.

Scudley - 16-12-2012 at 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by UnknownAX

Quote:

Originally posted by razeontherock

Quote:

Originally posted by pongnut When you double the wind speed for the same size kite, the pull is quadrupled!:shocked2:

Really? Why?

Actually doubling windspeed means the wind has eight times the power. Why: because kenetic energy is 1/2mv^2. As what mass per second of air your kite sees will be directly proportional to the velocity, the available power is proportional to velocity cubed.

pyro22487 - 16-12-2012 at 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BDX
Great thread. At 350 6'5" it seems a 5m is a perfect entry kite. Any recommendations on make & models? Opening budget is about $400.

If you have little to no experience a 5m kite would be a very bad start. It is recommended that a person starts out with a 2-3m trainer or lower end intermediate kite. Starting kites include but are not limited to ozone flow/octane, Peterlynn hornet, and HQ Beamer V.

Starting with to big of a kite can seriously put a hurting on you. starting with one of the above listed brands in 2 to 3 meter sizes will get you a good starter kite and also give you a good high wind kite for those nuking days. I use my 2m flow in 30+ but would never give it to anyone else in those winds but in 15mph winds I give it to 9 year olds to learn on. I would almost never give my 5m to anyone starting out just for the fact if put in the wrong spot it can yank you 10 feet off the ground and drop you like nothing.

Cheers and welcome to the forum.

BDX - 16-12-2012 at 11:34 AM

Thnx Pyro, So noted. its difficult to interpret what beginner actually means at times or entry for that matter. What would you think of a smaller depower or a kite that allows for detuning, such as a Tensor? One of the great benefits of a forum is you get to bounce questions. Btw, given your name, are you also an operator. I have 25 years as a squib for PyroSpec.

MDK - 16-12-2012 at 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BDX
Thnx Pyro, So noted. its difficult to interpret what beginner actually means at times or entry for that matter. What would you think of a smaller depower or a kite that allows for detuning, such as a Tensor? One of the great benefits of a forum is you get to bounce questions. Btw, given your name, are you also an operator. I have 25 years as a squib for PyroSpec.

what are your intentions? static (just kite and you)? board? buggy? jumping? if static, a 3m fixed bridal kite will keep you interested and it will cross over to most of the other types of kiting I mentioned above.
I suggest the PKD Busters www.pkdkitesusa.com

BDX - 16-12-2012 at 04:01 PM

Thank you MKD, I had forgotten most of my specifications were put up on another thread. I'm 60, 6'5" 350#, and at this point in my life I'm interested in static flying larger kites in lighter winds at the beach for the most part. Possibly boarding. Your recommendations are in the mill, along with a Tensor, Beamer, Apex, and an Ozone ranging from 3 to 5m.

The idea of jumping intentionally sounds fantastic but impractical and more likely as not, undesirable, given my size and weight. I hadnt planned on suiting up after 35 years to fly a kite. I had to chuckle when, after showing my wife a video of a pretty nice boost and float sequence she asked if I intended to "take off with the damned thing". I said that I didnt intend to, but she should check the palm trees and mangroves on the lagoon if I wasnt back by the sunset...

MDK - 16-12-2012 at 04:37 PM

your a big guy

that may help you stay on the ground but the 3.3 will give you just as much power as it does me @ 150

IMHO I don't think that weight is an issue while learning to fly. it may dictate what size kite you go for to buggy or something, but the 3.3 will serve you well while learning then work your way up into the bigger kites. if you are going to get into this you will more than likely have more than a couple kites anyway and it is safer to have a kite for any condition, then you are not as tempted to fly the wrong kite in the wrong wind. BTW I am assuming you have no experience with a 4 line power kite. just so you know, I watched my 260lb brother in-law get his butt kicked by a 3.2 SKD on the beach.

BDX - 16-12-2012 at 06:07 PM

Lol, you're right. Whether a kite can pick me up unexpectedly or whether it will kick my ass are two different things entirely! I'll punch that bit of advice up to the top of my considerations. It was suggested that a depower would allow a larger kite but that was offset by the complexity of the system..another great piece of advice. I suppose if one were to fly only under the lightest softest wind where the kite is going to be a lamb that's one thing, but if you want to go out and fly and are shutdown because that lamb turned into a grizzly that's another. I'd rather fly when I want to than have the vagaries of weather dictate to me. I'll call Dakitez and discuss some options along those lines.

MDK - 16-12-2012 at 06:44 PM

yeah a depower would be a poor choice for a first kite IMO. the 3.0 to 3.5 will give you the biggest range in wind but eventually you will want 2m through 12m in your quiver, getting into a buggy will add 90% more fun too. but first things first

I have heard only good things about Dakitez.

pyro22487 - 16-12-2012 at 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BDX
Btw, given your name, are you also an operator. I have 25 years as a squib for PyroSpec.

No I just like fire sorry. Although your job sounds fun. I actually work on b-52s

BDX - 17-12-2012 at 10:28 AM

"No I just like fire sorry...."

Lmao, a perfect candiate for a hand fired show...Its actually a passionate paid hobby and not my job. In fact I'm retired. (Env Investigator and Aerometric instrumentation specialist) I'm sure you'd find it as entertaining (if not more so) than kiting. Unfortunately you cant shoot commercial fireworks every time you get a hankering to light some quikmatch...We'll handfire up to 5" but after that, and in accordance with NFPA guidelines larger shells have to be fired electrically. Prior to that reg, I dd shoot a 8"s by hand but you have to keep your mouth open when the lifting charge went off to keep your ear drums from bursting due to overpressure. Scary friggn cool #@%$#! man!!

(Sorry and thanks for the off topic indulgence Moderator)

BDX - 17-12-2012 at 04:06 PM

Thanks to all! Ended up purchasing a 4.2 Tensor from a local dealer here in northern California delivery by Friday so I can fly on the beach in SoCal over xmas.

pyro22487 - 17-12-2012 at 05:16 PM

Well glad to see you didn't get the 5m its just to much for a beginner to start with in my opinion. Unless you have prior experience or something. My wife would kill me if I decided to pick up another hobby.

BDX - 17-12-2012 at 05:26 PM

Thread seems to be a bit bonkers, third page wont access...

Issue resolved...thanks Pyro

AnnieO - 18-12-2012 at 11:07 AM

Enjoy the Tensor. That's a nice size for you to get started out on. Actually, if you fly this kite with clean and continuous coastal winds the first time out I think you will really be surprised how much power this kite will generate. Just be careful, but I'm sure you will have a blast!

BDX - 18-12-2012 at 03:33 PM

Why thank you Annie...thank you all for that matter.

djinnzfree - 22-12-2012 at 04:12 AM

Big kites are for low wind, slow turn.
Small kites are for high wind, fast turn.

When the wind is very low, noboby's riding except those who got big ones as 21m².

What's the wind range of your 5m²? "choose" the lowest to be confortable... than rise!

BDX - 3-1-2013 at 03:39 PM

Right-o Dj, I cant beleive it but I have yet to fly my new Tensor 4.2...the winds and weather have been against me since xmas morning, first in SoCal and now at home! Stagnant air mass locally...maybe head to the coast this weekend. If we get some breeze in fornt of the Sunday frontal system I'll head up to Lake Sonoma and try the fields below Warm Springs Dam...