Power Kite Forum

Now we're kiting

rtz - 30-9-2014 at 07:40 PM

Started off on the 4m Octane. It was nicely powered up. Cruising around in the low to mid 20mph range. That's how I like it. Then the wind started to slack; got out the 5m. It was okay; but I wondered how the 4.4 Reactor would do. It was faster. But it seems like it doesn't take too much increase in wind for me to feel overpowered. I flew the 5.5 Reactor yesterday.



The 5.5 Reactor always reminds me why I don't own anything bigger due to the sub par winds when it's light. The 4.4 always makes me wonder and doubt if I'd like the 3 smaller sizes or not. Because the wind would be even more to bring those out.

Who owns any or all of the 3 smaller sized Reactors? The 2.2, 2.8, and the 3.5. Do they feel like too much or are they "tame"? Would they work okay riding on grass or would that eat up too much power and they would struggle to get up to speed? Would like to try one but they are some money compared to most kites.

I had some definite overpowered moments on the 4.4 today. I rode from 3-7 in these winds:



Also updated my kite field map. Zoom in on Lake Hefner and see the 4 spots to ride:

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zfs8d0UFPdiU.k0l9...

If you're ever driving through the state for some reason on I-40, I-44, or I-35; lots of places to buggy.

Demoknight - 30-9-2014 at 08:45 PM

I have the 3.5 2013 Reactor. I flew it in high teens and it knocked my socks off. I was actually flying it in only slightly higher winds than I was flying the 8.6m... The 3.5 doesn't have much grunt because it is so small, but holy freaking crap it generates power at neckbreak speed when you send it through the window. I was wearing a harness hooked in my first time flying it and I really underestimated it. The power comes from speed, so as long as you keep brake tension, you won't have much to worry about. It was only really when I got completely off the brakes that I was able to swing it through the window for huge 30ft+ scuds in 18mph winds. I haven't had a chance to buggy with it yet, only the 5.5 and 8.6. But the speed. That kite is just scary fast. It took me some time to get used to its speed and power.

RedSky - 30-9-2014 at 10:11 PM

I'm pleased for you that you finally got some wind.

rtz - 1-10-2014 at 01:10 AM

Yes; this is the more normal, common, and typical wind we usually have. All last month was pretty much a wind drought(very unusual).




October is a pretty good month wind and temperature wise. April/May are our two best months.

soliver - 1-10-2014 at 07:22 AM

I just recently got the 3.5m RII and have only flown it static. The kind of wind you are showing me on your graphics above are practically nonexistent around here, so I'm jealous... but I can tell you that even in my lower winds, Demo is right,... he is fast and powerful.

BeamerBob - 1-10-2014 at 08:19 AM

The 3.5 was the kite that made buggying over 50 mph common for me after moving to the desert. It was rock steady and really pulled. I think I had it up to about 52-53 mph.

Video of a fun day with the one I had.

Vince H. - 1-10-2014 at 12:15 PM

rtz

Just wondering where that detailed weather info came from?

rtz - 1-10-2014 at 12:28 PM

I got it from here:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.46710&lo...

ssayre - 1-10-2014 at 12:39 PM

Some of that wind is moving my way but unfortunately it is accompanied by rain. Our September was very calm so I'm hoping for a good October.

SpecialK - 1-10-2014 at 01:27 PM

Wow that detailed weather info is awesome. Bookmarked!

BeamerBob - 1-10-2014 at 01:32 PM

Ivanpah Weather

This is our go to forecast for Ivanpah as well.

soliver - 1-10-2014 at 06:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob  
The 3.5 was the kite that made buggying over 50 mph common for me after moving to the desert. It was rock steady and really pulled. I think I had it up to about 52-53 mph.

Video of a fun day with the one I had.


That one's mine now :smilegrin: ... I own an epic piece of kiterdom awesomeness.

rtz - 2-10-2014 at 06:44 PM

Flew the 2.4m Sting all day on the lakebed. 35 miles covered. Top speed of only 28mph despite all that wind. Most of the time; the kite cruises at 20-22mph. Odd how it just won't typically do more. It might be a slow kite; but it has really good low end and even better in the gusts; it never luffed or folded once. I guess because it doesn't fly forward in the window at all; it never winds up in situations on the edge of the window.




image
(see the original size to see the riding area better)

ssayre - 3-10-2014 at 04:34 AM

that looks like it could be a prime spot for streetkiting as well.

hywelmartin - 3-10-2014 at 07:31 AM

The sting needs the brakes applied to get the buggy going ....

36 mph @ 25-30 knots is my best at the beach, with my Sting 3,3 (then one powerline snapped....and the speed is undocumented)

BeamerBob - 3-10-2014 at 08:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by soliver  
Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob  
The 3.5 was the kite that made buggying over 50 mph common for me after moving to the desert. It was rock steady and really pulled. I think I had it up to about 52-53 mph.

Video of a fun day with the one I had.


That one's mine now :smilegrin: ... I own an epic piece of kiterdom awesomeness.


It's cool when your kite has a history. Especially if it's one of a kind. :cool:

RonH - 3-10-2014 at 06:22 PM

A little late here...

Wow, 5.5 is your low wind kite:o:o

I wish:P

I think you would do well with a 3.5 on longish lines. That way you can work the kite through the lulls and be fully powered in the gusts. 22mph wind would get you into the 40's easily... (Then you want a big buggy to hold down the power...)

I have flown every size in either an RII or RIII. The RIII is a little faster and if Bob was on a 2013 at Ivanpah his top speed would have been higher. It does give up a bit in stability in lumpy wind though...

The hard part of having different kites is you can have overlap with different sized kites.

Ron

rtz - 29-1-2015 at 06:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by hywelmartin  
The sting needs the brakes applied to get the buggy going ....

36 mph @ 25-30 knots is my best at the beach, with my Sting 3,3 (then one powerline snapped....and the speed is undocumented)


Finally tried this out today. Was trudging along at 20mph topped out with the 3.3m Sting. Crammed on the brakes. Speed instantly went from 20mph to 30mph.

With the way the bridle is; it almost looks like it increases the aspect ratio of the kite when the brakes are applied since it seems to move the leading edge down closer to the trailing edge?

I think the Stings are a highly underrated kite just like the Ozone Flows were. Not the fastest kites in the world; but they sure fly nice in any winds and are decently fast.

soliver - 29-1-2015 at 08:35 PM

Remembering your original question from this thread:

Quote: Originally posted by rtz  


Who owns any or all of the 3 smaller sized Reactors? The 2.2, 2.8, and the 3.5. Do they feel like too much or are they "tame"? Would they work okay riding on grass or would that eat up too much power and they would struggle to get up to speed? Would like to try one but they are some money compared to most kites.



Obviously before my accident, but since this thread was active, I've had the opportunity to use my 3.5m RII in the buggy and it was pretty awesome. The wind was 12-14mph maybe gusting to 17mph (if that) and the kite really had awesome power and incredible upwind.