Power Kite Forum

Light wind power kite (not only for jumping)

PeterSz - 18-12-2014 at 07:47 AM

Hi,

I look for a suitable power kite, that I can use in light wind, if possible, for jumping, or only for fun.

- I live in Budapest, Hungary: it is inland, can be classified as a moderate windy region, the average annual wind speed is between 1 - 4 m/s, typically, if there are, the gusts are lower than 10 m/s,
- My kiting experience: I have stunt kites (e.g.: Prism Quantum Pro, Zephyr etc.), and Prism Stylus P3 and P4 two lines power kites, so, I think, I'm not a beginner, but not pro.
- I'm 184 cm / 110 kg

(Personally , now I vote for Peter Lynn's Twister, but I can't choose between the 5.5 and 7.5 m2, 4-line handles).

I would like to read your opinion about your preferred manufacturer, type, size etc., that meet my expectations.

Regards,
Peter

ssayre - 18-12-2014 at 08:59 AM

I'm inland and I started off wanting to jump. Now I'm of the opinion that jumping isn't worth it unless your near the beach where you can get some consistent wind. If possible, I would explore some sort of kiting activity such as buggy, ski, landboard so you can put the energy in motion. Much safer in my opinion for inland kiting. If you must jump, then a large kite in light-ish winds is less risk but still risky.

PeterSz - 18-12-2014 at 09:39 AM

Hi ssayre, based on your thoughts I modified the title of the topic, and my needs: jumping is not an expectation, just a plus possibility then.

The most important thing: an easy to use power kite in light wind.


regards,
Peter

sadsack - 18-12-2014 at 11:20 AM

NPW kite do real good in low wind, but like any kite in low wind you going need a large one.

abkayak - 18-12-2014 at 11:33 AM

Greetings our new Budapest buddy...buy a 3m kite...its more than enough to get going properly in this sport
it will fly in 8mph winds and kill you in the 20's if not respected...that 5.5 is gonna just try to kill you from the start
gotta be safe 1st

sadsack - 18-12-2014 at 05:49 PM

abkayak is right, kite jumping it not the best way to use a kite.

Proletariat - 18-12-2014 at 10:52 PM

Yeah, if you're inland, jumping is flirting with disaster. That being said, for jumping, the Peter Lynn Twister II and Flexifoil Blade are awesome (stay away from the Blade 2, and the 3 is pretty scary, too). For depower kites, most arcs are pretty awesome but the Phantom and the Venom were my faves. I wouldn't suggest static jumping with depower foils inland, but the Flysurfer speed 3+ is a floaty jumping machine. Unfortunately, the arcs and the speeds don't fly great in light wind, so I've been flying the Flysurfer peak in super low variable winds lately. Apparently the Peak2 is more floaty than the Peak 1, so I'd imagine a 12m Peak2 would be a great static jumping low wind machine.

Again, static jumping in inland winds is a horrible idea and almost anyone who does it has been injured at some point (myself included). But if you're bound and determined, get something big enough to land you gently. Don't jump with a 4m fixed bridle foil.

Bladerunner - 19-12-2014 at 07:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Proletariat  


Again, static jumping in inland winds is a horrible idea and almost anyone who does it has been injured at some point (myself included). But if you're bound and determined, get something big enough to land you gently. Don't jump with a 4m fixed bridle foil.


Notice the advice that everybody seems to be giving .

Even just static flying in turbulent inland winds is frustrating and can be dangerous with a big kite. Forget about jumping. To enjoy your conditions most you may want to think about getting in motion and remaining earth bound. I wonder how hard it is to get a kite buggy ( Or have one made ) in Hungary? Mountain board is a good second choice??

Crazy as it may sound to you getting a QUALITY 3m, 4 line power kite will actually serve you best right now. It will serve up a LOT more power than you think when the wind blows. In light winds you can fly a 3m fast ( a bit like your prism ) to create apparent wind. You won't have to pack it in those days when the wind really does blow. That is hard to do and you will push it too far if you only have 1 large kite. You can't jump with it but it will drag you around when the wind blows! :thumbup: