Power Kite Forum - First time advice please

First time advice please

Surfdraf - 18-7-2015 at 06:41 AM

Hi all. I am looking for a kite to ptake on beach caravan holidays to Cornwall to keep me entertained whilst kiss re plating on the beach.

I am a seasoned windsurfer so know a bit about the wind and am fairly strong.

I am not looking to progress particularly but want so wing that will be a laugh with the guys too. I would imagine flying in force 3 to 5 normally.

I have no idea what I want but definitely don't want too technical but nor something tame.

I thought about the

Hq rush pro 250
He rush 200
Flex foil sting 1.7 or poss 2.4
The shop keeps saying Peter lyn vibe bugs looks dull.

Any advice v welcome

ssayre - 18-7-2015 at 06:45 AM

I've not flown those particular kites but all mentioned have a good reputation and sound like they would fit the bill. I'd go with something min 2.5 - 3 meter

Surfdraf - 18-7-2015 at 06:54 AM

Thanks, 2,3 or 4 lines?

Windstruck - 18-7-2015 at 07:02 AM

Four lines run off of handles, a so-called fixed bridle set up should set you straight. Something in the 3m range (give or take) should set you up for some fun. Buy and use "kite killers" with such a set up. On the beach you can be scudding which is pretty fun.

Surfdraf - 18-7-2015 at 07:12 AM

Thanks is 3 line on a bar v different to a 4 line on handles? Cheers

ssayre - 18-7-2015 at 07:41 AM

Yes, 4 line takes a little practice to use but is more fun than 3 line down the road. If your looking for quick and easy and instant gratification then go 3 line. The rush will still be a good kite down the road but you can do more with a 4 line

ssayre - 18-7-2015 at 07:42 AM

stay away from any 2 line stuff because you won't be able to relaunch. 3 and 4 line you can relaunch if landed up side down

Surfdraf - 18-7-2015 at 07:43 AM

Thanks

bobalooie57 - 18-7-2015 at 07:56 AM

Here's a video I did, riding the buggy with the Rush (IV) 300 Pro. It is 3-line on a bar, and should you choose it (I think they are on Mk V now), it should provide you with lots of smiles! Plenty of power with higher wind speeds, but tame enough to hand to a newbie in moderate wind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&...

Surfdraf - 18-7-2015 at 09:38 AM

Looks great, so next question is 2.5 or 3 cheers guys

ssayre - 18-7-2015 at 10:08 AM

Not sure. Either would probably be good.

bigkid - 18-7-2015 at 12:21 PM

3 or 2.5 will be great but be sure to keep the winds lite to begin with.

Surfdraf - 18-7-2015 at 12:45 PM

Thanks all. So it's either the Hq rush pro 250 or FLEXFOIL sting 2.4

grigorib - 18-7-2015 at 01:03 PM

Third line might be helpful reverse launching but soon after couple of sessions those rear lines just hang loose behind.

I've had good fun with my dual line kites till I picked up on depowers and started riding. I have three kites listed, any of them would deliver hours of entertainment.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=30373

RedSky - 18-7-2015 at 04:43 PM

Hi, Surdraf

If you really want big fun then I would seriously recommend the Flexifoil Stacker kites, particularly the Super 10. These would be great fun with the guys, not too tame or technical.

The kites you mentioned above are pretty much beginner or trainer kites for children. The Stackers are very easy to fly, very fast (115 mph) and powerful and can take big winds without the fear of lifting you into the air. Relaunch is a little tricky but your mates can flip the kite over for you when you crash and the beauty of these kites is that you can stack them one on top of each other for even more power later on. I had insane fun with these kites.

http://www.flexifoil.com/powerkites/stacker

Surfdraf - 19-7-2015 at 12:46 AM

Thanks all. I think I am getting there hahaha

grigorib - 19-7-2015 at 08:01 AM

ditto
Dual line kites are not that hard to relaunch - usually you loosen up one line, the kite gets turned over and up it goes again. After couple of sessions ability to relaunch goes up, number of crashes goes down.
For a quad fixed bridle powerkite on handles the brake lines are essential but that third line of Rush Pro and similar wings just hangs out behind, kind of loose.

But before you get a foil, think of Revolution kite - those are real beach toys. Nothing too powerful - just a regular EXP or fancier 1.5 or if prevailing winds are strong a vented one and you'll keep that kite for years and decades.

Surfdraf - 19-7-2015 at 09:15 AM

Thinking flex foil sting thanks for the advice guys. Do I need the safety handles?

grigorib - 19-7-2015 at 10:20 AM

Instead of Flexifoil Sting "flying mattress" how about I get you the 3.6m Thunderfoil http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=30373 in pristine condition to fly and play with and if you don't like it or you can't muscle the pull it delivers you just send it back and I'll pay you back. Shipping is only $6, what's the risk?

It's the white/blue/black wing from http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=23796 thread. I had it then in quad line setup when I borrowed the brake lines from the Ballistic which has identical geometry and connection points.

quote from NewTech "...these sport foils were great for intermediate-expert fliers. Hard pulling, with nice precision, made it an excellent traction kite. Was only discontinued due to the fact that we had a different sport kite designer the next year and were forced to change design owned by previous designer.

Great kite IMO. One thing though, the kite, as manufactured, was not a quad line
...
...
James Zuniga
Art Director/Saver of the world
New Tech Kites "

Bladerunner - 19-7-2015 at 10:41 AM

grigorib makes a good point.

If traction isn't your goal but entertainment + being able to do amazing things with the kite then it is worth taking a look at Revolution Kites. Endless fun and endless learning curve.

Foil kites are fun and a challenge but the real fun with them comes when you get moving. For static flying the Rev's can be much more rewarding.

Safety / kite killers don't effect how the kite flies but keep the kite under your control when you let go. Having them on while learning allows you to let go as soon as you feel the need. Brings the kite down with minimal tangles and allows you to get going again fast.

Once you have your pilot skills and a safe location kite killers are less important but starting out with them is safer + less agro'.

RedSky - 19-7-2015 at 10:44 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Surfdraf

Thinking flex foil sting thanks for the advice guys. Do I need the safety handles?

Yeah, get kite killers to retain the kite or it will blow away.

Really a Sting ? Nice kite for kids but for lads on the beach. Buy my Flexifoil Blade 4m on ebay uk. 1hr left to go!! Comes with kite killer, bar and handles.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281747784657?ssPageName=STRK:MESEL...

:D

ssayre - 19-7-2015 at 10:47 AM

Quote: Originally posted by RedSky

Quote: Originally posted by Surfdraf

Thinking flex foil sting thanks for the advice guys. Do I need the safety handles?

RedSky - 19-7-2015 at 11:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Quote: Originally posted by RedSky

Quote: Originally posted by Surfdraf

Thinking flex foil sting thanks for the advice guys. Do I need the safety handles?

Thanks Sean.

*** Now sold ***

Take a look at grigorib' offerings. They are proper power kites!! Sting is great too but a little tame imo.

Surfdraf - 21-7-2015 at 11:26 AM

Thanks so much for the valuable advice I plumbed for the sting. My week away its 20 mph wind forecast.

What's the wind range for this kite assuming I can get to grips with the basics first

RedSky - 21-7-2015 at 04:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Surfdraf

Thanks so much for the valuable advice I plumbed for the sting. My week away its 20 mph wind forecast.

What's the wind range for this kite assuming I can get to grips with the basics first

20 mph is good. :thumbup:

What size ?

Surfdraf - 22-7-2015 at 12:18 AM

2.4