I have been looking around the forum for the past 24 hours or so and the wealth of knowledge is simply amazing.
I am looking to purchase a decent 4 line kite for myself and the family to have some fun with, nothing that is liable to be too dangerous for a first
time out and I have been looking at a few models.
I have called Colin at powerkiteshop.com and he was very forthcoming with information.
I am looking to be flying it with my kids, minimum age is 14 and have narrowed it down to a few within a certain budget £160 ish.
HQ Alpha 3.5m ( recommended as a good first time flyer ).
Flexifoil 3.3m
Peter Lynn Hornet 2m
Peter Lynn Hornet 3m ( at a push for the price )
Any ideas, suggestions and advice would be very welcome, I have seen a few people say the Alpha was not what they were expecting and was cheaper in
quality and a slow flyer.
No landboarding etc as of yet as we are just starting with static flying but would like something that will give us some fun and not have to upgrade
for the time being and can get to grips with learning more about this sport.
A little info.
I am in the UK.
Looking to fly over the local fields and free farm areas.
Had 2 line kites before but nothing that evolved to 4 line.
Interested in static and having some fun before moving into other areas such as boards etc.
Local winds are anywhere from moderate breezes to gusting and down right windy depending on the area and the weather. When I say gusty, it can hit
15/20mph or more at times.
Weight, roughly 10st average athletic build due to various other sports.
My budget isnt overwhelming at the moment, but looking for £150 - £170 mark at a push.
Any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Craig abkayak - 10-8-2015 at 11:22 AM
kids= more than 1...and you...buy more than 1 kite
get both hornets will keep you for a bit...than you sell a kid or a car and go from there
Welcome!Craig_G - 10-8-2015 at 11:28 AM
LOL.
Thanks for the reply and the welcome.
The reason for the 1 kite at the moment is they want to see if they can get into it and have some fun, my children love kites and want to learn more
and having used 2 lines before I thought it would be time to move onto 4 lines and see how we go.
I do like the look of the hornets and been told it is a good way to go as opposed to the HQ alpha or the Sting 3.3
Thanks
Craig abkayak - 10-8-2015 at 11:40 AM
cant go wrong w/ a hornet...i let newbs on it and they slam it into the ground...amazes me the beating that kite takes
very well manored not much lift...its a proper kite
both hornets a 2m and a 3m...just do it...trust mesmoo - 10-8-2015 at 11:56 AM
I started with a 3.5m kite, it's a versatile size that I still use for traction, scudding and just having fun static flying.
A 2m kite will be faster and more fun for static, but will be restricted to high wind days for traction.
Have you considered any other brands? There's always Pansh if you're on a budget, though you can't beat Flexifoil or PL for quality (hence the price)Craig_G - 10-8-2015 at 02:29 PM
Thanks Guys,
I have been looking around and to be honest was quite shocked at the range and choice and I can see how many people can struggle with which ones will
be best for them.
The hornet 3M I can squeeze into my budget and that is at the top of my list now having looked into it a little more. It looks extremely sturdy and it
is beating the HQ Alpha now in the purchasing stakes.
Thanks for the heads up on Pansh, Smoo. That is a name I had heard but not seen. I have their site bookmarked to look into at a later date.
The hornet 3m is looking like it may be the one to start with and see how we go.
Myself and the kids can't wait to get out there and start enjoying this sport and having some fun and of course being as safe as we possibly can. :-)
ssayre - 10-8-2015 at 02:37 PM
peter Lynn is top notch. I'm sure you will not be disappointed with that unit. Good quality lines too. John Holgate - 10-8-2015 at 02:48 PM
I had one of the original Hornet 3m - great kite. Good enough to pull a buggy from 14 - 15 knots or so and fun to static fly well below that. Start
it off around 10 knots to get the hang of it. Well made quality bit of kit. skimtwashington - 10-8-2015 at 02:56 PM
Pansh is often not a recommended brand by many VETERAN fliers on here. The kite can be fine most of the time but has a
checkered history.
You want a reliable kite that flies well from the get-go because of good quality control on build..correct bridal lengths..etc.
Don't be tempted by the cheaper cost. I would rather a used Peler Lynn or HQ than a Pansch...from what my reliable veteran fliers have told me...and
so would they. Craig_G - 10-8-2015 at 03:29 PM
Guys,
I cannot thank you all enough.
I have been discussing it with my better half this week and we both agree that as we are starting to move into the four line range, safety is
paramount and reliability is the upmost important feature along with that.
I cannot find anyone saying any bad things about Peter Lynn with the hornet or the other versions. I know it is more expensive, yet for the safety
aspect and reliability with myself and my family flying it, I think it will have to be the Hornet as the kite of choice.
I have found a Hornet 3m for £179, just above my budget, yet better safe than sorry and hopefully hours and hours of fun and learning ahead of us.
soliver - 10-8-2015 at 04:18 PM
If you haven't bought the Hornet yet, check out the PKD Buster Soulfly 3.3m. They are equally great quality, great for a beginner, and typically much
less expensive. It's usually on the short list for people's first kite.
If you have bought the Hornet, CONGRATS!!! I've always been a fan of Peter Lynn and you will be very happy with that kite.
Be glad you didn't get the Alpha, I hear they are a little too tame to be any fun.Craig_G - 10-8-2015 at 04:31 PM
Hey Soliver.
I havent bought it yet, tomorrow is looking like the D-Day for purchase, I am definitely leaning towards the Hornet in the 3m being our first four
line.
I have been doing a lot of searching for the best four line kites and something didn't feel right about the alpha. No idea why, so I have kept looking
and finally feel more at ease regarding a kite we will feel safe with and that is a good feeling as it means we can just enjoy, learn and have fun
along the way.
I will keep everyone posted, I am loving the forum and there is tons of great advice and it is all very much appreciated.
Craig hiaguy - 10-8-2015 at 04:36 PM
Here's another vote for the Hornet.
Although not in my sig', I have the 2, 3, and 4m Hornets and wouldn't part with them. They're the perfect kite to put into a friends hands (wind and
weight being properly considered) and letting them loose on it. They've all happily pulled me around in my buggy, and my son (15 yrs old - 9st) on his
mountain board. (Well, there was an incident with the 2m, but Markite re-built it for me and it was good as new!)
PS: For the first while, I'd suggest using the kite killers, "just in case".
Fly safe, and often, and let us know how it goes.
If you can wait a bit ...
skimtwashington - 10-8-2015 at 04:43 PM
...you can save money buying a good used kite in your UK area on eBay or elsewhere......if you don't mind used. You might save a lot(30-50%)
Your UK used kite market is much, much more abundant than in USA.
Good 3m kites:
PL Hornet
Ozone Flow
HQ Beamer
I have bought a lot of kites....almost every one used. So have many on here..even on this thread. Windstruck - 10-8-2015 at 06:19 PM
Craig - welcome to the power kiting world and PKF! Great that you are involving your family in the fun.
Hard to go wrong with a PL Hornet in any of the smaller sizes. I've got a near-new 4m 2015 model for sale should you be interested at some point. Not
trying to stear you away from the 3m; that's a great starter size. When you are ready for some more "grunt" you may want to start checking out some
larger models.
So I am now looking into this and ebay to see what deals are available. Would it be more applicable to start with something in the 3 / 4m range and do
you think a 5m would be applicable for what we are going to be using it for or too much for just starting out only having flown 2 line kites before.
How would something like this fair in relatively low wind conditions as opposed to the smaller kites.? I dont mind buying a 3m I am just looking for
the best and safest option and obviously something where I don't have to upgrade too soon.
Thanks.
skimtwashington - 11-8-2015 at 03:02 AM
Think of if like in golf...where you can't use just one club...you need a set.
And so is power kiting for those that ride.
No one has same winds all the time. Do you?
Again..2-3 meter is recommended to start and learn. Go 3m if you want to learn and then have some pull for moderate winds.
Don't jump ahead of learning curve thinking ahead and bigger sizes. Bigger kite equals much stronger pull, much greater danger, much harder to learn
regarding control and safety.
That one on eBay is full price new. No 3m available in it's multiple size/color options. 2M is..and that's okay. But WHY buy new if you have limited
funds?
You can do better if you wait...at substantially less...
You can't wait or want new it will cost you.
A lot can change in just a week. Waiting is not just a good opportunity in $$ saving...it is for sure.
Okay to ask about any deal before you buy. Recommended.
The perfect , nice price used 2 or 3 meter is coming at some point. Patience.hiaguy - 11-8-2015 at 03:19 AM
ski' is right. Pay full price if you'd like to, but good used deals always show up. (Is there a huge shipping cost across the pond? Might be worth
looking into if the kite price is low enough.) I bought my 3m used, as well as most of my Cores.
As for size, the 3m really is the piece of kit that you'll get the most out of. 4m becomes too much to handle as soon as the wind picks up a little
bit, but the 3m just keeps going.
abkayak - 11-8-2015 at 05:58 AM
if only 1 kite = 3m.
How to amass the most kites possible
1-look local for sale places/sites for used
2-Bdays & Anniversaries
imo.Craig_G - 11-8-2015 at 03:03 PM
Hey guys.
Just a quick update. I took the well received advice on here and placed an order for Hornet 3M this morning. There was however one problem.
The order was in stock when I had clicked the infamous purchase button, yet on confirmation of the order I was told the last one had just been sold.
I was given a free upgrade to an ozone octane 3m instead, with all the rest of the same kit, 4 line, kite killers etc. It should be arriving tomorrow
morning and I am looking forward to seeing how the day goes provided the weather is not like today where there was not so much as a breeze blowing.
I am absolutely loving the information on this site and many thanks to everyone who has posted so far.
Craig soliver - 11-8-2015 at 04:15 PM
Congrats Craig!... I had an Octane and they have to be one of the most stable foils I've ever flown, great kite for sure!... Keep coming back for more
info, we have a lot to give!!!drphobus - 11-8-2015 at 04:20 PM
As a beginner myself and just got a 2m Hornet you have made a wise choice.
it's so easy to do loops etc.. For static flying a longer lead would be nice also. Did have trouble getting the kite as it came from Europe, so the
problems with lorry's and channel tunnel affected stocks in the UK. As for ebay the kites sold do get very good prices, so if you decide it's not for
you you would get a fair price back.drphobus - 11-8-2015 at 04:32 PM
Opp's just seen you went for the ozone octane 3m. makes above post a bit redundant ,sorry.xanthiax - 12-8-2015 at 11:07 AM
Craig, welcome!
Where about in the UK are you?Craig_G - 12-8-2015 at 12:03 PM
Hey Xanthiax. Thank you.
I am in the west midlands.
Well, another update.
The Octane arrived today, so having gotten it all set up and lines attached, me and the family headed out to the wide open spaces. Having messed about
with the lines for 45 mins we thought something may be wrong.
It indeed was. user error by me. Doh.
Having re attached all the lines to the bridles and making sure there were no twisted lines we proceeded back out.
Lines attached in the field, kite launched and holy crap. What truly brilliant fun. My daughters had a go and my eldest daughter ( 15 ) crashed a
couple of times then was flying it brilliantly. I almost ended up getting a giant pillow smacking me on the head but she managed to avoid that
happening ( this time ).
Now came my turn. Winds were about 6/9 mph so not too bad and good to start. A few good gusts came peaking at about 12 and soon we were being shown
what this kite could do.
All of us are now saying how much fun it was, that our arms are aching as well as our back and everything else. Yet we cannot wait to see how the wind
is tomorrow.
Plenty of crashes, some good flying time in between and lots of practise to come.
Needless to say, we are hooked..!!
I am very very impressed with the quality of the ozone octane 3m. Very sturdy and even with the crashes there is not a mark on it.
Thanks for all the help and support guys, it is deeply appreciated and I look forward to being a long term member and learning more as I go.
One question though if I can ask.
The brake lines although working fine were hooked onto the first knot. Is the ideal position for a beginner as they appeared to look more slack than I
have seen in various videos and instructionals etc. Making a dip in the lines when flying lower to the ground. Is this normal. Just wondering.
Thanks
Craig
:D:D:D:DWindstruck - 12-8-2015 at 12:30 PM
Couple of things - first and foremost, what enormous fun for you and the family! That is great stuff.
As for the brake lines: from your description they sound a little slack. You don't want them too tight (on all the time) or too loose, never really
able to actuate without gross movement. Just right would likely be with a little sag to the brake lines but not as much as you seemed to describe.
Bonus suggestion: from your "giant pillow " comment I am fearing you or other family members may have been out by the flight path of the kite while
it was up in the air. Note of danger - the lines are under a lot of tension and can severely cut somebody if you mow them down. Also the kite isn't
such a soft pillow and could hurt if you get hit by it. Best to keep all at family members BEHIND the pilot when the kite is airborne. Craig_G - 12-8-2015 at 01:09 PM
Hey Windstruck.
Many thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated. The brake lines were attached to the first knot, so I mat try it on the second one next time and
see how it goes that should remove some of the slack.
I fully agree regarding the lines and made sure that whomever wasn't flying was standing behind the person flying and out of the way of the lines. I
have no doubt that if that ' giant pillow ' came down with some force it could well do damage, yet I am surprised at how robust it is given some of
the crashes we managed to spectacularly pull off.
Sounding completely noob now. " I am fearing you or other family members may have been out by the flight path of the kite while it was up in the air."
Any suggestions regarding this and what exactly did you mean regarding this comment.
Very possibly the ultimate noob question, yet I would rather do all I can to keep everyone safe and that for me is potentially asking a lot of
questions so that I can learn.
Thanks
Craig xanthiax - 12-8-2015 at 02:11 PM
Sounding completely noob now. " I am fearing you or other family members may have been out by the flight path of the kite while it was up in the air."
Any suggestions regarding this and what exactly did you mean regarding this comment.
To Chime in; I think he is suggesting that your family stay out of the way of the kite. 'Flight path' would be directly down wind from the kite and to
the sides where you are likely to get hit if pilot makes a mistake
Craig, the reason I ask about location, as us UK folk are few and far between here.
I'm in west midlands too. Central Birmingham.
Glad you've found somewhere to fly. I am struggling to find the 'perfect' spot, though I have a few go to places now.
I'm glad you guys had fun. I've only been doing 'this' for about a month, I've gone down the landboard route and its epic.
If you ever wanna try my 3.5 rage and some kite soft landboard traction, give me a shout Craig_G - 12-8-2015 at 03:42 PM
Hey Xanthiax.
Thanks, that makes sense and something I am very careful of doing already. I certainly wont be risking my safety of that of my family or anyone else.
I am in Coventry, I get over to Birmingham now and again, the last time saw me visiting Krispy Kreme with my better half and the kids, among other
things lol.
I think it will take some time to find the perfect conditions for us, being at this level. Yet all good things come with the right practise.
Landboarding does look extremely cool and my kids want to try that at a later date. First and foremost I think will be keeping the kite in the air and
getting to grips with it. For a 3m it has a hell of a lot of grunt to it, even in low winds. I would have had my first skudding episode today if I had
not ended up just running about 6ft and would have kept my weight further back. Hey, it was my first time, but I am sure it will happen sooner rather
than later. :D
The offer sounds extremely cool and would be awesome. I will be sure to let you know if and when I am hitting Birmingham again and see what pans out.
Regards
Craig xanthiax - 13-8-2015 at 03:31 AM
Hi Craig,
You're more than welcome.. Plus, its dull flying alone all the time...
Glad your having a good time. (if your not out with family all the time, n want a little company and a different kite, I can come to you too
For scudding, try it sitting down, when the kite pulls you, arch your back and keep your feet planted.The kite will lift you to your feet, you wont
feel off balance and can also sit down if needed.
Its fun! Windstruck - 13-8-2015 at 06:24 AM
Xanthiax was correct, I'm mearely suggesting folks stay behind you (up wind) during flight. The "flight path" I was referring to was the portion of
the "wind window" close to the ground where lines are at (yikes) neck height. You will likely come across drawings of the wind window that look like
a cut out wedge of a ping pong ball with the pilot at the upwind base of it and the kite out at the edge. As you will have already figured out by
flying, the kite can be flown though a given amount of space with the pilot not moving around. That space is the wind window. Spectators are best
advised to stay out of your wind window during flight for safety.Craig_G - 13-8-2015 at 12:03 PM
Thanks Windstruck.
We had it out again today for a couple of hours. The wind wasn't optimal ( gusts and breezes ) so we cant wait for smooth air. We are getting there
slowly and I even managed my first skudding episode ( by accident ) but managed to control it and get it back under control again.
It is one hell of an upper body workout and my legs feel like I have been doing squats lol.
I made sure that everyone stayed behind the pilot or well out of the way behind them. Many thanks for the concern and advice, it is much appreciated.
