Power Kite Forum

Which Kite?

Jimma - 19-8-2015 at 08:00 AM

Hi Guys, looking for a little buying advice.

Many years ago I used to fly fairly often with my cousin and progressed to stacking foils. We were certainly dragged across the ground but I have to be honest I avoided any jumping ( unlike my cousin ).

Anyway this was 12 to 15 years ago now but have recently taken the kids out with their first little stunt kite and it has given me that buzz to get back into it.

The foils have def progressed since I knew a bit about them and could do with being pointed in the right direction of the right kite for what I want. I am looking for probably a beginner kite but one that has enough power that I will really feel the pull. I am even tempted by some of the single skins, would these be an option?

Any advice is appreciated.

ssayre - 19-8-2015 at 08:05 AM

Are you inland or coastal? Do you want a kite for static flying fun or are you planning to do a traction activity such as kitesurf or buggy? How much do you weigh

Jimma - 19-8-2015 at 09:11 AM

I am costal and probably just static/recreational flying for now with this one but with the idea to progress

Windstruck - 19-8-2015 at 09:30 AM

Jimma,

Welcome to PKF! Its always nice to hear about somebody new coming into the power kiting fold. Sounds like a nice home-coming in your case. Being as you have some experience under your belt and are looking for something with a bit more grunt I might suggest that you look at the kite I have for sale here:

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=30754

A lot of times folks on PKF recommend going with a 3m fixed bridle as a first kite, but in your case you may wish to consider the 4m I mentioned due to the grunt factor being higher than with the 3m varieties. I don't want to come off as sort of sleezy pumping my kite on you as a first introduction, so please don't take offense. I'm in no hurry to sell it but would like it to find a happy home.

You mentioned the possibility of going the direction of single skins. I and several others on PKF have a fair amount of experience with those. I am actually developing an all single-skin quiver which says something about them (or maybe, something about me). Should you want to go the single skin route I would give you the following recommendations, all of which I have first hand flying experience with:

A big YES to the NASA Star 3s made by Born-Kite out of Europe. Steffen Born is on the forefront of single skin design IMHO. He has recently come out with an even newer model than the NS3, called the LongStar. I have a couple of LongStars on order but don't have them in hand yet. I have flown four NS3s quite a bit and swear by them.

A big YES to Flysurfer Peak 2s. For a starter I would consider a 6m P2 with thoughts of supplementing that with a 12m P2 down the road. These are single-skin Depower kites flown from a bar and require a harness purchase as well. Superb kites with enormous wind range per kite due to the huge depow range. Compared to the Peaks, the Stars don't have the wind range so you sort of need to purchase several of them to cover a range of winds if you plan to buggy with them for example. You can fly the Stars either from your hands (off a bar) or strapped into a harness.

A No of sorts to the Peter Lynn Uniq series. I bought one straight out of the chute (4.5m Uniq Quad) but turned around and sold it. Nice kite, but not very good as a buggy engine which is what I'm personally after in a kite. Not trying to dump on PL as their kites are superb for the most part, but V-1.0 Uniqs just don't quite feel to me ready for prime time. V-2.0 perhaps when and if it comes, but not V-1.0.

If you are interested in my Hornet please feel free to send me a U2U, or if you haven't figured out how to do that yet then just respond in this thread that you want to converse on that and I'll send you one.

Bottom line, welcome!!!! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

abkayak - 19-8-2015 at 10:10 AM

any 3m 4line...cant go wrong...will keep you flying more often than not

welcome aboard

rtz - 19-8-2015 at 01:39 PM

The single skin from Peter Lynn is a great choice for static flying. It's low cost and durable. Big Mikes kites has some videos of him flying it.

The Hornet and Beamer are nice kites but they are expensive these days. The PKD Buster Soulfly is also a very nice kite; and a little cheaper.

The best deal going after the single skin is the Flexifoil Sting. You can get one on Amazon.

Jimma - 19-8-2015 at 02:53 PM

Thanks for the speedy feedback.

I will def move on to a 4 line and have a play with this set up pretty, probably pretty swiftly I would have though lol, but not really used them before and as I am getting back into it was looking for an entry model that had a bit more of an intermediate feel if that makes sense. I used to enjoy the pull/lift and having to put a bit weight into it.

It is interesting to hear a few different views on the Uniq Play. I have to be honest and it is what I have been leaning towards while I am also mentally spending my money on the bigger set ups.

When I first started looking at it all again I originally had the Stacker in mind because this is what we used to do.

too many choices!

Jimma - 19-8-2015 at 03:06 PM

Thanks for the speedy feedback.

I will def move on to a 4 line and have a play with this set up pretty, probably pretty swiftly I would have though lol, but not really used them before and as I am getting back into it was looking for an entry model that had a bit more of an intermediate feel if that makes sense. I used to enjoy the pull/lift and having to put a bit weight into it.

It is interesting to hear a few different views on the Uniq Play. I have to be honest and it is what I have been leaning towards while I am also mentally spending my money on the bigger set ups.

When I first started looking at it all again I originally had the Stacker in mind because this is what we used to do.

too many choices!

ssayre - 19-8-2015 at 03:15 PM

Since you have had stackers. You might like something with a little more zing. 5.5 twister. As long as you start out in 10mph or less to get feel of power it has

Jimma - 19-8-2015 at 03:34 PM

Yeah that looks like it would be ideal, I have to be honest I wasn't looking to spend that amount straight off the bat until I have had a bit of a play and decided exactly how I want to progress. I have used a buggie ( a long time ago ) in the south of France but don't really have anywhere I could do that close to home. However I see the odd guy out in the bay kite surfing and quite fancy a go at that in the future.

Really just want a fairly reasonable priced set up for now and one I won't mind the eldest kid using. This is where I thought the Uniq Play might be a good choice or even the HQ Symphony range

riffclown - 19-8-2015 at 05:33 PM

LOTS of information here

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28759#pid27...

ssayre - 19-8-2015 at 07:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Jimma  
Yeah that looks like it would be ideal, I have to be honest I wasn't looking to spend that amount straight off the bat until I have had a bit of a play and decided exactly how I want to progress. I have used a buggie ( a long time ago ) in the south of France but don't really have anywhere I could do that close to home. However I see the odd guy out in the bay kite surfing and quite fancy a go at that in the future.

Really just want a fairly reasonable priced set up for now and one I won't mind the eldest kid using. This is where I thought the Uniq Play might be a good choice or even the HQ Symphony range


Whoa, we are talking opposite ends of the spectrum with the twister and kites like a symphony or Play. The play and symphony kites are designed strictly for fun flying with just a touch of pull and are measured differently than true power kites. First you must decide if you want to play with some real power or just a fun kite to play with once in awhile.

Jimma - 19-8-2015 at 11:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre  


Whoa, we are talking opposite ends of the spectrum with the twister and kites like a symphony or Play. The play and symphony kites are designed strictly for fun flying with just a touch of pull and are measured differently than true power kites. First you must decide if you want to play with some real power or just a fun kite to play with once in awhile.



Lol totally and I realise this. Like I mentioned I want to progress to the bigger setups but by then will have a better understanding of the full range of choices ( probably alot more questions form me in the forum ), a better understanding of what I want from the kite as well as the confidence and skill to to take it where I want to go.

I would also quite like my eldest to get in to it with me, so I felt going for a kite like the Symphony or Play would be a possible cheap starting point for us both before I start spending the larger pennies. Saying this I still want some fun and a bit of pull from it, maybe I am asking too much lol.

In your opinion would it be a waste of time and that I should go straight for the larger foils?

Jimma - 19-8-2015 at 11:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by riffclown  
LOTS of information here

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28759#pid27...


Thanks some good advice and options there

cbs2010 - 20-8-2015 at 02:06 AM

I'm a fairly new flyer with 4 lines. Started out on the two line Peter Lynn vibe 2.3. If you want pull from your Symphony I think you need 15mph plus to feel the strength. It won't Yank you onto your butt like a 3m could in stronger winds but definitely needs lots of wind for you to feel some pull if that is what you want.

Great kite ( the symphony pro ) for younger kids and new people to learn the muscle memory of flying. 4 line will give you the ability to launch by yourself when the kite lands upside down. 4 lines also have the control of brake lines which can help take some pressure off in strong winds. Other than that in my newbie 4 line opinion flying two lines is a great choice to start out if you are unsure and will build the ability to fly without looking.

My girlfriend just bought the Symphony Pro 2.2 and it is a good looking kite. It also comes with longer lines than a Peter Lynn Hype / Vibe which is an advantage. The Quality between HQ and Peter Lynn is similar. Each one has something more refined than the other brand.

BigMikesKites - 20-8-2015 at 03:47 AM

2m or 3m anything is usually the best place to start. It has the best range for when you are getting to learn the ropes.

Peter Lynn Hornet / HQ Beamer : Good all around kites. Just plain fun
Peter Lynn Uniq Quad: More pull, smaller window however. Single skin, so crashing isn't a concern. Less money.
Peter Lynn Twister: The mack truck of kites. My first kite was a 4m twister years ago. I quickly bought a 2m hornet to save my arms on the windy days. I use the 4m twister and the 4m voltage to kitercise.
I mentioned the voltage...its a higher end kite but pretty nice.

Jimma - 21-8-2015 at 12:48 PM

Thanks for all your help guys, think i am going to go for a 2 liner ( 2 or 3m minimum ) to start with, because it feels the right place to start, while I look closer at the 4 liners with the view to get one of these very over the next few weeks as well.

A 4 liner will be something very new for me but do like the idea of the extra skill and control. Should I consider depower kites and what would be the difference?

abkayak - 21-8-2015 at 01:23 PM

you will understand a 4 line in an hour....id lay off the depowers for now
imo.

ssayre - 21-8-2015 at 01:55 PM

What abkayak said. if you plan to use the kite more than one time I would go 4 line.

ssayre - 21-8-2015 at 01:57 PM

Not to mention you could fly a 4 line kite using only 2 lines if you really want to

ssayre - 21-8-2015 at 01:59 PM

Ok, don't get a 2 line. There I said it.

Windstruck - 21-8-2015 at 02:10 PM

Tell him what you really mean, Sean... :evil:

Windy Heap - 21-8-2015 at 02:13 PM

tsk tsk, 2 liners are just as fun..........but once you go brake lines it's hard to go back. I still pull out a 2.3m Vibe II two-liner or that is my travel kite, it's been to Belize, Hawaii at 14,400 feet, Cancun, Cozumel, Fiji and New Zealand. A 2.6 PL Viper S is a world traveler too. They're small and compact.


Either way 2 or 4, it's a $200-250 bill minimum to get something good quality, like the 3 & 5 meter beamer I have for sale...............or buy both and bam, you're set for life.

glaringly obvious self plug of a cheap package deal.


8-)



http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=30708



John Holgate - 21-8-2015 at 04:16 PM

yep, I say go 4 line too. Adds a small amount of time to the learning curve but will give you a kite you can keep using in higher winds later on. 2.5 - 3m. Anything bigger starts getting to be a handful and you can end up more in 'survival' mode rather than 'fun' mode - but that depends a bit on the wind. ie: I'm 74kg and flew a Pansh Ace II 4m in very light and gusty winds and it quickly became apparent that the kite was going to hand me my a$$ if the wind came up. Where as a more docile 2.5 - 3m kite would have been far more fun and far less threatening.

Hornet, Beamer, Sting, Rage, Buster, Zebra Z1, Flow, Octane, Nasa Star 3 - all excellent kites. You could also get a 2.5m Prism Snapshot that can be converted to a 4 line easily (I'm told). My second foil was a snapshot 1.4m - fun and zippy little kite but a little hard to relaunch with only 2 lines. Once I got an Ozone Quattro 1.5m 4 line, the little snapshot has been rarely flown since. And I still use the 1.5m Quattro and 1.5m Nasa Star 2 as buggy engines over 23 knots - lots of fun but keeps you on your toes!

drphobus - 21-8-2015 at 04:46 PM

Well just to put my 2 pennies in.
As a complete beginner and just doing static flying I would say
had a Flexifoil Sting 3.0 and spent time just holding on to it
but now have
a Peter Lynn hornet 2.0
It's a 4 line kite and 2.53 meters wide looks great in the air with some pull but so easy to do turns and drop to ground and take back off (although at one point had my windsock hitch-hiking on the lead). Has nice extras as well. So unless winds are crazy you wont need kite killers, this is good as can make quite a tangle when first learning. Most people here probably forget about that, or it might be just me.Yes it's pricey and for static flying 18m leads are on the small side, but quality is top notch.

ssayre - 22-8-2015 at 05:14 AM

If I were to buy another 2 line it would be the flexifoil stackers. I've always wanted to try those out and they are suppose to be extremely fast.

Jimma - 22-8-2015 at 07:14 AM

Lol Ok so no to the Depowers then, thats cool I kind of assumed.

Also looks like I will ignore the 2 liners and go for straight for the 4 liners, you have convinced me lol. I am like a kid in a candy store, can't wait to build up the kite collection and haven't got out there with any properly yet. I feel the addiction coming on again.

Windstruck - 22-8-2015 at 07:40 AM

Jimma - we can all see it coming.... FEED THE BEAST!! :evil:

You'll have a fine quiver in no time. And no quiver is complete without (shameless self-plug alert!) a Hornet!

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=30754

Come on, you know you want some chicken! :lol:

Jimma - 23-8-2015 at 10:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck  
Jimma - we can all see it coming.... FEED THE BEAST!! :evil:

You'll have a fine quiver in no time. And no quiver is complete without (shameless self-plug alert!) a Hornet!

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=30754

Come on, you know you want some chicken! :lol:


Lol yeah its happening, already been in trouble with the wife over it lol.

Thanks for the offer for your Hornet, I am unfortunately in the UK so probably wouldn't work with the cost of postage too.

Windstruck - 23-8-2015 at 11:20 AM

What? Your wife is getting upset?? Never heard of that happening! Well, there's always a first; you're just lucky enough to be you. :evil:

No worries about the Hornet; doesn't make sense shipping it overseas. If you find one on your side of the lake you might want to look into it as they are very nice kites. I hope you continue to grow your love for this splendid sport! :D