Power Kite Forum

New to power kites

eagle2508 - 21-4-2016 at 12:20 PM

I've been reading through a lot of previous posts but I'm still confused with what to buy next. My girlfriend bought me an HQ Symphony a few months back and it got me hooked on foils! I also have a 2 line HQ Stunt Kite which is good fun but I'm just left with the feeling I want more...

I really want to buy a 4 line kite with some decent pull, speed and more importantly something which is a lot of fun giving me room for learning/improving. I only have interest in static flying, I don't have the money to be looking at buggies etc so definitely for the foreseeable future I will only fly static. I'm a fairly hefty guy, 6'2" and carrying plenty of weight lol

eagle2508 - 21-4-2016 at 12:33 PM

I'm based in the UK, I have a few places to fly but my favourite spot is on top of a hill near my house.

eagle2508 - 21-4-2016 at 12:39 PM

Prefer to buy new and my budget is around the 150 GBP mark, is there a good all rounder that would suit me? I'm just completely lost with what to go for as there is so much choice! :o

eagle2508 - 21-4-2016 at 12:40 PM

I'm sorry about the ton of posts but for some reason it wouldn't let me post it all in the one.... Then it kept trying to post blank threads

Windstruck - 21-4-2016 at 12:54 PM

Welcome to the Monkey House! Always room for a few more good chimps. As so many have done before me, I direct you kindly to this venerable thread:

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

3-4 meter Fixed Bridle flown off of handles without a strop as a first good move in our direction!

eagle2508 - 21-4-2016 at 12:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck  
Welcome to the Monkey House! Always room for a few more good chimps. As so many have done before me, I direct you kindly to this venerable thread:

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

3-4 meter Fixed Bridle flown off of handles without a strop as a first good move in our direction!


I've read it all :) I'm just confused still...

There's so many to pick from and when they mention fixed bridle it seems to be more aimed towards using the kite to pull you on something, I only want to fly static.

I was thinking 2.5m-3m as definitely don't want to go larger than 3m

eagle2508 - 21-4-2016 at 01:04 PM

What are your views on these three:

HQ Rush Pro V 5 250 Trainer Power Kite - I know it's only 3 line but a few people have mentioned it.

Peter Lynn Hornet 3 2.0m Power Traction Kite

Peter Lynn Hornet 3 3.0m Power Traction Kite

John Holgate - 21-4-2016 at 03:30 PM

For static flying, I'd get a 2.5m Flexifoil Rage at 135 pounds. (see Flexifoil site) I haven't flown the new ones but the first version of the Rage was a really nice, smooth and well made kite. 2 - 3m will give you a real good work out, anything larger will become a bit of a effort to hang on to and slower through the sky.

I've had the 3m Hornet (again, first model) and that was also an excellent kite - maybe a tad slower and more grunty than an Ozone Flow or HQ Beamer - but the differences are subtle. My 2m HQ Beamer IV was also a really good kite to static fly.

For static flying, I think the most control, fun and compactness is to be had with 4 line handles. I wouldn't buy a kite on a bar for static flying.

My first power kite was an Ozone Imp Quattro 2.5m - which I still have. I was in awe of how powerful it was when I started with it and have used it in a few videos since including this one....
https://youtu.be/HZVCD-Kzu9k

edit: crap, just realized that the price on the Rage was kite only - no handles or lines..... still, Flexifoil seem to be having fairly regular sales so keep an eye out.

riffclown - 21-4-2016 at 03:40 PM

The 2-3M Fixed Bridle is still the right answer for you..

I agree that the default 3M wisdom without actually considering you might want to fly for different reasons can get confusing.. I also fly static more than anything else. My usual progression depending on conditions is my converted Symphony2.2 , 2M Hornet, 2.8 Skydog, 4M Crossfire ....

If you want Static fly with a kite that has plenty of pull but still able to stunt. Then I'd look at a 2M or 3M PL Hornet, 2M or 3M HQ Beamer or 2.6M Skydog Powerfoil. Any of these would give you tons of static fun. You might also want to consider a Flexifoil 2.5M Rage if you can find one.. It's fast and will keep you on your toes.

As a static flyer you probably won't enjoy a trainer like the Rush Pro because of the limitations of the bar.

Windstruck - 21-4-2016 at 04:28 PM

Hard to go wrong with a 2-3m PL Hornet flown on four lines off of two handles. Agree with the other gentleman that the four-line-handles is the way to go, not the three-line-bar set up. You'll be bored flying it after the first day. The handles really let you pilot the kite, not just fly it. I've owned a hornet and loved it and really appreciated the quality workmanship and materials. I haven't used the other kites you mentioned.

For strictly static flying you might also consider the PL Uniq Quad. This four-line-handle flyer is a so-called "single skin" kite and is a lot harder to damage than a Hornet or other "dual skin" kite. The issue here is pile driving the kite into the ground nose down and blowing out a cell, severely crippling the poor thing. Single skins, by their very design, don't have this limitation. You can read about the Uniq Quad here:

PL Uniq Quad

I've owned this kite and liked it for static flying but NOT for buggying. If you go with the Uniq I might recommend the 2.5m.

IFlyKites - 21-4-2016 at 05:00 PM

From your choices, I would either get the 3m or 2m Hornet. I had a 3m Hornet and it was a great all year round kite!

Good power build up and very beginner friendly. Anything under 3m usually only becomes alive when winds pick up.

So my choice would be the 3m! :)

abkayak - 21-4-2016 at 05:55 PM

Welcome..Can't go wrong w/ a new 3m hornet...do it

Bladerunner - 21-4-2016 at 10:03 PM

The thing with 4 line kites on handles is that you gain individual brake control.

By influencing the back lines in flight you can do brake turns, speed up regular turns so you can do so on a wing tip, Slow the kite, back the kite down and reverse launch. Having that fine 4 line control adds to stunt flying fun as you develop skills and generally adds another dimension to how you control the sail.

2 and 3 line flying is just push pull. Not near as entertaining in the long haul.

If you want to feel true power that you must hold ground against or scud down wind for fun when the wind gets strong then you definitely want a 3m kite.
If you are only interested in a fast flying fast turning kite without much pull to deal with then you want a 2m.
The feeling of power is addictive. Even flying static. I really think you will enjoy a 3m kite in the long haul. You always have your smaller kites if the wind gets too strong.



eagle2508 - 21-4-2016 at 11:23 PM

Thanks for the advice everyone, I THINK I'm down to two choices lol PL Kites seem to get a lot of good things said so I'm keen to stick to this brand.

I want to watch some online reviews first and tutorials before ordering but these two are the same price so just need to go for one. Has anyone owned/flown both? Positives - Negatives

1: Peter Lynn UNIQ Quad 2.5m

2: Peter Lynn Hornet 3 2.0m Power Kite

Feyd - 22-4-2016 at 03:22 AM

Hornet.
Unless you're intention is to eventually go depower. Then Rush Pro School 3m depower trainer.

hiaguy - 22-4-2016 at 03:50 AM

3m Hornet.
Take a look at Mikes video review at "bigmikeskites.com" (but stay focused 'cause after a while the all look good 😄;)

eagle2508 - 22-4-2016 at 08:53 AM

For me in the UK the prices are:

Peter Lynn UNIQ Quad 2.5m 155.99 GBP
Peter Lynn Hornet 3 2.0m Power Kite 154.99 GBP
Peter Lynn Hornet 3 3.0m Power Kite 179.99 GBP

I don't know if I can stretch to the 3m PL Hornet... I think it's going to need to be between the 2m Hornet and the UNIQ Quad... at the minute the UNIQ has the edge just for crashability as I'm fairly certain I will a few times before getting the hang of it.

I'm really torn between the two now..... go for something that will withstand crashes or go for something that may well be better in the long run.

ssayre - 22-4-2016 at 08:57 AM

unless you consistently have 15+ wind, I would get the 3 meter hornet or hornet like kite.

eagle2508 - 22-4-2016 at 09:42 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre  
unless you consistently have 15+ wind, I would get the 3 meter hornet or hornet like kite.


I've just had a look on a 14 day forecast for my favourite spot and it rarely drops below 10mph, max it hits is 25mph but gusts do hit up to 37mph

Windstruck - 22-4-2016 at 09:56 AM

I know I was the one that mentioned the Uniq Quad. This is a first generation kite while the Hornet is a tried and true veteran flyer. If your winds are going to be steady over 15mph with 25+ gusts the 3m will be one hell of a lot of kite to hold down. Hard to go wrong with a 2m Hornet in the conditions you just described. Also, I don't want to imply that the Hornet will be damaged if you slam it into the ground, but rather that it could get hurt. Hard to hurt the Uniq based on its basic single skin design.

The Hornet will pull in a more refined and even way through a broader "wind window". The Uniq pulling force will drop quite a bit at the edge of its (narrower) wind window and pile on the force in the heart of its window (think directly downwind of you with the kite at medium height off of the ground as it arcs back and forth).

If you truly can go for just one kite, based on your description I'd be leaning towards the 2m Hornet. Any of the three described (2 or 3m Hornet or 2.5m Uniq) will be fine so don't sweat this one out too much. Pull the trigger and get flying!

eagle2508 - 22-4-2016 at 10:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck  
I know I was the one that mentioned the Uniq Quad. This is a first generation kite while the Hornet is a tried and true veteran flyer. If your winds are going to be steady over 15mph with 25+ gusts the 3m will be one hell of a lot of kite to hold down. Hard to go wrong with a 2m Hornet in the conditions you just described. Also, I don't want to imply that the Hornet will be damaged if you slam it into the ground, but rather that it could get hurt. Hard to hurt the Uniq based on its basic single skin design.

The Hornet will pull in a more refined and even way through a broader "wind window". The Uniq pulling force will drop quite a bit at the edge of its (narrower) wind window and pile on the force in the heart of its window (think directly downwind of you with the kite at medium height off of the ground as it arcs back and forth).

If you truly can go for just one kite, based on your description I'd be leaning towards the 2m Hornet. Any of the three described (2 or 3m Hornet or 2.5m Uniq) will be fine so don't sweat this one out too much. Pull the trigger and get flying!


Thank you for all your help! :)

Right it's 100% decided, as where I fly is fairly high up on top of a common/hill, very open and winds don't ever seem to drop below 10mph but gusts can be powerful I'm going to go for the 2m Hornet! :D :D

Thank you again for helping an indecisive individual :) I'll report back once it's arrived and I've had my first flight

3shot - 22-4-2016 at 10:34 AM

I second the Flexifoil Rage. A nice 3.5m. Its hard to beat. Good pricing right now in the UK. Welcome to PKF

abkayak - 22-4-2016 at 11:06 AM

2m is a girls kite...my 6.2 hefty friend

crewl1 - 22-4-2016 at 12:01 PM

To the OP if you have access to a sewing machine here is something you might want to try:
Converting a Symphony 2.2 to quad line (Now with Flying Video)
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=26213

3.3m Sting

rtz - 22-4-2016 at 03:40 PM

Get a 3.3m Flexifoil Sting on Amazon.

John Holgate - 23-4-2016 at 05:21 PM


Quote:

2m is a girls kite...my 6.2 hefty friend


It may be worth mentioning that a 2.7m holds the world buggy speed record....

abkayak - 24-4-2016 at 09:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Holgate  

Quote:

2m is a girls kite...my 6.2 hefty friend


It may be worth mentioning that a 2.7m holds the world buggy speed record....


That's just a NY sense of humor at play...
And that 2.7 >3 hornet in those hands

hello

m00ms - 24-4-2016 at 10:32 AM

eagle2508 - 24-4-2016 at 01:38 PM

I'm definitely sticking to the PL 2m Hornet, because the wind at times can get pretty bad in my usual spot and the fact I want my girlfriend to also join in, she's very petite so don't want her flying off if a 35mph gust hits lol

Bladerunner - 24-4-2016 at 01:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by eagle2508  
I'm definitely sticking to the PL 2m Hornet, because the wind at times can get pretty bad in my usual spot and the fact I want my girlfriend to also join in, she's very petite so don't want her flying off if a 35mph gust hits lol


BRILLIANT!

The GF will love that kite. After flying it for a while she will understand when you tell her that you need another, bigger one so that the 2m can be hers! ;) ;)

eagle2508 - 24-4-2016 at 02:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner  
Quote: Originally posted by eagle2508  
I'm definitely sticking to the PL 2m Hornet, because the wind at times can get pretty bad in my usual spot and the fact I want my girlfriend to also join in, she's very petite so don't want her flying off if a 35mph gust hits lol


BRILLIANT!

The GF will love that kite. After flying it for a while she will understand when you tell her that you need another, bigger one so that the 2m can be hers! ;) ;)


That's the idea ;) then in a few months time I'll let her keep the 2m and I have a good excuse to buy the 3m Hornet or a Beamer :D :D

riffclown - 24-4-2016 at 02:25 PM

A 2M hornet will surprise you in a 35mph wind..
:evil:

eagle2508 - 24-4-2016 at 02:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by riffclown  
A 2M hornet will surprise you in a 35mph wind..
:evil:


LOL I bet!

I've just been looking.... Is there now a Hornet 4? Any idea when it was released...

http://www.powerkiteshop.com/peter-lynn-hornet-kite.htm

riffclown - 24-4-2016 at 02:48 PM


Winds were 40+ with crazy gusts,, Getting ready for our second run and the Power bridle caught on the brake bridle. I didn't properly check my lines and before I knew it I had hot launched into a forward roll. I didn't get hurt BUT it did talk me out of the second run that day. I do have video but I think the pic below says quite enough..

WELDNGOD said I rolled pretty spryly for an old guy..


I only shared to demonstrate, we can all get caught by surprise under the right conditions. Don't confuse a 2.2 sport kite with a 2M powerkite. Don't assume you can stand your ground with a 2M.. There's a reason that companies make a 1.6M.. I'm pretty sure that day we could have buggied with just the kite bag. and didn't need the kite.

This was with my 2M Hornet!!!!

hornet45.jpg - 65kB

WELDNGOD - 24-4-2016 at 03:28 PM

I remember that day. LOL I love small kites in big wind!:ninja:

3shot - 24-4-2016 at 04:53 PM

:o

eagle2508 - 29-4-2016 at 10:20 AM

I'm so glad I went for the 2m PL Hornet, it's incredible and such good fun!

Took it out tonight for an hour and with gusts of 30mph my arms are about to drop off lol I definitely need to build some strength up before trying to take on winds like that again haha

Absolutely love it!

Windstruck - 29-4-2016 at 01:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by eagle2508  
I'm so glad I went for the 2m PL Hornet, it's incredible and such good fun!

Took it out tonight for an hour and with gusts of 30mph my arms are about to drop off lol I definitely need to build some strength up before trying to take on winds like that again haha

Absolutely love it!


Super happy to hear you tamed the beast in winds gusting to 30 mph. That will put Popeye's muscles on your forearms in no time! Good stuff. Bet that bugger was moving fast and pulling hard in those conditions!

I'm sure you've already done this, but when I go for Herculean static sessions like the one you just described I like to sit on the ground and dig my heels into the ground. Incredible leverage like that. Lock in and hold on! :karate:

eagle2508 - 29-4-2016 at 01:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck  
Quote: Originally posted by eagle2508  
I'm so glad I went for the 2m PL Hornet, it's incredible and such good fun!

Took it out tonight for an hour and with gusts of 30mph my arms are about to drop off lol I definitely need to build some strength up before trying to take on winds like that again haha

Absolutely love it!


Super happy to hear you tamed the beast in winds gusting to 30 mph. That will put Popeye's muscles on your forearms in no time! Good stuff. Bet that bugger was moving fast and pulling hard in those conditions!

I'm sure you've already done this, but when I go for Herculean static sessions like the one you just described I like to sit on the ground and dig my heels into the ground. Incredible leverage like that. Lock in and hold on! :karate:


It was ballistic when the gusts came! My arms feel like I've done a marathon session at the gym lol

I know a lot of people said go for the 3m but I'm glad I didn't as my girlfriend had a go and she just wouldn't be able to handle a 3m in strong winds.... The 2m has enough pull to get my adrenaline going but at least when the wind dies down a bit she can also have fun with it :)