Power Kite Forum

PL Reactor vs PKD Century

rpriegu - 6-6-2016 at 01:51 PM

Hello Guys!
I'm thinking about adding some kites to my set, and I'd like to ask you how would you compare the Peter Lynn Reactors with the PKD Century Kites (which I already have).
Any input is really appreciated.
Regards
Ramiro

awindofchange - 6-6-2016 at 02:20 PM

I haven't flown the newer Century's so I can't comment fully on them, but the Reactor is an excellent kite that has good power and great speed. It once held the land speed record.

bigkid - 6-6-2016 at 03:55 PM

I can send you a few Centuries Kent, then you would know for sure.
The Centuries and the Reacters are made in the same building, just a bit of info.
You won't see anyone who races flying a Reactor of any type. Quite a few race the Centuries, anything else?

RonH - 6-6-2016 at 07:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rpriegu  
Hello Guys!
I'm thinking about adding some kites to my set, and I'd like to ask you how would you compare the Peter Lynn Reactors with the PKD Century Kites (which I already have).
Any input is really appreciated.
Regards
Ramiro


Totally different kites...

Even though they are made in the same place that does not mean they are the same kite. I don't even think you could say they are made to the same standards for certain. (don't read that I think one is inferior to the other here)

Some will say the reactor is best and others will say the century...

I have my preference but is might not be yours.

Fly both. Someone send some kites out to Ramiro so he can decide.

Ron

BeamerBob - 7-6-2016 at 09:25 AM

I learned a lot in the beginning flying Reactors and have flown a few Centuries in the recent past. The Century is a very different flying kite from a Reactor and I felt disconnected from the Century. Same day I borrowed a Reactor in a size I didn't have and instantly felt like I was flying an old friend.

This is nothing against the Century line of kites, but it does illustrate how personal preference influences your experience. If you have experience with the Century, you might feel awkward flying a Reactor but they are nice kites and worth a try for you to make up your own mind.

WELDNGOD - 7-6-2016 at 09:28 AM

Cents love to be flown by brakes. Euro style!

rpriegu - 7-6-2016 at 10:33 AM

Thank you all for your feedback, and let me clarify my question..
I have three Century kites 2.8; 4.5 and 6.7m and have some experience flying them.
I have borrowed a reactor 3.5m from a friend and like it a lot.

In my personal experience for the same kite size, the Century will have some extra pull and more speed, but the reactor will go a little further upwind and will be more forgiving (something very interesting for me since many times we go on long rides with gusty and no so clean wind).

I'm interested in your opinon about this.
Thanks and regards
Ramiro

awindofchange - 7-6-2016 at 11:05 AM

I will have to take you up on your offer Bigkid, would like to try out the newer Century's as I said, I only have flown the earlier versions.

As for Rpriegu, sounds like you have already formed a good opinion of the two and know that they do fly a bit differently from each other. The overall design and planform of each kite will dramatically effect how it flies and handles. Some kites are designed with a lot more grunt force pull and others are for a lot more speed and control at the edges. As Bobby has stated, it really comes down to what you are looking for in a kite and what one happens to fit in with your riding style and comfort zone.

Try to get a little more time on each one and you will know what suits your style and works for you.

RonH - 7-6-2016 at 12:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rpriegu  
Thank you all for your feedback, and let me clarify my question..
I have three Century kites 2.8; 4.5 and 6.7m and have some experience flying them.
I have borrowed a reactor 3.5m from a friend and like it a lot.

In my personal experience for the same kite size, the Century will have some extra pull and more speed, but the reactor will go a little further upwind and will be more forgiving (something very interesting for me since many times we go on long rides with gusty and no so clean wind).

I'm interested in your opinon about this.
Thanks and regards
Ramiro


What version of the reactor is it? All 3 are different... with the latest version being better at the higher end of it's windrange.:thumbup:

bigkid - 7-6-2016 at 12:15 PM

The Century is more of a race kite with manners. It needs to be pushed to its limits and is NOT a push pull kite. It will come alive with a bit of brake as with most other race kites. It's not for everyone unless you want more. The Reactor is a lot more reserved compared to the Century.
For the everyday kite flyer the Reactor is enough to get by with. Like I said earlier the Century is used in races in Europe by a number of racers, that's why it's not flown much by Americans. It's not for the average Joe, Just saying.
You didn't want anything to do with PKD in the past Kent, what changed?

Chook - 8-6-2016 at 05:32 AM

After you have been flying Centurys, I would have thought a Reactor was a step backwards?
I own 3 Reactors including 4.4 2.
Only flown a Century for 1/2 an hour and was impressed. Flew a Combat and that was even more outstanding.

Now a Vapor is a different ball game and needs a more controlled touch. I'm yet to find an equal upwind. A lot think they have better tools but they fail to point anywhere as high. My Ozone R1 does come fairly close to a Vapor and great for a depower.

Just that the Vapors are expensive even second hand.

bigkid - 8-6-2016 at 06:23 AM

It's hard to compare kite versus kite, let alone the reactor versus the century. It would be easier to compare apples and oranges. Granted they are both kites as I have had this discussion with Herman a couple of times.
In simple terms a kite is a kite, the only difference is the person flying it. Where some flyers are very aggressive and have to fly the biggest kite in the biggest wind, or just to stand around and fly static is no comparison. I have flown all the reactors and all of the century's and I like both of them. For me the reactor is a beginner intermediate kite that can be flown in Highwinds if you have the skills.
The century kite is an intermediate to race and kite and it loves to be flown on the top end of the wind range. To compare the vapors, combats, centuries, reactors, or any other kite, is not a true comparison unless you have stood side-by-side with another person flying the comparative kite and then switch for a true comparison. I have spent thousands of dollars buying different kites in the 3 m range and doing just this.
Flying the reactor and the century of the same size, on the same day, in the same buggy, on the same course, is a good comparison. Not sure how many people have done just that, I know I have. Just one of those things that is not a comparison from day to day or a large size compared to a small size. Just saying.

rpriegu - 9-6-2016 at 02:02 PM

Bigkid,
Thank you for your feedack!!
Regards
Ramiro