Power Kite Forum

Zebra Kites?

BreakingWind - 19-6-2016 at 05:20 PM

Hi Fella's

I am thinking about adding a Zebra Kites Checka 4m to my quiver. Do any of you Forum Veterans own a Zebra Kite? And can you ring in on its quality, flyablility, etc? It's made in Germany it appears and seems like a great wing from what I have seen on YouTube so far? Not only is it a super cool looking kite but the Price is great also, $195USD for the 4m RTF. They have in three smaller sizes as well.

http://shop.zebrakites.de/Kites.php

https://youtu.be/e-GAMbIhC9w

https://youtu.be/ELVsSb2ml5g


Thanks guys and Happy Fathers Day

bigkid - 19-6-2016 at 07:43 PM

I have the Z1's, the Z2's, and the Z3's. All of them are great kites. The checka is the equivalent of HQ's Alpha. IMHO
The Z1 is the beginner, Z2 is the intermediate, and the Z3 is the race kite. Unless you have experienced a race kite, stay away from the Z3.
I liked the 2 and 3 and still own the 3m Z3. Not a kite for the timid.
You would probably enjoy the Z1 more than the checka. But they are all great kites. Who wouldn't smile at a piano with its tongue hanging out?

BreakingWind - 20-6-2016 at 02:21 AM

Hi Bigkid

Thanks for the information, much appreciated! Hehe, a piano with its tounge. Never thought of that one, nicely put. I really dig the design, very cool looking.

Hey I have a question? Where Did you buy your Zebras at? Their dang website is in German and the English language choose button on it is not working! Argh! I can't read German and it makes it impossible to get an order placed. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Mark

John Holgate - 20-6-2016 at 04:32 AM

I would also agree with Bigkid - the Z1 is an excellent quality, gust munching and good value kite. Possibly one of the best value kites I have seen. Really well put together. Several of the ExtremeKites members have the Z1 and all of them are very happy with them. I have seen one of the Zebra Checka's in flight and I think the Z1 is superior in it's flight characteristics while still being beginner friendly as well. I have also flown a few different sizes in the Z1 and was impressed with how smooth they were and not lacking in power either.

bigkid - 20-6-2016 at 05:12 AM

I ordered them from Libre along with other great things made by the German Manufacturer.

bigkid - 20-6-2016 at 05:17 AM

Let me look, I might have a few of the Z1's in the pile of kites that need a new home.

bigkid - 20-6-2016 at 08:52 AM

Email sent
I have a 3.4 m and a 4m at the moment in the Z1.

Cheeks - 20-6-2016 at 09:36 PM

I have and fly several Zebras. I also have a Checka I bought from Big kid.

I have found it to be a fairly good buggy engine as long as your wind is within it's range.

It's like flying a bar of cream cheese. It's soft and easy to work through the wind window and good for light buggys. It takes gusts well and doesn't get all crazy.

With my size and a heavy buggy I do push push it in higher wind and always have a good ride, not a fast ride but a good cruise ride that you can sight see while you go down the beach or field.

You will enjoy a Checka, it's a fun kite to static fly and turn heads at the soccer fields.

As for the Zebra's, I have flown the crap out of them and they always perform well and take a lot of abuse.
Just don't take them for granted because they will power up fast in a gusty wind. Just hang on and move them out of the window as fast as you can. A 3.2 Z2 lofted me at JIBE 2015 and f#@ked me up. Even on the ground it drug me 55 foot till I was able to get my kite killers un-done. It was a heck of a ride till the turn and the big gust.

I've enjoyed my Zebra's. I believe that it's the best bang for you buck. Reasonably priced, strong, powerful and great looking in the sky. And you'll always know where the left side of your kite is.:D

BreakingWind - 23-6-2016 at 10:35 PM

Thanks Big Kid, Cheeks, and John for the feedback. As you said Cheeks best bang for the buck to be sure! They are some of the best looking designs also imho. And yes you can't miss your left from your right which I think is a super smart design in kite graphics. Their boards are pretty sweet looking too and price nice as well.

I just wish they would answer emails. I sent them an email three days ago and no response yet. It's it's difficult ordering or reading information from their website all in German! And the English translate button does not work. Grrrr.

BigKid I will Give you a ring my friend. Thanks!

Btw: John I have really enjoyed your videos on YouTube! Very instructional and fun to watch mate. Your guitar playing and songs are excellent as well. I have played since I was 5 years old and performed with several bands in New York City where I grew up and you can sure rip on those frets my friend! I liked your Longstar original
Song. They should use that for their kites. :) Maybe a Zebra Kites song and video in the future?

rtz - 27-6-2016 at 12:52 PM

Is the Z2 a lifty kite? How about the Z1?

Is the Z1 and Z2 similar to any other kites out there?

bigkid - 27-6-2016 at 01:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rtz  
Is the Z2 a lifty kite? How about the Z1?

Is the Z1 and Z2 similar to any other kites out there?

this is one of those questions that drives me crazy. Every kite is lifty, its the nature of the kite. Yes its lifty, no its not. So is an umbrella.
I would put the Z1 in the same catagory as the Hornet, Beamer 3-4, not a beginner kite as an Alfa or the Beamer 1. More responsive and power as a real buggy engine.
The Z2 is a great buggy engine with the ability to surprise the pilot it they are not paying attention. It would be equal to the Reactors, if not a bit more poop. I like the Z2 as an over all middle of the road buggy engine for those that want a bit of tame with a bit of hair on fire bad boy.

rtz - 27-6-2016 at 02:32 PM

I consider the Blade, Twister, and Ace as lifty. Even the PL Core was. I got lofted out of the buggy with a 2.3m Core just doing an up turn.

Cheeks - 28-6-2016 at 07:49 AM

Big Kid is right! ANY kite will loft you.

I'll even call a dirt dive, drag, and a sand drag rash a lofting of sorts when static flying.

We've all experienced some air time in our buggys being lifted up in our seats being overpowered. Time to hit the brakes when that happens or head to the apex.

You have to respect the potential power of any kite you put up and then drop into the window!
It's a learning process to understand what any kite in your quiver is capable of doing.

You must always use kite killers or even a QR like Big Kid sells. You can even put a seat belt in your buggy with a with a flipper style release, not a button. I've got both. Like a man the wears a belt and suspenders at the same time.:D

I know that once you get hurt you'll get RESPECT !
I'm hearing Aretha Franklin every time I put a power kite in the air..;)