Power Kite Forum

Beamer upgrade

Blitzhound - 26-7-2016 at 05:13 AM

Been buggyin with my Beamer for awhile now and I think I'd like to start hunting for my next kite. Writing this thread to get some opinions on some of the offerings that are out there that I have been considering. I'm looking to replace my 5m HQ Beamer. She is a wonderful kite. But I'm looking for something a little faster. Maybe mid AR? I have a PL ViperS in a 2.6 I really enjoy. I was thinking the larger sizes might be a good possibility. Also...how would you rate the PL Core compared to the Beamer. I see there is a 5m on flea bay. Also what would you say to skipping the mid AR all to get her and jumping into something like a PL Vapor? The other brand I have been eyeballing is Zebra kites. Something like a Z2 or Z3? Anyone with experience with Zebra feel free to chime in. Bigkid? Haha! Anyway. These are my thoughts. I look forward to all your feedback. Thanks guys.

bigkid - 26-7-2016 at 05:55 AM

Ding dong, haha

bigkid - 26-7-2016 at 12:31 PM

Posted from earlier post, Zebra Kites?
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?

WELDNGOD - 26-7-2016 at 02:44 PM

Don't sell the Century II short bro.

skimtwashington - 26-7-2016 at 03:11 PM


It's always good to vape... I mean vapor.. uhhh...errrr... ummm....:rolleyes:

Beside thinking faster.... think of upwind performance that a higher aspect kite gives you.

When your using a Beamer in a bug, tacking... and trying to go upwind, moving slow..... and then a race kite cruises briskly past you - just straight lining it...you really start to think about a different kite choice.

But for wicked gusty days those beamers do well(don't bowtie) and are safer than race kites.

I know my 3m beamer is used on lot on high wind gusty days a lot... like where the wind is say, 17-22+... gusting to 25 to 32+mph

Ideally, for me.... I like a quiver of different aspect kites. It can be more fun and more safe. But I get the whole spectrum of winds in the North East... where this variety can work well.

Blitzhound - 26-7-2016 at 06:27 PM

WELDNGOD: I'm not counting anything short. I would be very much interested in your take of the Century compared to the Beamer.

Thanks Bigkid: I have forgotten about that posting till you mentioned it.

Skim: you hit it right on the money. I like my Beamer. I have no intentions of retiring her. But I am looking for faster and better upwind ability.

bigkid - 26-7-2016 at 07:12 PM

What size are you looking at?

RonH - 26-7-2016 at 08:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Blitzhound  
Been buggyin with my Beamer for awhile now and I think I'd like to start hunting for my next kite. Writing this thread to get some opinions on some of the offerings that are out there that I have been considering. I'm looking to replace my 5m HQ Beamer. She is a wonderful kite. But I'm looking for something a little faster. Maybe mid AR? I have a PL ViperS in a 2.6 I really enjoy. I was thinking the larger sizes might be a good possibility. Also...how would you rate the PL Core compared to the Beamer. I see there is a 5m on flea bay. Also what would you say to skipping the mid AR all to get her and jumping into something like a PL Vapor? The other brand I have been eyeballing is Zebra kites. Something like a Z2 or Z3? Anyone with experience with Zebra feel free to chime in. Bigkid? Haha! Anyway. These are my thoughts. I look forward to all your feedback. Thanks guys.


Skipping to a 5.4 Vapor from a 5m beamer would be well um hard to do...

The bigger high ar fb kites are, the easier they are to handle till you need the skills to fly in really low wind.

I don't think I would buy another Vapor under 5 meters in size.

Having said that, my 7.8 Vapor is my favorite kite to fly.

Core is a good kite. Much better than a beamer. Not made any more so price for used could be compelling.

Blitzhound - 27-7-2016 at 06:48 PM

I'm looking for something between 5-7m

bigkid - 27-7-2016 at 06:59 PM

I have some in that size range you can try before you buy.

Blitzhound - 28-7-2016 at 01:04 AM

That would be wicked awesome.