Power Kite Forum - Best for jumping????

Best for jumping????

wannabe - 13-3-2004 at 10:13 AM

I have been flying traction kites for a while and have decided to get a new kite specifically for jumping. I looked at the blade 4m maybe as i am about 11 stone. I basically just wondered what was the best kite to get for making big airs.

thanks in advance
wannabe

kitecrash - 14-3-2004 at 03:25 AM

I wonder if surf kites would be good for land jumping. Prob is, they develop so much lift that you may be up for longer than you wish. Then again, their de-power system may allow you to control when/where you come down (speculation).

Otherwise, I think the best kites for jumping on land are still the classic style Flexifoil 8' or 10'.

Blades? Hmmm, probably not the best.

Scoopy - 15-3-2004 at 10:42 AM

I dont mean to step on anyones toes or contradict what anyone says, but you will definitely want to stick with a blade style kite for jumping. The 4m tends to be a little small for the job. You would want at least a 4.9, and then only in about 15mph wind. To actually jump well, you need to have enough power to scudd easily along the ground. One of the easiest ways to jump, is to park the kite, dig your heels in, then launch the kite all the way overhead. If you have enough power (wind for the particular kite) you will be lifted off the ground. The secret is staying in one place and not getting pulled forward and building tension on the lines before leaving the ground.

I personally have a MacPara Bego 600 that I jump with. It will lift me clean off the ground in 15mph wind without swinging it to the top. (Im 300 pounds)

Here is the good and bad about jumping and kite sizes. Small kites and jumping will get you hurt. You get a sudden gust with a 4m kite, and you get alot of air, but then you dont have enough sail up there to keep you up. So you crash down at a good rate of speed. If you have a larger kite, you get set down much easier with the parachute effect. Another thing is wind speed. To get the power out of a small kite, you need a lot of wind, and higher winds tend to be gusty. Lower winds for jumping with a larger kite, tend to be less gusty and more stable. I hope this helps anyone that reads it, and please feel free to send me a message with questions.

Scoop

wallis - 17-3-2004 at 08:10 AM

hi will agree with the small kite bigg gust thing
i have a 4 mtr firebee and caught a double gust while jumping
fisst one was ok... just what i wanted
but the second one took me right up
maybe 15 ft
who knows
all i know is it spat me out and dropped me
droke a bone in my heal and was out of kiting for some time
that was a year ago and it still plays up
but i must say that feeling uf getting lifted like that made me go out and get a 7mtr pkd buster
which is much more stable and in strong winds can give you a fair bit of lift.... but the ultimate i have tried so far is the blade

Scoopy - 19-3-2004 at 07:28 AM

Wallis, you should get ahold of a Mac Bego, man what lift. In 10-15 mph wind I can hardly keep my feet on the ground. ( I weight 295 pounds)

Scoop

s0101216 - 20-3-2004 at 08:59 PM

I own a Blade II 6.4
If youwant to get air this is pretty good kite.
I use mine for recreational flying, jumping and mainly bugging.
It is not a bad size for all these as long as you have a bit of experience!
I agree that a 4m is a bit small. I bought my kite new last year for £450 complete but if you look on ebay you can pick one up for around £250. GUTTED! Anyway, if all you want to do is get air I would recomend the larger sizes like the 6.4 or a little larger.

I can get decent air with my m8s 5m radsail

Stug - 28-5-2004 at 11:21 AM

in faster wind it does drop you very easily

i got dropped by it, even though i knew the wind was gusty we just had to go out with it to get some big air

i was trying to bid for a blade2 4m on ebay but i havent got the cash for it now the bid has got higher, but i do like the blade because it has that lift that is needed for jumping

thinking about it if i save for a 6.6 i can go out in pretty much slow wind and still have a good time but i dont know where im goin to get £400 from as i need a car

anyone want to sell me their 5-8m kite? cheapy please cos i want a good time for when my m8 is not in

wanabe jumper

jason - 4-7-2004 at 01:03 PM

i am totally new to kiting and have only flown a kite once. i am looking at getting a kite that i can jump with. im 16 stone and would like to know what size i would need and does the make matter if so what model or make should i get.

Scoopy - 23-7-2004 at 01:05 PM

I wouldnt start jumping with anything less than about 5 meters.

doomwheels - 23-7-2004 at 09:41 PM

Quote:

I wouldnt start jumping with anything less than about 5 meters.

I agree, but I wouldn't recommend learning on anything larger than a 3 or 4 meter.

dr_green_fingers - 29-9-2004 at 08:33 AM

i use a 15.5 flysurfer titain and can do 20foot jump with a bord,, 80kg rider

kchunks - 29-9-2004 at 08:55 AM

Looking at when this thread started this might be a little late. My 5 meter gets a lot of attention when I fly it and people ask if they can give it a go. Well, the answer is always, "I've got a different one you can fly." I then go and get my 3 meter dual line (which was picking my wife off the ground the other night) and see if they can fly that. Most of them struggle, but I can stand behind and coach them and even put my hands on theirs to keep it from crashing. Last weekend I had family that had flown my 3 meter wanting to fly the quad line 5 meter. Well, the winds were really light, so I let them. But, even standing behind them and doing all of the same things I do when coaching people with the dual line, the quad line wrecked several times (thank goodness for reverse take off- which I always had to perform). Moral of the story is that I agree with doomwheels; learn on something small and then go up.

tironspider - 19-2-2006 at 11:15 AM

I have to Bullets 2.5 & 5.5 been flying them for 3 years. I think its time for lift mode. I weigh 208 lbs 6' tall been looking at the Blades lll 8.5 & 6.6. Winds very here at 5-25 mph. Need to make up my mind, what do you say.Should I

Scoopy - 19-2-2006 at 04:01 PM

6.6 launches me like nothin else. (in the right winds) 6.6 in its best range, vs 8.5 in its best range, I would pick the 6.6 anyday

Scoop

rrc62 - 19-2-2006 at 04:16 PM

Just a note about the Mac Begos. We are now importing them. I'm looking for the first shipment before the weekend (before Kitestorm) hopefully, but you never know with customs. Prices are up on the website.

Scoopy - 22-2-2006 at 02:56 PM

Ross, dont even think of a Bego on a Bar. I distributed for Andy for a while, and have very good knowledge of them. They require constant brake fiddling while flying and you just cant do that on a bar.

Scoop

rrc62 - 22-2-2006 at 03:59 PM

I would never consider putting a Bego on a bar. That would be sort of like a Century on a bar. I've got a few hours on a 4m Bego. Never even crossed my mind to put it on a bar. Been flying the Blades more on handles as well. I used to keep them set up on bars and carry a set of handles. Now they are all set up on handles and I carry a 70cm bar, just incase I get lazy.

I have a full quiver of the new Rage kites here with a new extreme bar. Be interesting to see how well the Rage flies on a bar. That's tomorrows mission. I have to get them all rigged for Kitestorm.

Scoopy - 23-2-2006 at 06:03 AM

So Ross, are you going to be distributing or just going to be the sole supplier of retail Begos?

Scoop

rrc62 - 23-2-2006 at 06:14 AM

Distributing eventually...Hopefully within the next few months, but there are some issues to iron out. We can discuss further offline if you want.

jumping_jim - 23-2-2006 at 09:55 AM

Despite what you may think, you can put a bego on a bar successfully, but it will probably not perform well on a normal bar, but if you set up a depower bar, it works a treat. because the power lines come into the middle of the bar, and the brakes on the ends, its very manoverable because you are steering on the brakes. if you then pull the bar in it applies more brake, which up to a point creates more power . i know it works well on this bar set up simply because i have tried it.

Scoopy - 25-2-2006 at 01:06 PM

Sorry Jim, didnt really mean it that way. YOu can fly ANY kite on a bar, but the bego is much better on handles.

Scoop

jumping_jim - 25-2-2006 at 03:14 PM

I know you can put any kite on a bar, an some perform crap, some good and some great, but what i was saying is that the depower bar probably works better than you think. you dont get the same raw power feeling like you do on handles though, but each to their own. i did like the bar, but the bego loves the handles

dizzy - 15-3-2006 at 04:30 AM

:spin:

hello everybody, i'm pleased to come and join you on this forum that i've just come across. After reading that guys post at the start of the thread and feel compelled to tell you of my recent airborne experience with my blade lll 4.9. Ive had my blade since October 2005 and it was my first power kite and boy i didnt have a clue as to how powerful this thing was. Gradually i built up my confidence and began scudding and jumping. I was begining to get 6-8ft airs and scudding 30ft+ on a launch, things were going well, until. On 05/03/06 i to the blade out for an airing after some line adjustments, wind was a little gusty at times but i hadn't flown in before, the kite didn't seem to respond as what i was used to it seemed a little more aggressive and lifty, still getting somee good air though. Anyway the wind stopped and the blade collapsed and drifted into the bottom middle of the window, then a huge gust came outta knowhere, inflated the blade, caught me off guard and took me 10ft up,30ft downwind then slammed me into the frozen ground at a dagerous rate of knots! I sustained a tibial plateau fracture on my right leg, i'm in a plaster cast for 8 weeks then god knows how long or much physio and the day before my crash landing i had bought a silver reef 2 landboard. With all honesty any one getting into power kiting start small and work ya way up, but no matter how experienced you are accidents WILL happen! :no:

I'm laying in bed now contemplating what klite to buy to start learning to board with, any idea's, i'm not looking for a kite with lift yet?:puzzled:

Scoopy - 15-3-2006 at 04:53 AM

Tons of kites to choose from with no lift. If you want something of good quality here are a few choices-

Flexi's new Rage
Ozone's Fury or Samurai
Ozone's Riot is a great lifting kite thats very tame compared to the blade
Peter Lynn's Pepper

If your looking for lower quality (cheaper price)
Hq's beamer 2, beamer tsr, or crossfire (crossfire will lift, but again, not like a blade)
PKD Buster or Brooza

HOpe this helps
Scoop

dizzy - 15-3-2006 at 04:56 AM

whats the pl pepper like and what size would you reccomend i look at, i aint no light boy at 90kgs :rolleyes:

Scoopy - 15-3-2006 at 05:59 PM

depends on your wind, but I woud say 3.5 would go nicely with your 4.9 blade..

Scoop

zinger084 - 26-4-2006 at 08:39 PM

I just bought a HQ Crossfire 5.0 and it provides plenty of lift for a person at 200lbs/14+ stone.

Pablo - 26-4-2006 at 09:41 PM

mmmm, super floaty jumps in 18mph with a 13m Venom. I'm 240lbs. And that's just static, when moving on a board there's way more lift on tap.

Currently though I'm waiting on a set of Broozas, I'll let you know how it goes.

Scoopy - 27-4-2006 at 07:17 PM

Tested a 10m Flysurfer Speed today. First time I have been on edge flying a kite in something like 3 years. I was a bit nervous. This kite builds power and keeps building. Kinda flies funny though. Not a real nice kite to steer.

Scoop

smokeblender - 20-5-2006 at 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dizzy
:spin:

I'm laying in bed now contemplating what klite to buy to start learning to board with, any idea's, i'm not looking for a kite with lift yet?:puzzled:

Thanks Dizzy. Im a beginner and I was sure I was going for a 5m2 Ozone Samurai. But I think not, I've read to many of warnings on these boards about not starting with a big kite. So Im thinking about buying a 3.0 or a 4.0 Samurai.

tridude - 29-1-2007 at 09:58 PM

Scoop,

What length power rings do you recommend for the Bego 200 and 400? Thanx!

SecondWind - 30-1-2007 at 06:30 AM

Tridude (king of Begos) -

Here is Scoopy's old Bego setup page:

Bego Setup Tips

Here is the text:

Power Ring Length

Originally posted by mee (flexifoil screen name, not me )
10cm Power ring line lengths = loads of low wind power 2mph - the
canopy is a little more unstable than it would be without the
rings but not by much 20cm power ring line lengths = when the wind
gets stronger 6mph - 10mph this setting still gives loads of power
with more controability and stability

No rings = good power flying winthin manufacturers wind ranges.

Center line removed ( this is the line that links the bridles on the
power lines) The kite does not stall as much on spin turns or loose
pressure in the canopy as fast. Removing this line does not put any
stress on the bridle ( this is from the manufacturer).

Recommended Ring Length Per Kite

Bego 200 - 3-5cm or 1-1.5 inches between main and brake lines.
Bego/Neptune 400 - 7-8cm or 2-2.5 inches between main and brake lines.
Bego/Neptune 600 - 10-15cm or 3.5-4.5 inches between main and brake lines.

Power Ring Offset

Originally Posted by Blazingskibum (Flexifoil screen name)
Power ring offset length is important but also we have found that
high and low positions have some cool changes.
We have found that:

1) High ring connection(right at the top,bridle junction) and short
offsets( around 5 to 6 inches). This setting seems to have the most
lift. Above 10mph wind is where this setting has real good pop and
float. Seems to slow the kite down quite rapidly when brakes are
applied lightly(basically lighter than the lower power ring setting)
but still keeps good inflation and shape. And will easily reaccellerate
without a hiccup or stall. Handling is very nimble with possible
oversteers and unwanted spins(this comes under control very quickly
but will catch you off guard at first).
This setting is what I use for static flying, Jumping, kiteboarding, snowkiting.

2)Low ring connection(as low as you can go) and long offsets( 7 to 9
inches).
A bit speeder than the high ring setting. Handling is less radical, kite
tracks much better than higher/short setting. This setting, performance
wise is not much different than "no rings" but this setting has better
brake feel/control than "no rings". Still has good pop and lift but not
like the higher/short setting.
Most folks here like this setting for the lighter wind range. This
setting is what I use for light wind static flying, buggying and
long distance enduro snowkiting.

Brake Line Length

There really is not set length, it depends on how you hold your handles. With no brakes on at all, the rear of the kite should be kinda rounded looking and you should be able to make out the pleats where the cells come together. When you apply a very small, light amount of brake, the kite should look like it gets longer from side to side, and more narrow front to back, and you will lose the look of the cells connecting on the trailing edge. There will actually be a small crease along the rear of the kite. When you go from no brakes to slight brakes, this is what people have called the "turbo boost" You should experience 30-50% more power while like this, but with less speed.

Other Tweaks

This if for the Bego 600 ONLY.
Another tweak is that I have cut 4" out of the center of the "limit link
line" between the power bridle lines. Put knots every 2 inches and use a
loop of bridle line and larks heads to connect and adjust the link line.
This makes adjusting the line very fast and simple. This is a very
useable tweak that will extend the wind range of the Bego 600.

B-Roc - 30-1-2007 at 12:38 PM

Does anyone know if the "High ring / low ring" setting lengths refer to the 400 or the 600?

My power rings are ~6.5" on the 400 (thanks DaVinch) and I have them set above the second power bridle knot and the kite is flying fine. I view that setting as a compromise setting / length between the high and low setting described but am debating changing mine down to the 2-3" recommendation.

I was going to do that by cutting and redoing the power ring lines so I can larkshead one loop to the bridle with knots every inch for 5-6" and then larkshead a loop to the pulley which I could larskhead to the power ring strand on the power bridle to allow for quick offsetting but so far I'm pretty content with the setting I have.

PS... got a chance to jump with it today (static). Gusts were to 20 but average winds were 7-12. Gusty jumping is a bit unnerving but I had to try it - a little unpredictable and unstable but one or two went higher than I expected.

Light snow is predicted tonight! Moderate snow is predicted for Friday!! More snow is predicted next week!!!

tridude - 30-1-2007 at 08:41 PM

My first kite out of the bag for jumps is the Bego 600. Big airs and floaty landings. Ill have a Bego 400 in a few days to fly in higher winds but the 600 in 15 to 20 mph winds is amazing; tap the breaks, pop, accels, airborn, floatyyyyyyy landings! As usual......................stoaked :thumbup:

tridude - 30-1-2007 at 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DaVinch
Tridude (king of Begos) -

Here is Scoopy's old Bego setup page:

Bego Setup Tips

Here is the text:

Power Ring Length

Originally posted by mee (flexifoil screen name, not me )
10cm Power ring line lengths = loads of low wind power 2mph - the
canopy is a little more unstable than it would be without the
rings but not by much 20cm power ring line lengths = when the wind
gets stronger 6mph - 10mph this setting still gives loads of power
with more controability and stability

No rings = good power flying winthin manufacturers wind ranges.

Center line removed ( this is the line that links the bridles on the
power lines) The kite does not stall as much on spin turns or loose
pressure in the canopy as fast. Removing this line does not put any
stress on the bridle ( this is from the manufacturer).

Recommended Ring Length Per Kite

Bego 200 - 3-5cm or 1-1.5 inches between main and brake lines.
Bego/Neptune 400 - 7-8cm or 2-2.5 inches between main and brake lines.
Bego/Neptune 600 - 10-15cm or 3.5-4.5 inches between main and brake lines.

Power Ring Offset

Originally Posted by Blazingskibum (Flexifoil screen name)
Power ring offset length is important but also we have found that
high and low positions have some cool changes.
We have found that:

1) High ring connection(right at the top,bridle junction) and short
offsets( around 5 to 6 inches). This setting seems to have the most
lift. Above 10mph wind is where this setting has real good pop and
float. Seems to slow the kite down quite rapidly when brakes are
applied lightly(basically lighter than the lower power ring setting)
but still keeps good inflation and shape. And will easily reaccellerate
without a hiccup or stall. Handling is very nimble with possible
oversteers and unwanted spins(this comes under control very quickly
but will catch you off guard at first).
This setting is what I use for static flying, Jumping, kiteboarding, snowkiting.

2)Low ring connection(as low as you can go) and long offsets( 7 to 9
inches).
A bit speeder than the high ring setting. Handling is less radical, kite
tracks much better than higher/short setting. This setting, performance
wise is not much different than "no rings" but this setting has better
brake feel/control than "no rings". Still has good pop and lift but not
like the higher/short setting.
Most folks here like this setting for the lighter wind range. This
setting is what I use for light wind static flying, buggying and
long distance enduro snowkiting.

Brake Line Length

There really is not set length, it depends on how you hold your handles. With no brakes on at all, the rear of the kite should be kinda rounded looking and you should be able to make out the pleats where the cells come together. When you apply a very small, light amount of brake, the kite should look like it gets longer from side to side, and more narrow front to back, and you will lose the look of the cells connecting on the trailing edge. There will actually be a small crease along the rear of the kite. When you go from no brakes to slight brakes, this is what people have called the "turbo boost" You should experience 30-50% more power while like this, but with less speed.

Other Tweaks

This if for the Bego 600 ONLY.
Another tweak is that I have cut 4" out of the center of the "limit link
line" between the power bridle lines. Put knots every 2 inches and use a
loop of bridle line and larks heads to connect and adjust the link line.
This makes adjusting the line very fast and simple. This is a very
useable tweak that will extend the wind range of the Bego 600.

Da V,

Thanx for the intel. I def have the 600 dialed in. King of the Begos hardly; how about Lord of the Rings? See B Roc has the 400 up and flying well. If my new 400 performs as well as the 600, its probably going to be "Hasta for the Rasta"! Talk at you soon

muddy fun.JPG - 110kB

B-Roc - 31-1-2007 at 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tridude
but the 600 in 15 to 20 mph winds is amazing; tap the breaks, pop, accels, airborn, floatyyyyyyy landings! As usual......................stoaked :thumbup:

You is a brave man :wink2:

I'm flying my 400 or 2.5m in winds you're taking the 600 out in :o

How much do you weigh??

tridude - 31-1-2007 at 07:13 PM

BRoc,

Approx 180 lbs. I also purchased my Bego from Da Vinch, so hows it going on the 400? Sweet kites arent they? Honestly, if the 400 performs as well as the 600 (in the 400 wind range) it will be HASTA for my Blade IV 4.9 RASTA! Fly hard.........fly safe.........

IMAG0114.JPG - 81kB

B-Roc - 1-2-2007 at 07:11 AM

I haven't been able to "really" fly the 400 yet. 1st outing was very short as I was untangling a new lineset and getting it on and the breaks and power rings adjusted.

Second outing was in variable winds.

I can say it pulls hard for its size and lifts well for its size and had decent float for its size. If you like the 600, I'm sure you'll like the 400. As to how it compares to the 4.9, I'll leave that to you ;-)

A bunch of riders are planning to get out this weekend and are coming to my town if we get the snow they are talking about. Winds are predicted to be too high for the 400 but hopefully I'll get a chance to ski with it if there are lulls.

SecondWind - 1-2-2007 at 07:31 AM

I got to compare the Bego 400 to the 4.9 Blade III and IV.

Basically, the 4.9m generates more raw "grunt" and lift, but the bego is faster and creates a nice pop when directed to the zenith.

I was able to fly the Bego 400 in more wind than the 4.9. When static jumping, I tended to get higher with the Bego.

Both kites are great in 15+ winds!

The Skytex material of the Mac Paras is so light and it packs up really small :yes:

The new 4.9m has the adjustable bridle which works very well.

Tough decision - I say keep both Tridude :thumbup:

tridude - 22-2-2007 at 08:33 PM

Agree with Scoop on the Bego 600--great lift and nice floaty landings as long as you redirect upwards in the window. However, the Begos do take some getting used to (requires break input to increase hp) but once you get it dialed in, SWEET! I also jump a Bego 400 and for its size it can be a monster in winds around 20 mph! Fast, grunty, big lift and surprising floaty landings, once again requires break input for maximum performance! Last but def not least, my BIV 4.9. In winds over 15 mph its amazing. Fast, powerful, stable, and nice landings. In 20 mph winds Ive been lifted at least 12 feet!
So there you have it! Right out of the bag and upward ho, go for the Blades. If you like to tinker and fly on the breaks, consider the Begos!
as usual.............................stoaked :thumbup:

bigchris - 4-3-2007 at 07:54 AM

bigchris - 4-3-2007 at 08:22 AM

hi wunnabe i fly a blade IV 4.9 and i would say that it is one of the best kites for jumpping because once your up the kite feels like it wants to go higher and higher wich i think is a good think iv only hade mine a few months but iv managed to hit a goo 15 to 20 ft with it so i strongly recomend that you go for a blade IV 4.9.

Pablo - 4-3-2007 at 12:09 PM

Any thoughts on the PL Scorpion for jumping?

kitergal - 4-3-2007 at 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Scoopy
Tons of kites to choose from with no lift. If you want something of good quality here are a few choices-

Flexi's new Rage
Ozone's Fury or Samurai
Ozone's Riot is a great lifting kite thats very tame compared to the blade
Peter Lynn's Pepper

If your looking for lower quality (cheaper price)
Hq's beamer 2, beamer tsr, or crossfire (crossfire will lift, but again, not like a blade)
PKD Buster or Brooza

HOpe this helps
Scoop

Good thing PKD has improved their product greatly since last year. It's amazing that you had even flown a Brooza as they weren't ready for retail yet WOW.

I didn't know anything about stats I had a girlfriend hand me one of her Busters and I was hooked. I have since flown the Buster II's and must admit they aren't my favourite but wow do they look and feel better. The Broozas on the other hand are nice and lifty for me, and look beautiful in the sky. I love how PKD has developed their line to be able to ride over the gust in bumpy wind and to stay powered up. They are IMO wonderful kites..

fatboyfat7 - 19-2-2009 at 05:36 PM

Reviving an old one here I know! Newbee to the site, just really finding my feet in the kiting world so to speak. Ive done limited flying in the past but looking to take it up more seriously. Focusing on jumping and obviously looking to get a bit of air! Recently joined www.panshforum.com and they've been fierce helpful in directing me, reccommending a 3.5m Ace. After reading the above im now on the fence between the Ace or the 4.9m Blade. Any suggestions or advice for me? Im assuming a blade that size is way too much too soon. I just want to get something I can learn on, but still get some decent jumps and wont get bored of too fast! The Ace is very good value for money at the moment on ebay at around €140 incl. delivery. Looks a good option but would prefer to him what ye experienced folk reccommend! Thanks!

DAKITEZ - 19-2-2009 at 05:46 PM

The decision between a blade IV and a ace is not really a decision. The blade IV hands down is the way to go. But still its not for you. A blade IV and a newbie = broken body parts. I'm not trying to discourage you from doing what you want to do, but I don't want you broken ... it makes bad press for the rest of us. I think we all remember the guy who pulled his kite out in a hurricane a few months ago and got slammed into a building.

harddrive8 - 19-2-2009 at 06:03 PM

Also a 3.5m Ace will not provide soft landings. Small kites tend to have a high snatch ability, meaning you'll go up without meaning to a LOT easier. I would probably get something closer to a 3m Pansh Legend or 3m HQ Beamer (both great kites) to learn on. Then get either a Blade or Ace (5m or 6m) once you get some time under your belt with power kites. Experience is a great virtue when dealing with wanting to kite jump. And the best experience is found with smaller, less lifty kites to learn on. It's also easier to practice things such as redirecting when you're on the ground.

fatboyfat7 - 19-2-2009 at 06:21 PM

Ok, i hear you. I appreciate where your both coming from and after all Im here to learn from your experience. I asked the father what type of kite he had that i used to fly and he said it was 3m. Didnt know make. I guess thats why im eager to go 'slighly' bigger so soon. Its such a hard desicion to make! I just want someone to tell me theres one definate answer and thats it! lol And did some fella really crash himself into a building?!?! Did he survive at all? Thats nuts...

BeamerBob - 19-2-2009 at 06:21 PM

Also, don't equate value with a low price. I've had a 6m ace and sold it to get a blade 6.5. If you can afford and don't mind paying for the blade, then don't even think about the ace. They are both lifty kites and the similarities stop about there. Oh, and another point would be: The guy who bought my ace broke his leg really bad that afternoon by not listening to all the advice I gave him. Neither of the kites you are looking at are at all appropriate for you to learn the ropes of power kiting with for the same reasons and some different ones as well. I didn't buy my ace till after 8 months of kiting every chance I got. My first kite was an HQ Beamer III. I just sold it in preparation to get another 3m Beamer IV. You won't get tired of one of these. It will become your "relaxed flying" kite, or your high wind kite.

fatboyfat7 - 19-2-2009 at 06:29 PM

'.... was an HQ Beamer III. I just sold it in preparation to get another 3m Beamer IV. You won't get tired of one of these. It will become your "relaxed flying" kite, or your high wind kite.'

Wont get tired of which one? HQ Beamer III or 3m Beamer IV? What size was the HQ Beamer III you had?

BeamerBob - 19-2-2009 at 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fatboyfat7
'.... was an HQ Beamer III. I just sold it in preparation to get another 3m Beamer IV. You won't get tired of one of these. It will become your "relaxed flying" kite, or your high wind kite.'

Wont get tired of which one? HQ Beamer III or 3m Beamer IV? What size was the HQ Beamer III you had?

You won't get tired of either one. The Beamer IV reportedly has some features to enhance performance in the buggy among other things. A good deal on a Beamer III shouldn't be passed up though. Mine was a 3m. I'll replace with that size.

harddrive8 - 19-2-2009 at 06:40 PM

A Beamer III 3m was my first power kite as well. I still have it and pull it out time to time for some smooth flying. I haven't seen or heard anything much about the new Beamer IV's, so I can't comment on them. However, with a new series of the Beamer preparing for release, there might be some used ones come up for sale soon.

f0rgiv3n - 19-2-2009 at 09:38 PM

Beamer 3 was my first kite too!! lots of us learned on it and as you can tell, we all loved it

USA_Eli_A - 20-2-2009 at 12:06 AM

HQ KITE ARE NOT GOOD JUMPING KITES...FN PERIOD. THE ARE GOOD ENTRY LEVEL KITES. THEN YOU MOVE UP TO BETTER KITES like "Best" after you waist all that money...YOU'LL GET A REAL KITE

stetson05 - 20-2-2009 at 01:10 AM

Eli is right about the money. Buy something you can afford around 3m that is a good kite, maybe used. Learn to fly it well and look around for the next kite. Make that a good kite that that you can jump with if you want. By then you will know more about what you want and you won't get something you regret as easily. Just my 2 cents. My next kite will probably be like that, and expensive. I keep looking at kites over a grand but I don't know enough about which one yet. Can't let my wife know yet she will freak:megan:

BeamerBob - 20-2-2009 at 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by USA_Eli_A
HQ KITE ARE NOT GOOD JUMPING KITES...FN PERIOD. THE ARE GOOD ENTRY LEVEL KITES. THEN YOU MOVE UP TO BETTER KITES like "Best" after you waist all that money...YOU'LL GET A REAL KITE

You are joking. Right?

harddrive8 - 20-2-2009 at 06:43 AM

Quote:

I've used to own a Crossfire (now Sandman owns), Montana IV (currently own), and flown a 8m Neo (at a meetup) that all beg to differ with that statement.:puzzled:

dylanj423 - 20-2-2009 at 07:23 AM

Blade IV $275 from secondwind on the forum... you'll need lines and handles, too, but thats a great price.

Check on the possible need for repairs, though.

Bladerunner - 20-2-2009 at 11:30 AM

Quote:

Have you tried the Neo Eli ?

I can agree that HQ is a great choice for entry level. I think that was there strong point starting out.

We haven't had a lot of chances to try HQ out here but from what I have been seeing this is a company that just keeps on improving. The Montana comes out with improvements each year and from a desk top perspective sounds like it is getting better and better.

Your statement may have made sense a few years ago but I feel HQ has stepped up a notch every year they have been on my radar. The Neo will jump and float with the rest / best of them. The Montana sounds like it can take you for a lift as well ?

I don't have any experience with the Crossfire but understand it is a decent fixed bridle ??

NOT just a great beginner package anymore :thumbup:

BeamerBob - 20-2-2009 at 11:43 AM

Yes, very strong language if he hasn't flown one in years, or anything other than the Beamer. The Crossfire I had that would be over 3 years old now had lifted me 10 feet in the air and I'm over 225 right now. HQ does have good offerings and packages good for beginners but that isn't where it stops.

Maybe we are being too harsh on Eli and he just needs a clinic on kite jumping. :P Surely someone up in the NW can give him a lesson! An 8m Crossfire or a 12.5 Montana should be good to get his feet off the ground. They have a little lift to offer.

tridude - 20-2-2009 at 01:34 PM

pardon my French but the best jumper may be the mandibule/mandible/manduble(sp)......French two line design.......serious jumping machine this one.............vids of it all over vimeo and you tube
:lol:

:duh::duh:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38v1SYd2Pqw

check this out fellas...............

f0rgiv3n - 20-2-2009 at 02:32 PM

those guys are NUTS. I remember seeing a video with a guy with that kite awhile back and thought "huh... must be kite jumping back in the day..." LOL!

"hey maw.... watch'is"

geojones - 20-2-2009 at 07:29 PM

i have to agree with the others-beamer 3m was my first power kite as well.......even though i have some lifty kites,i have decided to put in alot of time with my legend 5.5.......once i know it inside and out,i'll try something else.....i think it may be awhile before i break out the 4m blade 3 as i'm almost 50 ,and even though im in great shape,i really dont need any broken bones/or WORSE......i've only been flying a few months now,but one great thing about this forum is that one can learn from those with more experience.......i'm glad for it,as the advice has more than likely saved me injury as well as enhanced my appreciation and enjoyment of this wonderful sport.........:singing:

BeamerBob - 21-2-2009 at 06:59 AM

GEO, you are obviously old enough to let reason seep into your thoughts. You probably have decades of happy kiting ahead of you. I hope we all do. :thumbup:

fatboyfat7 - 21-2-2009 at 09:38 AM

Was looking up the HQ Beamer on ebay just there. They seem to be very good value for such a highly reccommended kite. 100 pounds sterling delivered brand new which equates to about 115euro or $140. Dont think i can go too wrong there. I did addmittedly make a drunken stupid mistake llast night. I ordered some kite (Brookite) from ebay for about $70 new. Dunno what i was thinking but sure I could always use a second one if one of the lads come along. Im murder for going online drunk! Anyway, Ill let you know when i get it and give you my opinion, thanks again!

furbowski - 21-2-2009 at 10:06 AM

just had a look -- i sure hope you don't end up getting rock crystals in the mail!!! :lol: