Looking for a first depower

Quote: Originally posted by IFlyKites

A budget of $300 is very possible for a depower. Try looking into HQ apex's, Peter Lynn arcs, or Pansh kites. Though with Pansh, you'll have to play around with a bit of tweaking. I do have a 6m Ozone Access XT (Complete with bar & lines) if you are interested. As a first depower, it should teach you lots. I don't get your winds so it doesn't come out of the bag much. You should be able to fly it in 10 knots +. Sweet spot for it is about 15-20 knots for starters. I am asking $400 but will throw in free shipping. Let me know if you would be interested.

I can back up that the Ozone Access XT is a really nice kite. It's always my go to kite in high winds. It's very well behaved, handles gusts and never tries to lift you.

If you want to be lifted, you might think about a Frenzy.

Quote: Originally posted by jimbocz

I can back up that the Ozone Access XT is a really nice kite and never tries to lift you. If you want to be lifted, you might think about a Frenzy.

I can back up that the Frenzy is lifty. :sniff:

Quote: Originally posted by ikemiester

. It has 2 repairs, and you might want to do the arcusers mod on it, before going crazy with it (I could give you that as well, I'm too busy to do it currently in pilot training). May not be exactly what you're looking for, but I figured I throw it out there.

Can you tell me about this " Arcusers
Mod " Ike?

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

Here is one to consider. http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=33323

I agree, sounds like the wind range your after too. Great kite. I'm not familiar with that bar. Maybe blade can speak to that.

Plus every kiter should own an arc at least once.

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

personally think arcs are a pain in the butt and shouldn't be a 1st depower... its a lot easier to lay out, launch, land, and pack up most other dp kites and go flying or home yes everyone should a few...but not a first if you fly alone imo

that was my first depower and it's not hard to learn with a solid foundation of fb and youtube to learn the nuances. He has beach access so auto zenith will come in handy. Also, if he progresses to jumping, the venom would be way better than a peak on a land board, arcs in that size range fit the budget, no bridles to contend with. I'm not seeing a disadvantage other than being a whole lot of ripstop to carry around I would much rather have an arc than entry level ancient foil depower that would fit his budget.

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

personally think arcs are a pain in the butt and shouldn't be a 1st depower... its a lot easier to lay out, launch, land, and pack up most other dp kites and go flying or home yes everyone should a few...but not a first if you fly alone imo

This is nonsense IMO. Sorry Abkayak but I strongly disagree. ARC's were my first Depower. Still my favorite Depowers. Self launch is super easy. Landing is even easier. No bridling to mess with. Auto zenith makes for fewer crashes. I also have several older foils. That have on more than one occasion tried to murder me. ARC's are like big gentle giants. Sure they can still be dangerous. Any kite can be dangerous. But just like any kite be it foil, ARC, or LEI. You have to learn that kites ins and outs. But...to that end. ARC's are in my experience very User and New User friendly. They are very stable, Excellent gust handling, smooth power, easy setup, and best of all... Cheap! I still have my ARC's I still love my ARC's. I'm the most comfortable under them. I'm sorry but these are all qualities I would recommend a kite have for a beginner.

take it easy on abkayak, he has more experience than both of us.

Quote: Originally posted by soliver

Peak Done

If you are selling your Peaks for $300 consider me in line!

At $300 you will get an older model foil kite. It is hard to find an intro foil that will take you to boosting jumps on an ATB in 10 - 20mph winds. ( 20+ with a 13m Venom )

The Venoms ( and arcs in general ) are becoming a very good option for low cost entry. The interest in arcs is dropping but the Venom's will always be a respected model.

Folks are correct. Arcs are not as easy to set up and land as standard open cell foils but one must accept some kind of trade offs if they are on a budget. If you don't know any different and learn your ground handling, it isn't such a big deal. ( if there isn't enough wind to fill it easily, there isn't enough wind to fly it.) The pay off is when you man up and launch the beast! Like others have said, I feel more comfortable under a big arc than most older foils. I personally still like my arcs enough that I am willing to take the time on the ground for the reward in the air if time and conditions permit.

Aha... didn't realize that there was a cost criteria...

well, save a little more and then: Peak... done

I guess ultimately this was my point. I think ARC's are still the best bang for your buck on a budget. Low cost and user friendly. Again my apologies. I guess I'm not to user friendly. I can't speak to peaks. I have yet to fly one. Hopefully next week at SOBB.

Was too busy to defend myself today...but flame away i can take it
arcs are great but i tend to have short amount of time when i hit the beach so
foils work best for me...just way easier