Gedimin - 15-5-2007 at 07:49 AM
I've been reading through the forum for a few months now, my family (father, sister, brother in law) has gotten a taste of power kiting and we all
want to upgrade to the next level. We went cheap and fast to start, Prism Stylus p.3, to get the hang of what a strong kite feels like, how it pulls,
etc. So now, I've gotten in some moderate experience with a dual line para and would like to get my hands on a good, middle-ground quad line kite,
perhaps something not as cheeseball as the stylus power kites.
I had my eyes on the Beamer II for a spell, but came to realize those were rapidly out of stock. I weight 220 lbs, 6 ft tall, and I'm basically a
solid weight for the kites I've flown so far, aka no scudding even in 15mph winds. I would be grateful for some suggestions from you in the know types
of some kites that I might find effective for the following:
Transitioning from beginner to novice with pull/power.
Starting some scudding.
Maybe even trying a few pendulum swings.
I guess I'm looking for a versatile kite that's not going to tear my little newbie arms out of their sockets yet will give me the chance to get a
little more techinical and learn some essential land/standing power kite skills.
The HQ kites appear to be a steal as they come with quad lines and anything under 5m tends to stay under 300 US.
Suggestions?
B-Roc - 15-5-2007 at 09:07 AM
HQ Beamer III, PKD Buster II, Ozone Cult (or Samurai if you can get them), Flexifoil Rage, JOJO ET Instinct will all be a step up and offer solid
pull, good traction and some lift.
HQ Crossfire and the Flexifoil blade will be more lifty and you may want to add the Radsail Pro II to this list if on a budet.
Based on your weight, you probably want something in the 4 - 5 meter range and probably closer to the 5m range if you are comfortable with the stylus.
But not having flown a Stylus I think you are going to be in for a serious increase in power when you move to a four line foil even in the 4m size.
awindofchange - 15-5-2007 at 01:26 PM
You can convert your Stylus to quad line. This may be a cheap alternative to purchasing a new kite. Just get another dual line set (the same length
as your current one) and a set of handles. You can un-attach the lower bridles from the main attachment point and hook up the second set of lines to
your new handles.
Switching the Stylus P3 to quad will give you an increase in power and a huge increase in control. Plus you will be able to reverse launch the kite.
The increas in power will still not match some of the better designed kites such as the Ozone or the HQ Beamer III.
I would also suggest getting something in the 4.0 - 5.0 size. This size will match perfectly with your P3. When you get overpowered on the new kite
you can switch down to your P3 and still fly.
B-roc has listed some very good kites to look at. Try to demo some of those and I am sure you will find one that you like.
Pablo - 15-5-2007 at 05:05 PM
You'll want something in the 5m range, I've gotten along well with a 5.5m Brooza but it's a bit over the suggested price.(Brooza I, 5.5m RTF being
blown out for $330) They're more of a mid level kite though.
Both the Beamer II/III and the Buster II are solid choices as well.
Gedimin - 16-5-2007 at 03:33 PM
I can't thank you all enough, this is exactly the information I needed. The p.3 (and p.4 that I demoed) are excellent and very reactive kites. My
father recently kept breaking his lines with the p.3 and has been relatively dissapointed with the lift as he's a solid 270lbs. I think I'll invest in
the Beamer III at 5.0 for now, and let the big guy try it out too. I think he's more anxious to get a swing in than I am.
Thank you again all. I'll come back and update once I get some time in with a new kite.
Appendum: I've decided to give my father a little upgrade for now by getting him Quad lines for his p.3 for father's day. Any suggestions as to what
handles are better than others?
I should probably get him a stake too... any suggestions there?
Bladerunner - 16-5-2007 at 03:53 PM
If you are still a bit smaller than your Father it will be a huge advantage. You can become a 1 quiver Family. If you buy right you will have twice as
many kites and never compete for the same size at the same time.
As I mentioned previously. Power Kiting is the fulfillment of a childhood dream. The only way it could have been better was to share it with my Dad (
and deceased adreneline bud' Steve ) ! I'm having the time of my life but it hurts that the " Old Boy " isn't around to see / share it.
The Beemer should be a good deal for the money.
Kiting with your Father........................ PRICELESS !!!!!!!!!!
Gedimin - 16-5-2007 at 04:20 PM
I know what you mean, it really does feel good to go out there and share some adrenaline with my father. He's a pretty cool guy, always looking for
the next interesting exciting toy, and I just take right on after him.
acampbell - 16-5-2007 at 04:25 PM
HQ makes some nice handles at decent prices. The regular XL handles have evrything you want- ground stake loops, leaders for a strop at the top of
the handles (for use with a harness), a nice grip and feel, and color coding for left and right.
The Ultra Handles have the same features (without the left/ right color coding, but you can do that with colored plastic tape), and they have that
novel feature that takes the top lines out from between the fingers.
HQ alos makes some heavy grade line sets, both plain white and colored, for good prices.
For a stake, go to Home Depot and look for the bright orange plastic stakes for about $2-3. You want something bright so you are less likely to lose/
forget it or trip over it.