Nibbs - 21-6-2007 at 03:38 PM
Hey guys,
I recently got into this stuff when I baught a GFAK powerfoil 4.0. I'm learning quickly, and pretty soon i'm gonna want to move up in size to
something better suited for lower winds.(and has more lift) I live in ny, around the capital region, and winds here are not ussualy that high(1-8ish
on good days)- (unless a storms comming in). I really enjoy flying the 4.0, but im 6'1", and 220 lbs. I've had this kite in 20-25 mph winds and it
performs great. I think this will make a good high wind kite down the road. Its only a dual line kite. I would like to move up to something larger,
and I was thinking a HQ beamer 3 7.0. I am a very quick learner, and really athletic. I think the bigger kite will offer more power (enough to get me
off the ground), and I'll be able to start getting used to a 4 line set-up. Thaughts? I goto places like antartica in the summer time, and the
smaller 4.0 kite will work good there cause its really windy, but I'm gonna need some bigger kites. Do you guys think the 7.0 is a good jump, and how
about its lift abilities, should it get me up no prob, or what? I plan on doing much more than jumping, as I plan on getting a landboard.
Bladerunner - 21-6-2007 at 06:09 PM
My 7m Bullet is usually my 1st kite up. It will fly in less than 4mph winds but doesn't produce effective pull until almost 7. I'm left watching
while the 13m Century flys by on it's own wind.
A 7 won't end up being your ultimate low wind weapon but should be effective with your low wind conditions ( and body weight ) . All though it's a bit
of a jump in size I think you may be right about a 7 being a good choice for your location. For the Arctic a depower kite may be a lot safer choice
of weapon ? Have you thought about ( can you afford ) a depower kite ?
acampbell - 22-6-2007 at 03:39 AM
A Beamer is not built for lift. The 7.0 will be a nice big gentle low wind kite. Consider the Crossfire 7.7 for low wind and more aggressive with
lift and well priced for the class. I have one for the buggy in light airs. It will start to fly in 4 kts, fill the window in 4.5, and start to pull
the bug reliably in 5 kts, where it lumbers through the sky like a truck in low gear and very stable. Almost too lifty for the bug, considering I
don't strap in, but would be a hoot on a 'board.
Snowbird makes good point about a de-power. Look at the HQ Apex 7.5 or 10 m. They are very affordable for their class, easy to fly and a good place
to start with de-power.
Nibbs - 22-6-2007 at 11:29 AM
Hey, thanks for the replies. While money isn't overflowing (I have many expensive hobbies, and a problem with buying expensive electronics) I am
awesome at saving up money (despite all the spending). So depower kites arn't totally out of the realm of possibility. But I think I'm better off
right now buying a 7-8m 4 line. I was looking at the crossfire - seems to offer what I want and need in a second kit for lower winds with better lift.
I am having a blast with my little 4m but I know it wont be up to the task in the lower winds. Right now however, the winds are great, so I'm heading
out to the field...again...for the third time today...no....i don't have a problem. Take care guys, and thanks for the input.
BigSiler - 24-6-2007 at 07:43 AM
How tired were You brother after Your 3rd ride..
Beat the next day too ?
Pablo - 24-6-2007 at 11:01 AM
Low wind and depowerable usually never mix though, only good ride I had on a depowerable foil in under 10mph winds was on a 14m Frenzy, Even then it
was a close match for my 9m Buster