Power Kite Forum

Another Newbie.

mac12 - 20-9-2007 at 02:07 AM

Hi All!
I have read the other newbie posts and just thought I would add, Im 13 Stone and just under 6 ft.

I was thinking the HP Beamer III 3.0

Would that be okay? I will at a later stage want to board or buggy so I want a good kite and give some pull....

A website im looking at has good package deals on the Beamer III 3.0 and I was wondering if they would be any good?

Was watching some videos on their site which I must say is getting me pumped up ready for this!

BeamerBob - 20-9-2007 at 02:55 AM

Like all the other posts have said, if you tried every kite out there, you might find one a tad better, but I haven't heard of anyone saying they didn't like the BIII 3.0. Yes, you will want larger more aggressive kites later, but you aren't ready for them yet. The fact that it already comes with everything you need with quality materials and craftsmanship, makes it easy to go learn with and have fun your first day out.

mac12 - 20-9-2007 at 03:03 AM

Thanks for you input BeamerBob,

The only thing im thinking about is whether to get a board now so have the deal or whether to buy the kite, practice and and learn and then buy the board...

BeamerBob - 20-9-2007 at 03:07 AM

No problem buying the board now, but don't use it with the kite until you have some hours in with the kite. I tried a buggy two weekends ago and realized later that I hadn't used some of the skills I had developed with the kite. You will forget half of what you know the first time you add wheels to your kite flying. It seems to take time time time to make it all click.

mac12 - 20-9-2007 at 03:35 AM

Cool stuff!

When is a control bar used for? Is that used with landboard?
Is it worth getting? Thanks!

acampbell - 20-9-2007 at 05:53 AM

You do not *need* a bar on a 'board but many prefer it. You give up some of the finesse you get with handles but gain a free hand for board grabs, if that is your thing. Also makes riding toe-side on a'board easier (changing direction and putting the kite behind your back).

The Beamer TSR is purpose built for a Bar but would not do so well with handles, I think. The Beamer III comes with handles but will fly just as well on a bar if you chose to add one.

Pablo - 20-9-2007 at 08:29 AM

Yup, bar or handles won't matter so much at the start, both will work fine, if you find you want an ATB later then the bar is a bit nicer, handles seem to go better with the buggy.

I'd get the package with the Beamer III or TSW (they're solid kites) and the ATB if you can swing it. Saving $$$ is always good. Worst case you do some down hilling on the board while your kite skills are increasing. Just be sure to ride it both ways(left foot forward and right foot forward) because once you put it and the kite together you'll be using it in both directions.

Bladerunner - 20-9-2007 at 09:13 AM

Good deals on used boards have a habit of not being there when you want one. I'ld suggest get the B III and if you see a good deal on a board ( like the one going for $250cdn on here ) buy it whenever you can. Transitioning to the board will be a lot easier if you can fly the kite blind. The less you have to think about the kite the better. It's also a lot easier to learn ATB when well powered so good kite skills = safety in those conditions.

Welcome and ENJOY !!!

reefro - 20-9-2007 at 12:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mac12
Hi All!
I have read the other newbie posts and just thought I would add, Im 13 Stone and just under 6 ft.

I was thinking the HP Beamer III 3.0


HP is making kites now??? ahh just teasing! i just got my beamer iii 3.0 yesterday as my first kite, and im quite sure it was the right choice!!!! it was too windy though so havent taken it out yet, still i can hear it calling my name from the bag.. good luck with everything!

mac12 - 21-9-2007 at 01:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by reefro
Quote:
Originally posted by mac12
Hi All!
I have read the other newbie posts and just thought I would add, Im 13 Stone and just under 6 ft.

I was thinking the HP Beamer III 3.0


HP is making kites now??? ahh just teasing! i just got my beamer iii 3.0 yesterday as my first kite, and im quite sure it was the right choice!!!! it was too windy though so havent taken it out yet, still i can hear it calling my name from the bag.. good luck with everything!


Whoops! haha Not HP!
Shows how new this is to me. Thank you all for your comments. I think I will get the B III first and learn to fly it and then see and grab a board when a good opportunity comes.

Is gloves also an important thing to get? I want good control of the handles so I was looking at the mesh gloves..


An thanks for the warm welcome!

mac12 - 21-9-2007 at 06:47 AM

bit the bullet and just ordered myself a Beamer 3.0!

Cant wait to get it going... Need to buy some safety gear...

Thanks for the advice guys..

joecat - 24-9-2007 at 08:14 PM

Hey Mac, Good luck with the beamer. I just started flying about 9 months ago. Have all beamers and some Pro-Foils. Beamer III 3 meter was the first and a good choice. The info and help you get on this site is very good. I flew the kites all summer learning to control them and now I have started with the buggy. As far as safety gear, helmet, elbow and knew pads , and some type of gloves are good. Good luck.

mac12 - 25-9-2007 at 02:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by joecat
Hey Mac, Good luck with the beamer. I just started flying about 9 months ago. Have all beamers and some Pro-Foils. Beamer III 3 meter was the first and a good choice. The info and help you get on this site is very good. I flew the kites all summer learning to control them and now I have started with the buggy. As far as safety gear, helmet, elbow and knew pads , and some type of gloves are good. Good luck.


Cheers mate. What type of gloves have you got? Im looking at the SixSixOne gloves but im worried they will not give me as much freedom that I want if that makes sense.
Im looking into Sixsixone Helmet, and elbow/knee pads..

Thanks

Mac

acampbell - 25-9-2007 at 04:55 AM

Go to a marine store and get sailing gloves. They have heavy leather or similar synthetic materail on the palms to guard against rope burn, but the fingertips are open so you can work your knots, etc.

I have 661 elbow and forearm guards. Thats where all my scars are from OBE's.

tridude - 25-9-2007 at 07:48 AM

or a DIY store--mechanics gloves work very well!

mac12 - 25-9-2007 at 07:59 AM

Cool stuff guys! So any good grip like gloves will do.

At first I thought some golf gloves may do but by the sounds of it, some heavy duty leather gloves are required...

I remembered a post somewhere here and someone mention holding onto the handles with death grip! ahah made me laugh and realise how much strain there will be on the hands...

reefro - 25-9-2007 at 12:26 PM

so i took my biii 3.0 out 2 days ago! it actually ended up getting really windy, more than i should probably have been out there in... but WOW it was fun until it just got too windy and i brought it down. my arms are still sore! definitely some power in that kite, can't wait to get out again and spend some more time.

joecat - 28-9-2007 at 05:44 PM

Hey Mac,
I actually use gloves that I use for work,,, I am a police officer and from the police supply store I purchased these gloves that are called search gloves,, the gloves have the similar type material that is used in bullet proff vests. It covers the palms and fingers. It resists cuts from knifes and needles. They actually work well because they are thin yet tough. It may be an overkill but they were cheap enough,,, $30.00 U.S. Had a great day today in North Wildwood New Jersey, U.S.A. Myself and two other guys hit the beach winds about 15 to 20mph... Had to use the small kite Beamer III 2 meter. We were flying up and down the beach,, first time I really got moving,, when I say flying, who knows, maybe 15 20mph,,, thats fast for me. Almost had seveal OBEs but even that was cool. Had the helmet, pads and gloves on,,,, and needed them.........

mac12 - 1-10-2007 at 07:47 AM

hI Joe cat,

I looked on ebay and saw some "search gloves"... are these what you are talking about?
They look fake and cheap...

Hmmm i want something thin and strong too. Im considering the Maui Mesh gloves or O'neil surfing gloves...

Hmmmmm I need help in deciding, haha.

joecat - 2-10-2007 at 05:35 PM

Hey Mac, Sorry I should have given you more info on the gloves.. The brand name is "Hatch" and here is a website that sells them. The model I have is Hatch SGK100 Street Guard. Product code "HAT-SCK100 they sell for about $29.00 They are very well made and as I said you should have no worries about getting burned or cut by the kite lines..
http://www.officerstore.com/store/category.cfm/cid_749?gclid...

mac12 - 3-10-2007 at 03:27 AM

Hi Joecat,

That's cool mate. I was looking alot and I ended up getting some hillbilly gloves because I wanted the wrist guards. Good thing because if I bought them ones from Ebay I wouldn't be too pleased with myself. Hehe.
Thanks for all your help though mate, Much appreciated!

jablonski - 3-10-2007 at 07:53 AM

Hello there,

im pretty new to this stuff but found alot of info from this site and other forums like...

http://community.flexifoil.com/
http://www.kite-fantastic.co.uk/community/forum/

and for reviews

http://www.racekites.com/reviews/reviews.asp

hope this is of some help!:singing:

mac12 - 5-10-2007 at 08:25 AM

Thanks for that Jablonski ! !

:cool: