brucemasters - 11-4-2008 at 09:20 AM
Hi, I am newbie, looking for a proper trainer kite. I've spent days reading about them, but wanted some opinions.
50 years old.
I weigh about 170 pounds, but more with ski gear on.
snow skier (ski boards and regular skis)
Live in northern NJ, I have a couple lakes by me that freeze that I plan to ride on.
I like a little air when skiing, but not a "big air" guy.
I like to go fast.
I would like a trainer that I will be able to use as a lower end snowkite.
I have done some two line stunt kit flying, but no power or traction kiting.
I have been looking at the HQ scout. For my weight/experience do you think I should stay with the 3meter or would the 4meter be ok? I would like
something to grow into a bit, but don't want to be overpowered.
I plan on only riding the kite on snow skis.
Thanks in advance for any input. I want to spend the summer learning to fly the kite and will hit the snow this winter!
Bruce
Bladerunner - 11-4-2008 at 10:51 AM
If you are going to ride snow specific I highly recommend that you get a Depowerable foil for your second kite. Since that is the case you may want to
start out with the smaller Scout.
Something like the Flysurfer 8m Pulse II will cover most of the winds you will meet with one kite. The Scout can be the one you carry to ride home if
something happens to your main kite once you have learned on it.
Another thought is to pick up one of Powerzones trainer depower foils.
scout 3m
brucemasters - 17-4-2008 at 05:54 AM
Hey Bladerunner, thanks for the advice. I ordered the scout 3 m yesterday. I like your idea of having a backup kite down the road. A lot of people
seem to say the 3 m scout is a decent kite to start with. Cant wait!
Bruce
Bladerunner - 17-4-2008 at 06:17 AM
Another nice thing about the Scout is that you will get used to flying hooked in. Then it won't be as odd a feeling when you go to depower !
Another good snowkite to start would be an 8m Ozone access.
brucemasters - 21-4-2008 at 09:09 AM
Bladerunner, Thanks again. I just got my Scout two days ago. I like your suggestion about getting used to being hooked in. Any recs on a harness for
snow? I see you are from Vancouver. I appreciate your advice!
Bruce
Bladerunner - 21-4-2008 at 11:41 AM
Unfortunately, snowkiting days are much harder to find around here than even I imagined 
It is my 1st love with kites but you need a sled to get to it around here. Darn mountians and trees all over the place :flaming:
Harnesses are highly personal. I like my waist harness but both work. If you can get to a shop and compare it's a good idea. They usually have a swing
bar. Fit is important !!
I am still love struck so may be biased but ...... I highly recommend a 7m Pulse or 8m Pulse II as your next kite.
If you ski, try the scout with rollerblades ( and pads ) It is a pretty close cross over. If you like them Try Coyote rollerblades ! Don't DARE say
you are too old ! I'm 49 and don't want to think of 50 as too old to try new tricks :wink2:
Give us a review of the Scout !