dan - 14-9-2008 at 01:14 PM
Hi guys, I am new to power kiting, but NOT kiting in general. I started out years ago with a "skynosaur" and progressed my way up through stacks of
stunt and trick kites. I have passed many of my smaller "stunt" kites on to my kids to use. I am NOW wanting to get my first POWER kite. I want
something simple to launch and fly, but have some power to pull on me a bit. I am a big guy, I am 6'2" tall and weight 250lbs. Don't get me wrong, I
don't want to get dragged around the yard in my croqs, but I want something I have to fight with and COULD pull me around in higher winds.
Anyway, looking at something with a single control bar, 2 lines or 4...I don't know?????
Hoping you guys could give me some suggestions on what to get and where to get the best prices.
Thanks much
Dan
deezPANSHES - 14-9-2008 at 02:24 PM
there's one for sale here on the forum http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=6531
I was looking at getting it. the seller said 250.00 shipped
heres the link to some pics on the kite http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=5282
macboy - 14-9-2008 at 08:44 PM
Wow. Would you believe I STILL have my first ever serious kite in the garage AND the scars from the lesson the lines taught me about respecting the
wind?
The kite? A Skynosaur!
You've definitely come to the right place. There's a ton of info here:
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=1985
If you don't find the answers you're looking for I'm willing to bet this thread will. As you can see form my quiver I'm a bit all over the place but
would have to say that the HQ 3m's I've seen are worth every penny. Pansh is a low cost way into it but you'll be strongly advised to have someone who
knows a lot about foils with you to help get it all set up right the first time. Hard to find local but I love my Flexifoil. I fly the Rage but there
are likely a lot of Blades on the used market. Never flown one but have heard they are bear-ish so be cautious. You'll see lots of YouTube clips of
dudes being yarded all over the place by a Blade.
Bladerunner - 15-9-2008 at 04:09 PM
Avoid 2 line kites !
The only 2 line kite that I know is truly reverse launchable is one called the Sensei ( sp. ) Usually a brake line / bridle is used to reverse launch
but they have figured out how to do it without ?
If you like a bar possibly your best bet is the Scout by HQ poeerkites. Last years model is the TSR and it performed very well also.
HQ also makes a beginer Depower kite called the Apex. With a Depower kite you will be able to fly in a wider range of winds. Also be able to react to
gusts better avoiding unwanted lofting and such.
If a 4 line fixed bridle suits you there are some top quality kites for sale right now in the for sale section 
Quantum - 24-9-2008 at 07:39 PM
Hi Dan,
I too just started flying power kites after years with Skynosaurs and other 2-line delta kites. My first parafoil was a Snapshot 1.9 which gave me
the bug for something bigger. I also spent a couple of years flying a Rev 1.5 which is a great kite to get reflexes up for flying quad line power
kites.
I'm just purchased a beamer 3m and a Crossfire 6.5m, both of which have been a ball to fly. The beamer flies a lot like the snapshot only with more
pull and the bonus of break line controls.
q
kitemaker4 - 24-9-2008 at 08:26 PM
Do you know if there are power kite flyers in your area. You can get first hand advice if you can find someone that can show you the ropes. A local
kite shop can give you advice if you have one in your area also.
You need to get a 4 line kite. Something with a low aspect ratio in the 3 meter range. Later on you can get larger kites but to learn it is better
to go smaller then larger. Everyone has there own opinion on what is the best kite to start with but you can get a lot of info from just reading this
forum.
Keep reading and asking questions.
Susan (npw goddess)
dan - 25-9-2008 at 01:03 PM
Guys
thanks for all the great advice...I did end up buying the flexifoil blade 3 meter quad line. What a great setup. It has handles and not the bar. I
am going to try the handles and see how I like them, as that is what most of my stunt kites had, but I like the look of the single "bar"
better....time will tell I guess
Man I can't believe some of you guys flew the old Skynosaur as well...what a great, almost indestructable kite. I still have my "hot pink" skynosaur
and fly it occassionally.
As for kite clubs, and shops here that carry kites...ain't no such animal here in Western Wisconsin. I may very well be the first power kiter in the
area...I do occassionally see some guys out with 2 line delta's but that's about it.
Anyway...I am just waiting for some wing and my first free day to take it out and give it a whirl.
Dan
dylanj423 - 25-9-2008 at 01:16 PM
The blade as your first? Wow... be careful. Learn how to fly that sucker in 10 mph winds at first, and be prepared for some surprises even then. My
first kite was a 3.2 crossfire... also a bit lifty, but I believe the blade is liftier.
Get ready for a ride, and dress like you would for full contact football! My first flight I lost my phone, broke my watch, and ripped my pants!:wee:
Been hooked ever since. Just be careful, and watch for any people, powerlines, and roads downwind. These aint your normal kites, and the blade is a
bit notorious... for a reason.
Bladerunner - 25-9-2008 at 01:19 PM
You got a good kite there !
It is a bit advanced for a total beginner but should suit you fine.
The Blade is the most lifty kite out there so be careful in higher winds until you become the Master of the kite !