Hi All,
I'm just starting out, so I bought myself a Prism Stylus P.3 (2.5m) that I'm anxiously waiting for in the mail. From what I read, I thought this might
be a good first kite to buy to get a feel for a power kite, before I move up to something with more power.
My question is, because I know a 2.5m is small for jumping, will it be possible at all for me to get at least some air with it? And if so, is there a
certain technique I can use to get the most air possible? And do any of you jump off of things (e.g. little cliffs, big boulders,) to get some air
with smaller kites?
Thanks
Height 5'9"
Weight 160tridude - 3-3-2009 at 12:17 PM
Im sure you can get air but will need big winds for this kite which is a receipe for disaster for new flyers. Fly in light winds at first, learn the
kite, and wind window. For jumping you'll need something larger in the 5m range.......take your time jumping, it will happen and youll know when your
ready. As for jumping off things with a small kite, def not.....................you'll be making your own air with a proper size kite sooner than
later..................:duh::duh:f0rgiv3n - 3-3-2009 at 12:29 PM
I completely agree with tridude. Reason why the smaller kites aren't great for jumping (great, as in safe) is because they don't let you down soft.
Sure you can get some dang good air in high winds but coming down is what's going to hurt you. The bigger the kite, the more the float down (general
rule).DAKITEZ - 3-3-2009 at 12:32 PM
the prism has no lift and very little power for that matter. I doubt you will be able to get a scud in less than 15 mph. Sorry I don't want to
discourage you, but this kite will allow no jumping whats so ever.lodgerdodger - 3-3-2009 at 12:36 PM
Thanks for all the responses. I had a feeling this is what I was going to hear. I'll put my anxiousness to jump aside until I get a good feel for
flying for the first time, then move up to something with more power.
Once I'm comfortable with the prism, could anyone recommend what a good size kite is to start jumping?burritobandit - 3-3-2009 at 12:39 PM
The smallest kite I've been able to jump with (intentionally) was a 3.5 Flexifoil Bullet in winds in the high teens, possibly gusting into the low
20s. It was big enough to give me nice landings and fast enough to let me redirect quickly. I'm 5'10" 150lbs, btw. I've been picked up by a 2m
trainer before, but not very high at all, and that instance was more of a minor lofting than intentional kite jump.
But to answer your question, if you fly it in winds in the low 20s, you'll probably be able to get a some air, but your landings probably won't be
floaty. As far as jumping offa something like a small cliff or big boulder with a kite that small, yeah I wouldn't... heh..
If you want a good jumping kite, you should pick up this guy: http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=8538 (that price is REALLY good, btw)
I jump on that one all the time. Just be sure you're well versed with flying a foil kite before you pick that guy up. Also, start on it in weaker
winds to get a feel for how it handles. It's big enough to float you down (given your weight) and fast enough to redirect in the air easily.
That 4.9 Blade IV is becoming my most used kite. I've had it set in lowlift mode for a while, and I can buggy, board, and jump on it with ease. Btw,
its upwind performance in the lowest lift mode is *really* good.
Search youtube and/or google for 'pendulum jump' to learn proper jumping technique. Fly that stylus as much as you can and learn the heck out of
the wind window. Make it to where you feel what the kite's gonna do before it does it, and to where can fly without looking.DAKITEZ - 3-3-2009 at 12:50 PM
another thing is the prism is a dual line kite. But it is quad capable. You will want to convert it over to quad line as soon as you can afford it to
get use to flying quadline. Most if not all good kites for jumping fly with quad lines on quad handles.lodgerdodger - 3-3-2009 at 12:55 PM
Thanks for the tip DAKITEZ.
Sorry this is going off topic, but another question if anyone is still reading, I live in Boston, and a nice little Nor'easter came through, so there
is a nice fresh coat of snow out. Is it ok to fly a kite when I wouldn't have the best traction on the ground, in other words, would i easily fall on
my face, or should I wait it out until I have a more stable surface to fly on. DAKITEZ, you say the Prism doesn't have much power, so would it be ok?
Thanks again.DAKITEZ - 3-3-2009 at 01:02 PM
you will fine as long as its under 15 mph. More than that it should have some decent pull and cause you to loose traction on a slippery surface.
When I say it doesn't have much pull ... I say this comparing it to other 2.5m quadlines that were designed for power. The prism is more of a foil
stunt kite IMHO. With that said if you take a pillow case out and fly it in 35mph winds you will get pull out of that also. So be careful and start
off in lighter winds to get your feet wet.
I'm sure you will be hooked in no time and looking for your next kite very soon.f0rgiv3n - 3-3-2009 at 01:04 PM
my advice: DOIT! :bigok:DAKITEZ - 3-3-2009 at 01:08 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by f0rgiv3n
my advice: DOIT! :bigok:
Yes, like he said .... and most importantly have fun. It doesn't matter what you fly ... just as long as your flyin'lodgerdodger - 3-3-2009 at 01:10 PM
Great thanks for all the advice, hopefully I'll be out there in the next day or two.Sandman - 3-3-2009 at 01:14 PM
Me and harddrive8 spent a few hours out in the 6 inches of snow we got Sunday night flying the Montana 7m. Nothing like scudding through the snow.
Just dress warm cause you will be out there fer a while when you get hooked.
:duh::duh: