Power Kite Forum

PL folding vs Comp XR+ vs. flexifoil performace

nailimexam - 13-3-2009 at 09:08 PM

Are there any significant performance differences between the PL folding and Comp XR+ buggies?

Also, what is the difference in back support/comfort between the PLs and Flexifoil?

Thanks.

BeamerBob - 14-3-2009 at 06:16 AM

I knew Angus knew the skinny on the 3 and remembered this post he made about a year ago. Back support is a non-issue with a back support added on.

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
I've seen the PL folding buggy ridden on pretty hard and it should stay in shape in all but the most extreme conditions. It's something of a mechanical curiosity as it's folded form factor is not much different than the regular XR+ with the back axle off, which also happens in the same amount of time with no tools- just un-doing some seat straps. I regularly put the XR+ with wide tires in the back or a Toyota Rav4 and even in Prius hatchback with a seat folded down. You could argue that the XR+ is more portable since the axle phisically seperates giving you more packing options. I stack it with one wheel in the seat and the other sitting over the headstock on a foot peg with the front wheel turned to one side.
The XR+ is very sturdy with thick wall tubing and stupid thick axle bolts.
I will say that the grade of Stainless is not as great as the Flexi bug. My PL has small rust pits after a year and a half of harsh salt spray and sand, where as the Flexi is clean and shiny in the same conditions and time. But the PL is just as sound overall.
Some don't like the lack of back support in the PL, but I found a $15 camping/ stadium seat took care of that.
I have a 36" waist and am snug in the PL with a harness. The Flexi is about 2" wider and I have room to slosh around. Better back support there as stock.
The Flexi needs a couple of wrenches (comes with, as does the PL) and extra time to take the back axle off.


acampbell - 14-3-2009 at 07:09 AM

I should add that what you get with the PL folding bug is a squarish form factor when folded- more like a suitcase- and that might help get into some compact car trunks. But you give up a lot of rear axle strength for that, and in a day where even most small sedans have a fold-down rear seat to accommodate the solid rear axle of the Comp XR, I just don't see the point.

Bobby has a great ride with his FlexiFoot pictured above. Flexifoil wide-axle frame (with nice wide seat), Bigfoot wheels, PL Bigfoot front fork and down-tube and custom Bobby backrest. Put some curb feelers on that bad boy!

nailimexam - 14-3-2009 at 10:38 PM

Thanks for the info.

I am wondering if I can "trailer" one behind a bicycle. Which do you think would be best in this case?

Also, I plan to mainly ride on grass/hard dirt, but there maybe days after a rain when the ground is wet and soft. What are the advantages/disadvantages for "big-foot" tires on soft and hard ground?


Thanks

macboy - 14-3-2009 at 11:41 PM

If I remember correctly you'll find a post about trailering a buggy on here somewhere. If I can dig it up next time I check in here I'll post it up for you. You'll need a solid connection to the buggy so that when you slow down on the bike the trailer is pushed back by the solid connection. If you just use a rope it'll rear end you every time - can't imagine that'd be a pile of fun ; )