whiffin - 24-1-2005 at 04:27 AM
I've never owned a kit, but am interested in getting one.
Budget £150 (birthday pressy)
Probably not gonna upgrade, so this has to last me 
Location: South UK
Age: 26
Weight: 87ish Kg (got a lot of upper body strength, which is probably of
use)
I want to use it for jumping at the start, maybe one day buggy or boarding,
but to start with just want a kite that will lift me up and drag me along
easily. Ideally one that is reaonable for other activities so I could always
use it in the future. So maybe a quad string is best.
No idea on wind speeds - want it to be powerful all the time - although I
appreciate not possible Must be strong/robust
Any ideas on what to get? And of good (online preferred) suppliers
The Blade's look good - but not really in my range as I'm assuming I need 5
sq m or something.
What are flexifoil 10's like (unstacked) - they are only 2.8 sq m from what I can tell, maybe not enough
I've found a beamer 5.0 online and it's only £175 and 4.64 sq m plus 4 line
control - seems like a bargain - I'd go for this if I was deciding alone - what do you guys think?
All help appreciated
Cheers
redbaron - 24-1-2005 at 04:58 AM
I have a Flexi Super 10 and a 4M Ozone Samurai. The Super 10 does have power in high wind, but is not really going to get you airbourne as it does not
have much lift.
I love the Samuari. The 4M has serious power. I have not tried the Blade III but this also has great lift..so I hear. If you are not going to upgrade,
I would try to save up a few extra ££'s and go for a 4 line kite in the 4M range.
The two liners like the Flexi Super 10 are a lot of fun, but you will soon want more HorsePower and control which the 4 line will provide!!
Never tried the Beamer, have heard they are ok, but of a lower quality than the Flexi/Ozone and you get what you pay for in this sport:-/
Happy shopping!
whiffin - 24-1-2005 at 05:24 AM
Someone else has suggested a Bullet 2.5
How does that compare to the Beamer 5 for
a) Overall pull power
b) Overhead lift (i.e. I want to jump)
Cheers redbaron, I shall look into Samauri's too [edit] - just did, cheapest is (2m) £190 - too much really
Bill_Benson - 24-1-2005 at 05:58 AM
The Bullet is a fantastic kite for what it is good at... which is a buggy engine. It won't give you much lift but on the other hand will give you
a tremendous amount of controllable pulling power. The Sami is similiar but produces a bit more lift and is a little trickier to fly.
If you want to jump I would suggest the Blade III, especially if you want to move into landboarding.
Beamers aren't bad starter kites, nice lift and good power... but they tend to be heavy at turning.
As far as sizing... probably best to go 2.5 - 5 meter to start.
Have fun, be safe.
whiffin - 24-1-2005 at 08:19 AM
Thanks all for your help - who'da thought there would be so much in a kite 
Bullet - well I have no buggy, so let's forget that.
Sami unfortunately oo expensive.
Now - I know I want a Blade III, and if anyone has a second hand one in the UK (prefrably South) I'd love to know, but new is far too expensive.
I'm getting 130 for my birthday and have always wanted a kite, so I';m putting a bit in. Although I boubt it I may not even like kiting, so
putting £200 or so in isn't feasible.
Beamers, good lift, good power, cheap sounds good.
As a 2nd hand cheap + local Blade III is unlikely ....
I guess I'll go for the Beamer. Beamer 5 is just about in my price range, and the larger end of the sacle. I'm assuming I'll stick to
very low winds at the start until I get used to it.
Bargain - Beamer 5 - any objections
Who do you recommend in the UK to get it from. Online prefeably. I have a company in mind as they've been very quick in replying to emails.
Slightly more expensive that some (by £5) but if they're quick at answering I'd rather give them the cash - Air Born Kites (www.airbornkites.co.uk) - any experience?
kchunks - 24-1-2005 at 09:15 AM
Well, first off a 2.5 meter is horrible for jumping. In the right wind it will get you off of the ground, but it will also let you slam right back
into it. 5 meter beamer, hmmm, no experience, but I'm told that they aren't the greatest for lift. You might take a look at its new
brother: the crossfire. Supposed to have better lift and will still be cheaper than a blade. 5 meters is big to start with, be very careful.
whiffin - 24-1-2005 at 09:31 AM
In my 1 day's experience of browsing the web I haven't heard of a crossfire - I'll look - thanks
kchunks - 24-1-2005 at 10:58 AM
http://cobrakite.com/crssfire.html
Unfortunately the HQ web page doesn't have these on there yet, I know that they have had a lot of technical problems as of late. This is a U.S
based shop, but it will give you some idea. I imagine that they will cost a little less on your side of the pond and will be available sooner (HQ is
located in Germany). They're due out any day now. I've heard good things about the prototype.
whiffin - 25-1-2005 at 01:57 AM
If I can find a supplier in the UK I may investigate, but so far, no luck. Looking at the prices on the site that you suggested they may be more
expensive than the Beamer. Let's hope not!
CHeers
whiffin - 25-1-2005 at 07:09 AM
Just bought a Beamer 5 from Ebay
Blue - used twice as new
After fees, postage etc cost £116.50
Bargain
That way I've got a good starter, and if I decide to buy a MTB or buggy I have £60 in the kitty.
Sweet as
Cheers for your help, I'll be back in a few weeks when I get it flying