Hello Friends-

I have great interest in getting a power kite. So before I go out and purchase one. I would like to know if any of you pros can explain any of the lingo out there in the kite world.

For example:
Looking at some kite sizes you have: 1.4-1.5.2m-2.5 and the list goes on. Does it mean the size and if it does how will a smaller/larger size perform?

Also what other terminologies are out there?

Thanks a bunch and pardon my ignorance.

H

you have come to the right place. You will find lots of info here. Just take your time and search through this forum.
I'll just give you a real quick info teaser. A good place to start is on a kite around the 3m size. And the reason for all the different sizes is to have the right kite size for the wind conditions. ie. a 2m in 10mph winds may not be very exciting or enough power for you to do what you want with it, but a 8m kite in the same 10mph will pull you out of your shoes.

Just a teaser ...... more info from others will follow

I'm biased to peter lynn.... and the Peter Lynn Hornet 3m would be an AWESOME kite for you!

There is so much information to learn that you will have to ask more specific questions. Sorry. It is just to much info to start from the beginning and tell you everything you need to know. Some questions that would help us guide you are: What is your size? Experience with kiting? Average wind conditions? What is your end goal? (just flying, jumping, bugging, boarding?), What is your budget?

This will help us get a better understanding of you and help us point you in the right direction.

Hi!

I have absolutely zero experience flying power kites. I’m about 5’9 about 165 lbs. I'm planning to take the beginner kite to an open field and just have a good time. Eventually I would like to do kite surfing. My budget is max of $250.

Thanks again.

H

Yes, those numbers are sizes in square meters.

This will help with those questions...
http://www.coastalwindsports.com/ChoosingAKite.html

No worries...

Thanks Angus!

This is a great article and it explains a lot. I will definitely look into a 2m-3m max.

Thank you all for your input so far.

H

Angus has A TON of info on his site, from choosing the right kite, to buggying 101, even diving into the mechanics behind going faster in a buggy, than the wind is going...

little more info than you needed i know but its good reading!

If you are going to get into this, start with a 4 line kite tho, you'll be glad you did later (ie 5 years down the road when you are still pulling it out of your bag)

Lingo....

RTF= ready to fly: When you purchase an RTF kite package, it comes with a line set, handles (or bar), and the kite... usually a bag, a manual, and a ground stake... sometimes a DVD too

K/O= kite only: When you make this purchase, you get the kite only. Maybe a bag too... but you have to supply your own lines and control device (bar or handles)

Zippers= Peter Lynn Arc kites have these... A more advanced kite, the arcs, dont need a pump to be inflated, simply open a zipper and it fills itself... you dont really need to know this, its just when i first got here there seemed to be a very weird obsession with zippers (AJ) and i didnt get it, so i thought id clue you in early... it'll still confuse you, but i guess that's part of the appeal

Welcome aboard!

WARNING: Once you fly a four line kite and feel the power/force you will be driving down the road looking at flag poles to see how hard the wind is blowing and checking wind reports while at work to see if you will be flying when you get off work or from school. It is very addicting.

I still use my first kite a HQ 3.6m Beamer to landboard on weird wind days and use it to show curious onlookers a firsthand experience with power kiting.

Good Luck!

skunS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-d / skunS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-d-out = when you go out for a session... the winds are right in town, you get to your spot, and nothin! no wind! Zilch, Nada! So you wait, and wait, and wait... and finally admit defeat, and sulk home :sniff:

My personal fave used around here...
Gettin railed / beat down / wrecked = when the kite tells you that you are flying too big of one in too high of winds... ie you get hurt

hmmm... I know this isnt the kind of lingo you want but you have to admit... you'll use it, lol

:wee::wee: