Noob here looking for a first kite with room to grow into. I've read several of the "first kite" threads, and am considering either the Rage 2.5m or the Viper 2.6m.

Can anyone with first hand experience tell me some of the differences between how these two kites fly?

I weigh about 150 pounds, and I want something capable of going fast (once I master slow) to board or blade with on grass and sand. Inland winds in my area are usually around 5mph.

I've flown both and both a good. But neither will get you moving in 5mph!

Out of those two kites I prefer the viper. Like I said both are great, but I just have more fun with the viper. It flies faster than the rage like you want and its cheaper. of course the flexi quality is slightly better than the viper (viper is in the access range of Peter Lynn not the pro line) but not by much. Both kites are very stable and pack some good power, but i liked the viper from the first time I flew it. The rage was a good kite, but it didn't strike me as anything special like the viper did.

Just my 2 cents

I haven't flow the viper, but my rage 2.5 is a fantastic kite. It's got great pull for it's size and will get me (220#) moving starting at about 12mph (just not that fast). Once the wind hits 15 I can get the rage to get me going 25 easy on my short beach. When the wind hits 20, I can get the 2.5 to throw me around like a little girl :bigok: With the AAA adjuster (40$ish) you can even soak even more power out of the kite.

The rage 2.5 was one of my first kites; and I'd reccomend it since it's got a good usable range, great handling, and quility build that will stand up to abuse. You'll use it for a long while. Don't be fooled, don't turn your back... while it's a small kite it's got plenty of power.

Hm. Maybe a larger Viper then, since I'm going to be starting in light winds? I'd go with the Viper 3.9m, but fear getting dragged around like this guy:

I started with a Rage 2.5 and Dakitez is exactly right. While a fantastic quality kite, very stable and powerfull for a small kite, it's not going to pull you unless you get into 15mph plus or so steady. I use it as an excellent trainer now for friends and we all have a blast flying it static. If you get a Rage, I also recommend the AAA upgrade as well for better up wind performance. That 2.5 pulled me strait up and over the front of my buggy in a gust so it's not a baby kite by any means, you just need to be carefull of your days as with any size kite. You won't go wrong with the Rage or the Viper to begin with. The most important thing is to not get too big until you can really anticipate everything the kite will do in all conditions.

If you start smaller you'll likely keep your bones on the inside while you learn!

yup, start small. be aware though that the smaller kites are so fast when powered up enough for jumps that they can really thrash you before you know it...

the good thing about the rage is the option of the AAA, which can really extend the wind range.

but the guy who has flown both above is worth listening to.

6 of one, half dozen of the other, in the end it will come down to dollars.

neither will disappoint, both will hold decent resale value.

btw, tho I only fly static, my understanding is that you need to be good enough with the kite to fly it blind while powered up before you try to get moving on a board.

and the last bit: just give up on the single kite idea and start planning now for a quiver, esp. if you plan to get moving on a board while flying fixed bridles.

just my 2 cents, hope you don't mind...