I'm booked for my first lesson and I've got a 3 m trainer to use while I wait and untill I get some experience. I would like to order my next kite now so I have it ready once the lesson is done. I was looking at some 5 metre kites, but at 225 lbs I think I need something bigger. Also I want a sheetable kite. I've been looking at the Flysurfer 2 (8 metre), the Neo II (8 metre) and the HQ Montana V (9.5 metre). I don't yet know what my kiting goals will be, but with winter on the way I won't need a water kite yet. Could I get some advice on which of these would be the better choice, or any other kites that you think would work.

I think it would be wise for you to wait till after your lesson. After you have had a chance to fly and talk with your instructor you should have a much better idea of what you want. Plus the neo 2 and montana 5 are not ready yet so no big rush.

Are you getting a lesson through Mike? If so you'll be flying Flysurfers - a great introduction to the sport. They were too spendy for my blood when I first started - especially not knowing if I'd "get it" or even enjoy it (who was I trying to kid) hence my quiver now. The Flysurfers are new for me for this winter but will be reserved for the lighter wind days most likely as I really have a huge love of the Phantoms. You're welcome to fly anything of mine if you wanna get a feel for things before you start plopping cash. Seriously!

For Edmonton winds you're going to want at least a 10m foil for most days. I think there were like two days last winter that I wished I had a 6 or 8 meter (but then on days like that I'd rather not fly - things get hairy).

Welcome to PKF!

I'm with him ^^^ I went through all this (as everyone knows), I really wanted to go to the next step when I haven't even started the first one. I'd go to the lesson, get input, look to see what he has to offer for a kite and gear, then decide if you want to purchase a kite through him or maybe a new or used one online

I'm taking the lesson from Vince @ Horizon Kites in Edmonton. As he sells HQ so it's a good bet that's what I'll be using during the lesson. From our emails I was under the impression that he has both the Neo II & Montana V in stock and ready to go. Hmmm.... I'll have to confirm that.

Thanks for the offer macboy, I may take you up on that. Dwight has already loaned me his 3 metre and a harness to get started. You guys rock!!

I should have mentioned I'm not completely new to kiting. I've had a couple of two line stunt kites of years and a 1.9m foil for a few months. I know I'm going to enjoy taking this to the next level.

Sweet - I'll make sure I tell Vince to charge you double! He's a great guy....really really great. I'm two weeks away from being clear to fly (eye surgery) but that doesn't mean you can't fly on my behalf. Any time at all (just don't ask to try the Silver Arrow until I've had my way with her ; )

on waiting a bit... No need to rush into the spendy side, that will come soon enough! I feel like it's a good idea to wait a bit between kites to see what each one has to teach you...

not sure if macboy is talking about fixed bridle foils or depower, likely depower as 8-10m on fixed bridle is pretty light wind stuff, topping out at 12-15 mph or so for me at 155 pounds, and whatever kite you fly needs to be sized for the gusts not the general wind speed.

you're about to get a lot more aware of the wind....

have fun with that lesson!!!

The Neo 2's are not even in country yet. As of yesterday the target date is December 15 but that is not firm. I didn't ask about the M 5 but I suspect it's on the same boat, as it too was due initially "mid November". No worries, though as I think they will be worth the wait.

One more vote here for waiting till after your lesson. Your perspective will change a lot. If your instructor is all about Flysurfer, definitely take up the offers here to try other gear. Nothing wrong with FS, you just want to broaden your experience.

Neo II and M5 should be in the country latest by the end of the month. At this point, I suspect we are shipping our first qtys on Nov. 30th.

Tim
HQ Powerkites USA

Quote:

Originally posted by HQ-Powerkites At this point, I suspect we are shipping our first qtys on Nov. 30th. HQ Powerkites USA

not to be too nitpicky, but I'm not sure what that meant? qtys (from germany?) on the 30th?

:puzzled:

Quote:

Originally posted by furbowski Quote: Originally posted by HQ-Powerkites At this point, I suspect we are shipping our first qtys on Nov. 30th. HQ Powerkites USA not to be too nitpicky, but I'm not sure what that meant? qtys (from germany?) on the 30th? :puzzled:

qtys quantities -- that's my guess :wee:

Thanks Tim, that's good news. Sounds like they will be shipping in North America around the 30th.

Vince is an old school Arc flier actually - has a set of.......f-arcs? Can't recall which ones. Anywho - those are his personal stash - he stocks PL and HQ so you'll have a good start there. Mike (the Flysurfer guy) has demos throughout the winter and puts on a kite fest where you can try a few of the other FSers like the Outlaw and the Pulses.

Macboy, does Mike work at Pipeline, how would I get ahold of him? Any idea when and where the demos would be and what can you tell me about "kite fest?

Thanks, Brian

No, Mike's the Flysurfer rep for (Canada? Western Canada?) - don't know which. I think he's the distributor or something like that. Anyway, tough guy to get a hold of. Don't ask how 'cuz I think I've only ever got a reply back from him once. I wanted to spend money and he told me how to save money and do what needed doing on my own....go figure. Good guy, just hard to get a hold of. I usually PM him through the local forum (he's kitesport).

Kite fest is usually in February, sometimes March. You'll have seen and flown many kites by then but that's the day to play with a bunch of Flysurfers. No wind last year though.....of course. Still, Mike would gladly demo you anytime - he lives right near Cooking Lake and you'll see him out there more often than not.....if you can pin him down. I imagine if there was a chance of a purchase you'd get his interest? (That sounds bad....I don't mean to make him sound like that - he's a solid dude for sure.)

Quote:

Originally posted by furbowski Quote: Originally posted by HQ-Powerkites At this point, I suspect we are shipping our first qtys on Nov. 30th. HQ Powerkites USA not to be too nitpicky, but I'm not sure what that meant? qtys (from germany?) on the 30th? :puzzled:

At the end of the month those kites will available to ship from the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

:singing:

:wee:

So I had my lesson today, not everthing I expected. Anyhow I still need advice in choosing a kite.
I'm looking at the Neo II and the Pulse 2 (probably not the Montana). I like the price of the Neo II, but as there is no firm delivery is it worth paying an extra $300 for the Flysurfer that I could get sooner?

What to do? I want to get out kiting NOW what should I do?

Which flysurfer?

the Pulse 2 8m. $1475 + taxes (Canadian)

I don't know if the 8m Pulse will get much use once you dial in on the sport and start flying in our craptastic winds to be honest. The last Pulse I saw was a 14 and it was on the days I was flying my V19. He coulda easily flown that on my Phantom days just the same.

Let's get together. You will have more than enough of your own wisdom by the time that's out of the way. My Access 10 rarely gets flown (sadly, it's a really nice kite) - we just don't get "that wind" much....in the past 3 winters anyway. I guess I'm lying.......I'd been smitten by the Phantom when I coulda been playing with the Access.

Hey macboy

"Let's get together" - anytime. I'll PM you with my number and email.

Brian