Hello

Yep, another "newbee want's a kite" request type OP.

As I live in Sunny Blackpool I've got the bug for wanting to buy my first Power Kite.

Normally I'm an impulse purchaser, which in the past has caused me to buy many useless bits of kit however I'm trying to avoid a similar mistake this time by asking for advice.

I'm after a kite which will happily drag me along either Blackpool or Fleetwood's beaches and generally have fun on windy days. I have a couple of £20 delta stunt kites, which I haven't flown for a few years but I've got the basics on two line flying sorted.

I'm around 75kgs or 11.5 stone. I've no intention of progressing to kite-surfing as I'm petrified of water and I don't want a buggy as my other half would chop my proverbials off for spending so much money, which leaves me with playing in the sand.

I've done a bit of research into a brand of kite, and the HQ Beamer Mk4 keeps being mentioned as a good beginners kite, but I'm not sure on the size that I would need to buy.

Any help or advice would be very much appreciated.

Cheers

The 3m is generally a good starter size.

greetings

with a day refresher with the delta you may could jump right on to a 4M. and have plenty to grow with. easy on the wind selection. a little more wind each session, start light 5-10mph and your path will be set.

have fun.

If you watch for deals on here, sometimes you can pick up a buggy for no more than you might spend on a cheap, quality kite.

I was thinking 3-4M mk IV Beamer, too. With the 2-line experience, the 4 will suit you better like Phreerider said.

Yep
3-4 m HQ Beamer, Peter Lynn Hornet.
3.3m Flexifoil Sting

They will all fly like a 2-line and you can add brake input as you are comfortable, and add a whole new dimension to flying. You'll likely not get bored of them for a while, as later on it will be you high-winds kite, then you add maybe a 5-6m later for lighter winds and more adventure as you get comfortable and hone your skills.

Welcome and have fun!

Thank you everybody for the positive and helpful replies.

One more question, being new to this hobby, would I get more millage from a 4 meter kite than a 3 meter one.

And would I get more for my money if I bought a Beamer Mk3 rather than the Mk4. or are the extra design features really worth the extra cost?

Cheers

All beamers are good but they keep tweeking and refining. The Beamer 4 enjoys improved performance from the right brake input (but will still fly fine without it while learning).

The larger the kite, the smaller the practical usable wind range, so save some money on the 3m, then later add a 5-6m kite and you will have a huge wind range of 5-25 mph or more between the two. It is inevitable if you get bit by the bug that you will end up with more than one kite....

Quote:

Originally posted by acampbell It is inevitable if you get bit by the bug that you will end up with more than one kite....

Shortly after that, the UPS man will get to know you on sight, first name basis, and will pretty much be able to guess which packages are yours by size/weight/shape.

Shortly after that, you'll notice retailer addresses/phone numbers in your address book and speed dial.

Shortly after that, retailers will start recognizing you on their caller-id.

Shortly after that, you'll notice how svelte all your pets are looking... "Hmmm.... did I remember to buy pet food this week?"

Lest the last bit worries anyone, both cats have periscope paws that hunt for food on the table while their heads are still below table level... and the cats knock stuff off the counter in the hopes the dog will have better luck opening containers and will share. Most mornings the dog follows the cats around licking their faces to catch any food splatter left over from over-enthusiastic eating. Not fit for the wild, but they all have their domestic survival skills in top form.

ATB,
Sam

Quote:

Originally posted by indigo_wolf Shortly after that, retailers will start recognizing you on their caller-id.

I cheat. I have about 4 different numbers that I call AWOC from. His receptionist rarely recognizes my number ;-).

Not being in the WITSEC program, that would be a luxury for me.

ATB,
Sam