Hi all, I got a crossfire 2.4 recently and had a blast when the wind was up to 20mph ish. However, at lower winds it can be a bit bland for my liking. I am looking for something that is gonna give me some good lift for kiting without any board or buggy, but that at least shows some promise for possibly a board in the future. With my crossfire I have started doing kite loops for some extra pull which has made my jumping that much more fun, but alas, 20mph winds don't normally come without a bunch of rain. I'd like something that is easy to fly in 5 or so mph wind, gets some usable pull around 8 mph, and "tops out" so to speak around 15 mph.

To make it short and sweet, some of the things I like are:
Good lift
Low/medium winds
Possibility to fly with a board

I'm not picky about colors, brand, or year (as long as it's still in good shape and didn't have some bad characteristics that year).

I don't know if this kite truly exists, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If you know of a kite that is like this or (you would be my savior) have a kite like this that you are willing to sell then please send me a u2u or simply make a post.

Any information would be awesome!

Zach

Flysurfer Silver Arrow is arguably the best low-wind engine. That thing will get you flying high in mosquito fart wind.

Don't know what your budget is but I noticed that Angus has a demo 5 meter Crossfire II for sale.
http://www.coastalwindsports.com/servlet/the-578/HQ-Crossfir...

Although flying in "mosquito fart wind" sounds like a ton of fun, I think I want something a bit smaller than 19m. I saw some videos of blades. Those looked nice. I think 6 or 8 meters is probably plenty enough. Any thoughts on blades or something similar?

The 19m is a depowereble kite and has a different range than your fixed bridle kite.

If you're looking for Fixed Bridal (Flexi Blade) then for wind in the 6-8mph range, you'd probably want at LEAST a 6m+ kite. An 8.5 or 10 meter would be pretty good.

So you are thinking something like this then?
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=13389

If it makes a difference I only weigh 140 pounds and will probably only ever get to 150. I'm strong for my size, but I'm still not a huge guy.

How about I try a new approach here, I went from a snapshot 1.9 two liner to a 2.4 crossfire quad line. Now I'm looking for something that is going to be my next progression. I want this next jump to be bigger than the last in terms of pull because I am looking for something that will give the pull I got with the 2.4 at 20mph in less wind. I am looking for something where I can do static kiting or maybe landboard. Once again, don't know if this kite exists, but I'm hoping. If any of the kites listed before would still fit this then please let me know. My budget is up to about $450 or 500 absolute tops. Hoping to spend less, but I may just have to wait and buy later.

Looking forward to hearing back soon!

Zach

Peter Lynn Twister is smoother and not quite as violent as a Blade; more affordable too. 7.7m is $469 and 5.6 is $389
The 5.6 will have a broader wind range that you are looking for and lifty enough for jumps with your weight. Just be careful about jumping.

It is another Fixed bridle. I would not go for de-power unless you were to put it into motion on a board or bug.

That 8.5 is a _huge_ lifty kite. Will certianly cause you to either progress or break something. It'll be a big step up from a 2.4 in 20.

The Peter Lynn Kites look pretty awesome. I definitely like the looks of the twister II. I think I'm leaning towards the 7.7. The wind range looks to be between 2 and 12 knots which is roughly 2-14mph. The 5.6 runs from about 3mph up to 17mph. Either way I'm thinking I will be quite satisfied. I want to keep my 2.4 for the really windy days, and have a bigger kite around for the more normal days. Seems like around here the "normal" wind is 8 or 10mph, which is one of the reasons I'm leaning towards the larger kite.

I learned very quickly how to manipulate the 2.4 into doing just what I wanted. I'm not too worried about not being able to control the kite. I know to stay out of the high winds during the learning period and such. All "Don't jump, it's dangerous" aside, which size would you recommend?

I can feel the excitement building as the list seems to be narrowed down! :bouncy:

The Crossfire II and the Twister II are excellent kites for lift / jumping. The Crossfire II has an adjustable bridle that you can set for either more lift or more speed - making it a great choice for someone looking to do both boarding and buggying.

It's good to know that the crossfire II can be adjusted. However, I have heard that it tends to be a bit more choppy than a twister. Anyone know about that?

I cant comment on the crossfire, as I have never flown one. I can tell you about the twister though. I have boarded, flown static, and had one day in the buggy with mine and it has been an all around great kite. Lots of lift, and lots of pull. Very stable and forgiving from my exp. with it. From what you posted originally here, I would highly recommend the Twister II 5.6....just be careful when you approach the 15mph range, it turns into a beast. I can vouch for that! I was sidelined for a few months because I got #@%$#!y with that kite...lesson learned. Pay attention to the useable range on her and she will treat you right

@ mougl, it's good to hear that the 5.6 can be forgiving but still beastly as long as you don't let your guard down so to speak. Every good review for the Twister makes me get that much closer to making a decision

To everyone who put in their 2 cents and took the time to post I really appreciate it. I'm getting really hooked on kiting and it's great to know that their is a community to support me If anyone else has any more comments or warnings or anything feel free to help me expand my knowledge. I learn more with every post!

Zach

Out of what I have flown I would say the twister II 5.6m would fit the bill of flying in 5, pulling in 8-10 and for me it lifts too much above 15mph

The crossfire II is a great versatile kite. Stable in the high lift mode but you just have to know to ride the brakes when on the low lift setting or it can overfly and luff, snapping shut like a mouse trap. Well built solid kite, heavier than others for the same size.

Buttspanker (ie Blade 4.9 in either mark 2,3,4)

right on jaymz, was thinking of this one all through this discussion.

A right butt spanker

You determined to stick with fixed? You should come over to the 'darkside' of de-powers especially if you are going to get into landboarding and want to get some 'pop' and 'float' time up there. That and you can go with a bigger kite. I will fly my Montana V 9.5 in a steady 15+ without a hitch, and I am about your size. Some of the boys I fly with tend to stick around the 12-15m range in LEI's. It's diff when you are on a board then when you are jumping, especially on grass. You have to overcome the friction point of the grass to your board, which requires a bit more pull, and a little bit different kind of pull then you get from handles. To give you an idea, I have had a 5m handle/fixed kite feel somewhat the same as my 9.5 bar/depower in the same wind. *disclaimer: i had to futz with the settings of both kites to get them like that*

otherwise I second that you need to start bumping it up a notch to the 6+ meter range. Try the crossfire 6.5m, she handles a bit differently then the smaller versions. I flew her at NABX this year in 12/16mph wind (before it kicked up to 30) and spooked the living daylights out of myself because I was way overpowered. But the funny thing is I will fly her on my home field on my landboard in 15-20mph winds and not think anything of it.

Just waiting for my next paycheck then I'll be getting a used Twister II 7.7 Maybe my next kite will be something like a Montana.