*edit* We figured out what I needed. Thanks! */edit*

Hello,

I'm relatively new to kiting. I have a 3m Beamer and a 5.0 CrossfireII. The Crossfire is an animal and it scares me a bit.

In order to get better with the monster, I'm looking for a smaller de-powerable kite.
I'm not sure if they make a 4m depower, but something in that range would be awesome.

I'm not into any sort of riding, boarding, or any of that. I'm more into it for the exercise.

Thanks,
Ted

If you're only doing static flying for the workout then a depower won't do you too much good, they're loads less fun to static fly and since you're wearing a harness, its not nearly the physical activity flying unhooked with handles is.

Agree with EW. The benefit and joy of depower can't be experienced in a static position.

For what you are looking to do you'd be better off with your 3m or if that's still too much drop down to a 2m but kites that small are very fast and require lots of wind to start pulling.

For me, nothing beats my 2.5 JOJO ET for super long scuds in 15 - 20+ MPH winds. Fast enough so you can just figure 8 it in the center of the window and powerful enough so you can scud from dune to shore - but only for a little while as my flimsy arms fatigue which is why I like my harness.

I can do the same thing on my 4m Access (depower) and it is fun, but a 2.5 on handles is still quicker and the input more direct.

If exercise and fun is what you are looking for, stick with the fixed bridle kites.

Excellent info. I really appreciate it.

Maybe I need to post a different thread looking for a used 4m fixed bridle that I can fly on a bar? Why a bar? Looking for something new/different.

Thanks again guys!
Ted

What's your weight and your budget? What wind ranges do you plan on flying in?

I use a 2m Flow to buggy with and I weigh 150lbs. It's my high wind kite. I have a 5m Flow I use when the 2m won't get me around. Really high quality built kites and great power. You can order them at a great price and with a bar instead of handles:

http://www.kingofwatersports.com/c.do?name=Traction%20Kites&...

My weight... oh now we're getting personal aren't we? - All kidding aside I weigh 200lbs, but I hold it well.

Regarding budget: I'm not looking to spend more than $400.00 bucks on a 4m kite. I'd prefer to by something used if possible, but given a good quality kite - new isn't out of the question.

Wind in my area varies from 3mph on up. We usually have 5 to 15mph winds. Some days are better than others.

Current skill level: I currently feel comfortable flying my 3m beamer in anything up to 15mph. Smooth air is preferred. Above 12 - 15mph and I get a little nervous. I only fly the Crossfire II in 5 to 8mph winds as everybody pretty much warned me that this kite will kill me, if I let it. I'd rather not let it. I've had it out a few times. The first time went well. I loved it. The second time, the air was choppy and I felt like I was behind the kite the whole day. I packed 'er up and went back to the 3m.

So, this is how I arrived at looking for a 4m on a bar.

Thanks for the info!

I have a FLexifoil Sting 2.4m that is in great shape.Bar and lines included. $100 shipped to you.

Everybody, correct me if I'm wrong please....

One more thought about fixed bridle : I have Peter Lynn Twister II, and I'm flying it with a bar (after using handles for a while and got tired really quick..). I love this kite and I was trained on that too, the only problem I had with it, is if the wind gust hit you once, and you're off guard, be ready to eat some grass (or send..).
There is no de-power for those kind of kites, which personally I think VERY important for beginners, and the only way to stop them in High wind, is to drop the bar and let the leash de-power the kite, hopefully, without having the kite going too flimsy, forcing you to land and walk to the kite.
I love flying this kite and I've learned that although having a bar with it is fun and more comfortable, handles are more efficient and have more control, due to their 'brakes' line.

...but then again, I mite be wrong...

I have a 4m HQ Scout with crossover bar. Was my second kite and only used 5-6 sessions before moving to The Gins. Might be what your looking for?
U2U sent.

check out the prism tensor 4m. It comes with a bar that breaks in half and become handles. This way you get the best of both worlds. It also has a adjustable aoa like your crossfire. This kite sounds alot like something you are looking for. I have a used 4m in my bag that I would be willing to part with if your interested. It has only been used a couple times so it is still in very good condition. I will let it go for $250 if your interested.

I just saw a Prism Tensor 5m today.. That's one nice kite and the handle/bar combo is sweet cuz it gives you the best of both worlds.

Hey Gang

Thanks for the advice and help. Jaymz and I worked out a horse trade on the 4m Scout. Should be just what I need to see what flying on a bar is all about. Good enough place to start as any I suppose!

Excited to learn about flying on a bar, but won't give up the finesse of flying on handles. I've got to learn to get comfortable with that 5m Crossfire II some how. Until then - I'm going to keep one eye on that sucker.

Thanks again!
Ted

p.s - Do I need to 'close' this thread some how? In some other forums I'm on (for RC Flying and Full Scale Flying) OP's can close their own threads...

TRP-nope, just let it wither and fall by the wayside, we can't "close" them here.

Glad to hear you got a new kite headed your way!

Me too!

The addiction with this hobby sets in quick and deep. 2 months. 4 kites. That ratio does not bode well for my pocket book.

T

Quote:

Originally posted by TRP Me too! The addiction with this hobby sets in quick and deep. 2 months. 4 kites. That ratio does not bode well for my pocket book. T

This is a constant problem. My wallet starts crying anytime someone puts up a kite in "petrol" colorset (black, red, & white).