Well the weekend was coming to a close and I don't really get to ride often anymore... and, I hadn't taken out my Twister II 4.1 in forever. The wind was easily gusting into the 40s, and I really wanted to make something of it instead of wussing out and staying inside. So, I put my TII on 3m lines and headed to the field. That was extreme fun. It was terribly hard to control, but once I got it down and was able to get onto my board it wasn't so bad. Having so much raw kinetic energy in your hands meant I was able to get going screaming fast... much faster than I thought. I was even able to jump up to five feet or so with the board. I had to wrap it up when the wind got to the point where I could have tied lines to my truck door and flown that... my bridles got grotesquely tangled into the biggest freakin' bird nest you've ever seen, but I didn't mind. Took 15 mins or so to undo. All in all, a great way to wrap up a three day weekend I wish I had some pics or video! Unfortunately, I was out by myself and I do not own a GoPro.

Newbies, I do NOT recommend trying the above.

Jumping with handles and F.B. ... you're mad

The wind was blowing so hard that even on the really short lines I could still swing the kite to a degree for sizeable lift. There's no possible way I could have flown it on standard 20m lines :P

Seanny, sounds like you had a great time!

I'm just down the road from you Seanny. Where do you usually fly in Liberty Hill?

I usually take out a Skatewing and a landboard or skateboard and stay off the lakes when the winds are as gusty as they were last weekend. Maybe we can meet up for a session sometime. I ride in a new subdivision just northeast of Seward Junction once in a while.

Dave

U2U sent

Seanny I just won a Twister11 4.1 at WBB. Is this as lifty as I hear it is? If so I think it is not the kite for me. I like to be towed not launched!!

It is a kite you will love. Yes it's lifty, more so in gusts. But it's manageable... and it's just slow enough that if you make a mistake, you can correct it. I think this is my favorite kite ever. It has a superb low end, and it's just fun as hell to fly in the normal wind range of 10-20 mph. If the wind is strong and gusty, I'd advise you not to park it at the zenith for a long time, because that's when it'll pick you up off your feet unexpectedly. However, the pull and lift is pretty constant, it's very stable, and very easy to fly. Also, if you do happen to get vertical (I haven't really had a problem with this in all honesty), just sway the kite a little bit in the air and it will not drop you. At least it doesn't drop me... at my weight, I can jump quite easily on this without feeling like I'm going to plummet. It could be a different story for heavier riders, but because the kite is so stable you will more than likely be set down more gently than not.

I think the 4.1 is the most versatile size... it will fly in 5 mph wind, you can probably get going in a buggy in 10, and I take it out all the way into the 30s. Maybe not the best idea, but I do it anyway it's great fun.

I really do hope you enjoy it! I recommend flying on a strop line. The kite performs the best when hooked in, and it saves your arms an intense workout. Feedback/pics/vids ASAP!! Can't wait to see what you think!

EDIT: This is also the kite I use to teach my friends. I have a customer satisfaction rating of 100% and they always come back for more!! :D

I'm almost twice your weight if I remember! And I have no desire as I said to be lifted for any reason! I was told by Todd and several others that this will end up being my go-to kite. I may need to give it a try. If I choose to I will let you know what I think.

Any kite can lift you, eh? This one is just more fun to wrestle with :P You will like it, I promise!

BTW, is it red? Bonus points if it's red!

hahahaha seanny--your post reminds me of some of the crazy overpowered times i had when i had just a few months under my belt--i was flying every day for hours usually more than 5 and i was mainly flying blades in ALOT of wind--im glad i have excellent reflexes and coordination and someone above looking out for my dumb a@# now i look back fondly on those wild days and wonder how im still in one piece with no injuries,except a bum ankle that lasted for a week.....now, i play it more cautious--but i still like being overpowered a bit......everybody has their own comfort level i guess......

My philosophy I suppose is be young while you still can :D However, that philosophy does not translate to be young = be stupid. Nobody, and I mean nobody wants any stupid kiters. Those are the worst. I push my limits sometimes, but it's for the better of me besides. That's what kite killers and safety releases are for. :wee:

yep--kite killers saved me on many occasions.....regarding stupid kiters--look on u tube--apparently, they are everywhere......i'll avoid them.......

Yep yep.... High wind twisters are fun, I love my 5.6 at 25mph on the board, standard lines tho....

I think I even call it a wicked good time

I could probably just barely handle a 5.6 at that speed :P I weigh 122 lbs lol you could blow on me and I'd fall over.

Yeah,a buddy of mine got supermaned on that kite.... He didn't listen to me when I said its better to fall on your butt, than your face.... Hes about 190, and the wind was maybe 15mph!

Great kites, but like most of em, you need to pay attention, or they'll remind you that you're still attached to them, in a pretty harsh way!

Btw: the blue twister > red twister
:P