Hi, I know there are tons of newb threads out there about what kite to get, and there's also many many forums about it. I've read as many as I could, but it's always a slightly different situation...

So, I've got a couple questions for all you expert flyers out there, I hope you don't mind yet another newbie.

This is my goal: to buy a power kite to mainly use for scudding, but also for some jumping in higher winds (maybe 8 ft. max jumps). My budget isn't huge, so cheaper is better. From what I've read (and I've been browsing several forums pretty thoroughly), a kite around the 4 meter range would be what I want.

Here are my questions:

1) How important is it to have a four line kite? Is it possible or safe to scud and jump with a dual line kite?

2) For my weight (135 pounds) is 4 meters too big or too small? Is it possible to do what I want with less than 4 meters?


Again, sorry for the newb questions and thanks in advance.

For jumping you need a kite designed for lift, I'll defer to someone who jumps to tell you if 4M is big enough for you. Ozone has a kite called Frenzy which I think is one of those designed for lift.

I (165lbs) am able to scud on sand with a 3M Ozone Samurai when the wind is > 15 MPH, so I think a 4M for a 135 lbs. guy should be more than enough for that.

Good luck.

First off, any real kite in the 3-4m size will be a 4 line, I wouldn't settle for a 2 line in that size, the compromise in safety and control is just too great with a 2 liner. I'm 240lbs and have jumped with a 4m Radsail in big winds, so the size should be ok, anything smaller than a 4m will probably not give you the lift your looking for. A blade 4 or 4.9 is the most common kite for static jumping, but it's also knicknamed "The Widowmaker" and for good reason, it's a very agressive kite and it will smack you hard if you give it the chance.

There's a few other facts that are needed though before we can really recomend a good kite for you. Myself I like flying a 6.5m Century in 20+mph winds, but I've been flying for years. How much kite time have you got under your belt, what's the average winds in your area like, are you flying on the shore or inland? And last, what's the budget like?

You have to realize that you shouldn't be learning on a kite with enough power to lift you 8ft, it's just not safe practice and things will eventually go pear shaped, You may be better off to get a smaller kite to learn on then move on to jumping with a larger more agressive kite. Then you'll have the small kite just in case when the wind's just too much for your big kite.

Hey Not a problem for a Newb question. Ask as many questions as you want to. Thats most of what this place is for anway. Questions and answers and we all learn something new.

You can do a lot with a two line kite but I think a 4 line kite would be better for you in the long run. More control and better handling overall. You can also fly most four line kites two line also if you really want to.

For that size kite there are tons to choose from. I fly the HQ Beamer II 3.6. For the price it's hard to beat. Smooth, stable, not a lifty kite but plenty of pull. I fly the whole line of them and have no complaints at all. I work in a kite shop and can fly whatever I want but The HQ kites fit the bill for me quite nice. I also fly Ozone Samurias but they do go up in price quite a bit. Im sure other will comment on some other kites as well. these are just what I like.

A 4 Meter kite WILL drag you all over the place in winds of 10 and over Not a problem. 3-4 M would be a good size. Even a 3M will scud you all over in decent wind. Im 240 and can scud all over with a 3.6M in 12 mph or more.

If you are more into jumping get a kite with more lift. HQ Crossfire has way more lift than the Beamer II , Flexi Blades are good for lift as well. Ozone Riot, are also kites I have flown with more lift. All in the 4M size can be a handfull in winds over 10-12 I have a 4M Crossfire and it has PLENTY of lift. Many times when flying static (in one place) I get drug all over and can jump a good distance. Wearing a harness makes it easier but I would only reccomend that for after you have flown the kite quite a bit and know what to expect out of it. Hope that helped a little. Ask as many questions as you want. Thats wht make this forum grow. Wecome aboard... :D

Thank you all very much for you kind replies.

@ Pablo: I'm actually not a complete newbie. I've been flying small 2 line stunt kites for a few years. A while ago I flew a really big 2 line stunt kite (not a foil) and scudded with that all day - had the time of my life. At the time I didn't realize there was a name for it, it was just fun.

As for average winds, on a good day it can be 10 (maybe even up to 15) mph, but it's usually not quite that much. Also, there's a very good chance, since I live close to the beach, that I'd be taking the kite to the beach to fly, where the winds are generally stronger.

About my budget, at the moment, I know for a fact I can't afford to get anything like what I want. I'm hoping I can get something for 200 bucks or less when I get some more moolah. I know that's pushing it, though. Maybe I could get something second hand...


@ Fireball: Yes, I have looked at the Beamers and the price definately looks great. I can't say for sure, but I think I might want a bit more lift, however. The Crossfire, from what I've heard, is a little more what I'm looking fore - a little more lifty. Much to my chagrin, the Crossfire is really pushing hard on my budget.


I'd really like a kite that I don't outgrow right away. I think I can handle a bit more than a complete beginner kite seeing as I'm a very cautious person and I have got a bit of a feeling the immense power of the wind.

One final note: I can't afford anything yet, I'm just trying to get a feel for what I'd want when I can afford it.

Thanks muchos for the helpful, kind and quick responses, guys.

I have a duo control kite, it is not very big but what I did might work for a bigger kite as well; If I am correct, it will be a lot cheaper to convert one than to buy one.

I own a Prism Stylus 1.8 and have been successful at adding a second set of lines to it. The second set doesn't have any sort of bridle system to them; just two lines going up to the bottom of the kite.

The Prism Stylus has two small attachment loops on the bottom so one can attach streamers or tails. They are attached approximately 1/3 from each edge of the bottom. The bottom lines ("brakes"as there referred to) need to be longer than the lead lines or the brakes will be on all the time. You will need to experiment a bit with the length because if the lines are too long they wont interfere with the kite at all.

You can buy a complete set of quad control lines for a lot less than a really good quality used kite. But look around; they are some really good kite sales right here using this forum.

is a 4m riot out of the question? (ozone) they are lifty,, or on the budget route go for the radsail pro 4m. for some good deals www.kiteworld.co.uk and powerkiteshop.com are good

Unfortunately, both of those are a bit out of my budget, but thanks for the suggestions.

While browsing www.kitesrus.com, I noticed that they had some really good deals on the Beamers. I know that the Beamers are not really known for their lift, but on kitesrus.com they said "small jumps possible". That sounds kinda like what I want, but do you know how small "small jumps" are?

Also, because the 5.0 model is pushing it for me budget-wise, do you know if I'd be able to get some "small jumps" out of the 3.6 model?


Thanks

Yeah, looks like something along the lines of the 3.6m beamer or a 4m buster/radsail.

Glad to hear you've gotten some flying in with controlable kites, you should have a pretty good understanding of the wind window by now and how to control a kite, If your usually going to be in 10-15mph winds, you could get away with something in the 5m range, but understand that you'll have to take it real slow for the first bit, look for 8mph ish winds for the first couple flights and SLOWLY build up from there. It'll also probably be too big to get your freinds using it unless they've gotten a history of flying smaller at least dual line kites.

A 5m kite can easily bite in higher winds, getting near the 20mph mark is not recommended until you're good with the kite in lower winds. There's a reason the Blade 4.9 is nicknamed the widowmaker, it'll take you up fast, and drop you even faster. Smaller kites tend to not lift you that high, bigger kites tend to be nice and floaty. But on the plus side, you'll never get bored of flying a 5m kite, and never outgrow the need for one in your quiver.

So do you suggest something like the Beamer 3.6? I know Fireball likes it.

I'm partial to the busters myself, but if you can get a good deal on a beamer then go for it, they both make good starter kites.

Peter Lynn Peppers are a bit better on lift than the beamers. The best bang for your buck is the crossfire from HQ. 4 meters is fine for someone like yourself.

Scoop

Thanks for all your help, guys.

Quote:

Originally posted by Scoopy Peter Lynn Peppers are a bit better on lift than the beamers.

Wow, I just checked the price of the Peter Lynn Peppers and I really like it.

EDIT: However, I just saw on another forum a guy saying that the Pepper has no lift at all. :puzzled:

Okay, I think I'm finally nearing the end of my questions... for now.

I've narrowed my choices down to either a Beamer II 3.6m or a Peter Lynn Pepper.

Here are my questions:

1) Between these, which has more lift?
2) Between these, which has more pull?
3) Between these, which do you prefer, and why?
4) Lastly, do you know of a good US power kite distributor (online) that would carry either or both of these kites?

Again, thanks so much for all your kind help, guys.

1 - pepper
2 - ???? close
3 - pepper flies a bit nicer, but support is MUCH better on beamer
4 - me. (304)437-4580 or email scoopskites@verizon.net

Get in touch with me, we will talk about some things and help you make a good decision.

Scoop

Thanks a lot, I'll email you when I get a chance. Which should be sometime later today.