Smaller Prism Snapshot or ???
Hello,
I know that this is a sort of backwards question for these forums but because of the breadth of knowledge on these forums, I know that I'll get
accurate and (safe) answers.
To start, I've loved kite flying since I was a kid but it wasn't until the last few years that I've had much of any chance to do it. Unfortunately,
due to a degenerative genetic condition, I'm disabled but I'm sort of desperately looking for things that I can still do and enjoy (I'm not wheelchair
bound but do use a walker and require O2) and kiting is top of the list. So, for the reasons listed above, I'm not in a place at this point that I
can really "powerkite". In addition, my genetic condition make all my joints very loose and prone to dislocation so I don't want a kite that will
dislocate wrist, shoulder, etc.
I love the design of the foils and I'm a total newbie to multi-line kites but instead of a framed two line kite, I'd love a foil that I can learn on,
can easily relaunch (using the walker to setup another launch would take forever) and I love that there's little to no setup or breakability. I'd
love to hear your recommendations...I've read a lot about the Prism Snapshots and have other Prism single line kites (don't laugh *too* hard) but I've
also read positive things about the Symphony foils and I just want to get this intro into two line kites right...something that won't be dangerous for
me with too much pull but that can handle wide wind variabilities and is easy to learn on and relaunch for the inevitable crashes. Just FWIW, I'm
about 5'3" average build (used to be really athletic but obviously can't now) so that may give some guidance on size of kite. Also, I may need an
option for my husband b/c he'll always be with me, also enjoys kites and ended up really bored with the single line last time he flew it. So I can
definitely see a similar need for him...although he wouldn't want to be dragged across a field or lifted off the ground, his 6' 220lbs would be able
to handle more kite than I can...& I think he would find it fun...although the same ease of learning and relaunching would apply. And, I think
he'd like to have a bigger kite than me. :D But that's just a guess.
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I have a 1.4m Snapshot - great fun, fast turning and pretty stable little kite without too much pull. But, it's a two line kite which means it's not
easy to relaunch if it goes nose in. In fact, I don't think I can relaunch it in that instance.
A four line kite - say an Ozone Imp Quattro, or even the three line trainer (Ignition) version will only take a very small additional effort to come
to grips with, but it will provide you with a much easier way to launch and re-launch from upside down. Easier landing too.
Since I've had the four line kites, I have very rarely flown the two line kites. Honestly, four lines may take an hour extra to come to grips with,
but more than worth the effort. I'd stick with the smallest size - 1.6m which will have little pull in gentle winds but will certainly start to pull
you forward in 20mph +
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