A couple of q's really...
I'm considering either a board or a buggy since I'm my kite skills have progressed to a point where I'm ready for a next step.

I'm not convinced a board is the way to go but it does look like fun. I have experience surfing and am an accomplished alpine skier. I have snowboarded but not so much since my skiing skills can take me anywhere I decide to go. No skateboard experience at all, but a ton of mountain biking. My concerns are twofold: First is age, let's say mid-forties,
however, age aside in better shape than the majority of 20 somethings. Issue is knees, my past athletic experiences have taken a toll and have to be accounted for at least some now. Second is I really only have large grass fields to cruise on, so I'm landlocked no beaches close by to cruise on.
I like the design of the Flexboardz but don't know the difference between the Mendi and Haize. $ not the issue, but should I just start on something else more newbie friendly or would the Mendi be okay? Or given my age and past abuses on my body should I look to a buggy? My issue with a buggy though is also that I only have grass fields to buggy on so is it worthwhile or not? I work hard when I static fly, no harness but I do have a bar if that is a better choice for landboarding.
Some tips would be great about how I should get started or if I should get started in bugging instead...Thanks!

Flexboardz



1. Karrika Specs
   • OVERALL LENGTH: 115cm - 45.2”
     
   • AXLE-AXLE LENGTH: 98cm -38.5”
     
   • STANCE WIDTH: 55cm - 21.6”
     
   • OVERALL WIDTH:32cm - 12.6”
     
   • OVERALL WEIGHT: 7.5kg-16.5lbs
     
   • WHEEL DIAMETER: 17.7cm - 7”
     
   • AXLE OD BEARING ID: 3/8"
   
   
   
2. Mendi Specs
   • OVERALL LENGTH: 118cm - 46.4”
     
   • AXLE-AXLE LENGTH: 98cm -38.5”
     
   • STANCE WIDTH: 55cm - 21.6”
     
   • OVERALL WIDTH: 33cm - 13.7”
     
   • OVERALL WEIGHT: 8kg - 17.6lbs
     
   • WHEEL DIAMETER: 20.5cm - 8”
     
   • AXLE OD BEARING ID:3/8"
   
   
   
3. Haize Specs
   • OVERALL LENGTH: 125cm-49.2”
     
   • AXLE-AXLE LENGTH: 103cm-40.5”
     
   • STANCE WIDTH: 55cm- 21.6”
     
   • OVERALL WIDTH: 35cm-13.7”
     
   • OVERALL WEIGHT: 8.5kg-18.7lbs
     
   • WHEEL DIAMETER: 23cm-9”
     
   • AXLE OD BEARING ID: 12mm
   
   

As you move from from the Karrika to the Haize the length (and to some degree, the weight) increases.

Other than that the tires are different for each board. The Karrika runs 7" inch smooth (primarily for street) tires. The Mendi runs 8" tires, and the Haize runs 9" tires. As the tire size increases you gain a smidge more ground clearance and ability to deal with larger surface irregularities.

Longer boards tend to be more straight-line stable although due to the "truck" layout on the Flexboardz they are inherently more stable than typical landboards.

Board selection, in your case, probably boils down to how groomed your fields are.

The knee may be an issue as your legs tend to play a factor in the suspension aspect of landboards.

A buggy isn't restricted to beaches. Consistent or at least semi-consistent winds are more of a factor. Unless you OBE, chances are it would be kinder to your knees. Again depending on how well groomed your fields are will play into which type of wheels you opt for your buggy (barrows, midi/wides, or Bigfoots).

Do you have any other fliers in your area or are you flying solo? <<--- EDIT: Scratch that.... I just read your other thread.

ATB,
Sam

Thanks John, much appreciated and helpful...

Oops sorry, my bad, indigo_wolf...

HAIZE for grass if you are larger rider for sure. the flXbz will give buggy-like speed!

Haize bearings are same as conventional trucked. common high wear part.

170 # or less may like mendi with shorter length.

with it jacked up, you could do some tall grass mowing!

and if you like balancing board sports , downhill etc...the balancing element will add a remarkable core/leg fitness avenue.

OK, some real simple explaining is needed before it gets to confusing.
All 3 sizes of the Flexboardz are as Inigo stated with the facts. Now to make it simple.
All 3 use the same board.
All 3 use the same arms and suspension.
The Haize has 9" wheels/tires that are on axles at the end of the arm.
The Mendi has 8" wheels/tire that are on axles that are mounted to the arm 1" from the Haize mounting hole, see pic for location of Haize hole(full) and Mendi hole(empty).
Now the Karrika has 7" wheels/tire that are mounted at the Mendi spot, and this board comes with out bindings.
They are basically the same but with different wheels/tires. OK?

In my opinion the Flexboardz Haize is the best option for grassy fields. The suspension smooths out the ride. The larger tires perform better in grass than 8 inch tires. I think the ride is better on the knees than the other boards I have ridden because of those factors.