Hello everyone! I have a few questions about getting into the kiting sport. I made as post like this one about a year ago and my questions were answered very well but a year later I have more refined questions and know a little bit more from research and meeting up with a local flyer that also has a forum account, Alan1981. I know you probably get asked similar things all the time but here we go.

1) Safety is definitely first and I believe that I already have all of the equipment ( dirt bike helmet, chest protector, gloves, boots, elbow and knee pads ) but I don't know what equipment of mine I should use.

2) My first kite! Well, I've heard that I should get a 4-line foil that is 2 to 3 meters with handles to learn on so here's what I am looking at. I can start to mow lawns for cash now but I really don't want to spend much more than $200. I'm 13, 5'8 and 105-110lbs.

Flexifoil Sting 2 2.4m $171
PKD Buster Soulfly 2.2m (maybe 3.3?) $140-$164
HQ Alpha 2.5m $138
Ozone IMP Quattro IV 2m-2.5m-3m $155-$185-$210

I am looking for used kites too that are in my price range. I believe that all of the kites I mentioned are 4-line handle kites that come with kite killers. My ultimate goals are to landboard or snowboard with a kite but not just yet. If you have any other recommendations please let me know. Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Welcome !

It will be a joy to help you along. You have a terrific sense for saftey and approach already !

I make it a point to wear a helmet every single time I fly. Then I don't have to decide if it is the right or wrong time. Gloves, knee and elbow pads are all very useful. I allow myself to get way without using them if not pushing it at all.
Chest / spine protector is good for mountian boarding. ( I don't use one ) I find my butt pads to be most useful when crashing.

Of the kites you are looking at the only one I'm not familiar with is the Alpha ?

Buying quality used is usually worth it if money is tight. Do it on a respected forum like this one . Ebay and such are full of trouble. Here you can " out " a bad trader. New kites lose bunch in value as soon as you fly them once. You are a likely canditate to have to resell to fund your next , larger kite. Being young that time will likely come pretty quick. If you buy a good trainer it will sell for almost exactly what you paid. You will only be out the cost of shipping + the time to trade. Gaining a name as a good trader is also valuable .

One of the best bits of advice I can give you is , DON'T impulse buy. Get the opinion on the deal on here. You seem to have that one figured out. Folks on here never get tired of your questions so feel free to ask.

+1 on not impulse buying....
i fail miserably every time

Just had a look through the for sales from the last month, not a lot of good ones out there at the moment.

PKD buster would be my choice from the ones on your list, coolest graphics and impeccable build quality.

You might want to try a "Wanted: 2-3 meter 4-line trainer" post, you might shake one loose from the folks on the forum. esp. if you mention your age.

If the winds are moderate, you won't need much protection while flying static. But it takes time to develop judgement, so definitely have it on hand, BR's comment about the helmet is solid! The wind does have a way of spanking us out of the blue.

Once you are on the move, the risks go up a lot. You will need crash shorts for your butt when you get going on landboard. Otherwise your gear seems good.

Welcome to the forum. You are wise beyond your years for searching out answers here.

I have experience with the Sting and Imp. Both solid kites, both good choices.

Furbowski is right on, post a wanted ad here. I bet you will find something just right. Lots of great sellers and great values here all the time.

Jackpot...

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=6587&pa...

Sting
Pepper
Radsail

Nice one, thanson, forgot about that thread... he's been selling for years!

OP, you can buy there w confidence.

Hi guys, thanks for all of the helpful replies! I really appreciate it! Sorry for the late reply. I will definitely post a wanted topic for my desired specs and browse the for sale section a lot. This is a wonderful forum and thanks to you all.