At 45 and weighing 175lbs with average upper body strength and a beginner to "power stunt kiting" I'm looking for a kite that will give me a workout and even drag me along the beach in moderate wind sonditions. At the same time I want to be resposible and not have a kite that is more than I can handle. I think a kite in the 2m to 3m range would suit my needs and looking at either the HQ Symphony 2.2 or 2.7 or perhaps the Prism Stylus 2 or 3.
Could you please advise if any of these would be suitable and if any, which you would recommend? Also if there are any other kites you might think more suitable, your advice and opinion would be invaluable.
Thanking you in advance,
Steve

I'm still quite new to this aspect of kiting, so others are encouraged to provide more info, but I'd urge you to at least look at the quad line systems.

I've been doing a lot of research, and there are some definite control advantages to quads. You get more control over the power, and you can do tricks you can't with the dual line. To me the power control is the most important aspect. Being able to "unload" the kite will be useful.

The Stylus can be converted to a 4 line kite, but reading other posts here seems to indicate that by the time you buy the extra line and handles you spend as much as you would just buying a 4 line to begin with, and many of them come with the lines pre-set.

I can't really reccomend any specific kites, since as I said I'm just getting into this myself, but at least take a look at the quad line option.

Steve,
The HQ kites (like the symphony and beamers) are great starter kites for people entering the sport. Inexpensive for the most part and still pretty good material and handling. Starting off with a two line if you've never flown a stunt kite or a power kite isn't a horrible idea. However, when you get into the larger kites you'll definitely want to figure out how to fly the 4 line kites (so maybe starting small with a 4 line isn't a bad idea?). 4 line kites offer you the option of being able to apply brake to the kite (causing it to collapse or less'en in power) if things get out of hand, plus a lot of them are setup with saftey leashes and such so that you can pretty much let go of the kite, and it'll collapse falling to the ground. Bob is somewhat correct too about purchasing the brake line set and the handles for a prism. You'll end up adding more to the cost of your 2 line by doing that.

Bob.. I saw that you mentioned getting a crossfire 4. I'm looking into getting the 6.3 myself. Like someone mentioned in your other thread about what kites you were looking at, etc. the 4 line kites are similar to flying your rev, cept the power can catch you off guard. My understanding about the crossfires is that they tend to be very lifty. So if you do decide to go that route, be careful as a first powerkite with lift can catch you off guard pretty quick.

Hope this helps a bit. Am sure others will chime in with other suggestions for kites as well. I would recommend the ozone little devil and even some of the flexifoils for beginner kites as well, but if you're on a budget they aren't the cheapest kites. Radsails I hear are pretty good as well..not too sure about them though as I've never flown one nor even seen one in person yet.
~Joe

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Originally posted by code Bob.. I saw that you mentioned getting a crossfire 4. I'm looking into getting the 6.3 myself. Like someone mentioned in your other thread about what kites you were looking at, etc. the 4 line kites are similar to flying your rev, cept the power can catch you off guard. My understanding about the crossfires is that they tend to be very lifty. So if you do decide to go that route, be careful as a first powerkite with lift can catch you off guard pretty quick.

Yes, I'll definitely be cautious. If I do go the Crossfire route I'm definitely going no larger than the 4. (Since most folks suggest at least a 5 for serious jumping, I'm hoping the 4 means some lift, but not too much...)

I don't fly near my home since the wind is typically quite light, but in this case that might be an advantage. Once I feel comfortable there, then I'll head for the beach and stronger winds.

Bob..check out the reviews of the crossfire on racekites.com Lots of good info on the kites. If you decide to go the crossfire route I'd be interested in hearing how it works for you. They're pretty slick kites from what I've read and seen.
~Joe

> check out the reviews of the crossfire on racekites.com

I've been reading those, that's what got me interested in it. Looks like a step up from the Beamer, which appears to be a great kite itself.

By the way, who sells Crossfires in the USA? Almost all the shops I've found are in the UK...

Do you guys know anything about the New Tech Ballistic line of kites?
I was looking at the new Quad line 2.2 Phoenix, which comes optional handles or bar. Although small, this might be a good entry level quad trainer for windier days. What's your thought on this?

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Originally posted by stryker2 At 45 and weighing 175lbs with average upper body strength and a beginner to "power stunt kiting" I'm looking for a kite that will give me a workout and even drag me along the beach in moderate wind sonditions. At the same time I want to be resposible and not have a kite that is more than I can handle. I think a kite in the 2m to 3m range would suit my needs and looking at either the HQ Symphony 2.2 or 2.7 or perhaps the Prism Stylus 2 or 3. Could you please advise if any of these would be suitable and if any, which you would recommend? Also if there are any other kites you might think more suitable, your advice and opinion would be invaluable. Thanking you in advance, Steve

Hi Steve,
I feel a Symphony 2.7 would fit your needs. To get a good drag you will need around a 15 mph wind.
I would check out the HQ Beamers. They are quad line which offers more control and are very easy to fly and land.
You can check out the complete line of HQ power kites here:
http://www.kiteplace.com/kiteplace%20Power%20Kites.htm
Pleasant Breezes, Don