so i just started getting into kiting... Got a stunt kite and enjoying learning the new tricks alot, however I have also been interested in Power Kiting..... I bought myself a Beamer 1.8 because I wanted to stay on the small side (and cheaper side) to make sure I enjoy what I'm about to get myself into.... also figured it would work great to get others sucked into flying as currently it is a very lonely world around here...

So now for the question.... What is the proper way to turn while flying....

1. By doing a push/pull turn similar to a two line stunt kite?

2. By applying brake to eliminate the wearing yourself out to quick?

I'm looking to get a bigger kite with some lift as I have enjoyed the Beamer very much but would just like to make sure that I'm using the proper technique to keep myself safe in the future with the bigger kites.

Push/pull turns will keep the kite from slowing down as much. Thus maintaining a more consistent pull. Brake turns will turn the kite faster, but will ruin the wings aerodynamics and reduce the amount of pull. Either way works and each has the appropriate time to use it. Just have fun and do what feels right!

BTW, what are you looking for as a 2nd kite?

Seany

Brake turns are awesome when the kite's lit, only way to go with larger kites. But you'll find when the wind's light, a brake turn will almost completely kill the kite. You'll find out pretty quick when to use the two turns.

With a 1.8m kite in the quiver, I'd be looking at a 3.5m to a 4m, either another beamer if you like the one you have or you may want to consider spending a little more cash on a higher end kite. Chances are if you go with a 4m you'll be using it lots and will want to spend a little extra for something you'll get a lifetime of use out of.

another thing Jones-N-4-wind forgot to add is upward turns take more energy to turn as appose to downward turn just like flip-flopper's{ stunt kites}

and just like stunt kites..... larger wings are slower more lethargic ,turning radius opens up.. you'll feel the difference with every meter and A.Rs you step up to from the 1.8 M ........ even more so after 6 and 7m

Can depend on the type of kite, how it flys and how it responds to different control inputs. Experiment and find out what works for you - there's no real right or wrong way.

When I'm bugging and have the kite hooked on my harness I tend to keep the handles static where they are with the power on the top lines pulling through my harness, and just control the kite turns only with the brakes (bottom) lines - this requires far less effort on the arms. If I was buggying without the harness and was doing the stunt kite push n pull type control I think I'd be tired out after only 20mins...:wink2:

Large kites can turn quickly, just need more complex control systems.

I've got a 9m foil on a bar that will loop in about 3 seconds in good wind. But it's a fairly interesting pulley bar setup. you get normal steering for the first little bit allowing for small controls, then after about an inch or two of travel the brake lines get pulled in on the side your turning to, about 2" of brake line for every 1" of power line, so you end up totally stalling one wingtip pretty easily if you want.

On the 13m Century, I'm only running something like 14-16" handles but using Jon's pulley brake system, same thing, the huge kite will turn on a dime. Possible down side, you should see the power boost you get from quickly looping a large kite.

If you're going big, I can send pics of both the control setups. But these are large setups with huge power on tap, not recommended unless you already have flying the 5m and down stuff nailed no problem.

if u are on a tight budget mate the 4m crossfire is brilliant flys in nearly no wind and still gives a lil pull.. wen the winds up u really get to feel the amount of power this kite really has it aint no blade but ther is a HUGE price difference the lift is great smooth and not so suddon...
handles are a lil tough ive just brought sum flexi handles and its a dream'!! if u wana now anythin else about the crossfire let me know.. ad

Pablo,
Could you shoot me pics of the pulley/brake setup? Thanks!!

sean.jones AT cox.net

http://groups.msn.com/AmericanKiteBuggier/handles.msnw

You'll find lots of pics and of the handles and blueprints on this page, Tried to link just the pics but it wouldn't let me.

Ooohh, I see what is going on. I have actually seen that setup before, but didn't know what it was for. It looks like all that is happening is you are doubling the travel of the brake lines. Tell me, is there noticeable increase in effort necessary to apply the brakes? What minimum size would you recommend doing this on? I have a 8.5 that I may try this on.... Many thanks!!

Seany

Thank you all for all the commenets.... I think I'm definatly looking at the Crossfire for my next power kite maybe 4 or maybe 5+.... The blades look great and obviously get good reveiws however are a bit heavy on the wallet... honestly the Crossfire is a bit heavy on the wallet for me right now but am pretty sure it will be a good choice for me and last a good while... I weigh in at about 200lbs... would you suggest the 4 or 5m from the crossfire.. I still have a bit of a wait before the purchase (unless i come across a great deal) but just curious what ya'll think.

How strong are the winds where you fly? Are they steady (shore) or bumpy (inland)? This will help to decide what size is next...

Seany

I'm in the Boston MA area so on the weekends I head to Nahant beach which is a nice steady shoreline breeze ... however on weekdays or when I 'm short on time I like to go to a nearby field that's a bit closer and not always as steady... I would prefer a kite that is best suited for the beach though as this is where I like to be and when I get there spend the most time. The winds there when I have gone have ranged from what I would guess to by 5 - 15... usually hovering around 10 on those perfect days for the stunt kite, however one of the reasons I'm looking at the power kite is to entertain me in the heavier winds.

i fly inland havent had chance to fly at the beach just yet with work but the winds are so bad i fly with the 4mtr and it has so much pull my mate flies a 3.6 beamer and he cant even get that in the air wen im gettin a good decent pull.. i find that having the break lines on either the 1st or 2nd knot from the kite makes the kite react so much better.
i didnt hav much cash to spend on a kite either but i think i made the right choice to be honest the 5mtr would be great just expect double the pull lol acording to the reviews the 4mtr xfire has more traction and WAY more lift then the 5mtr beamer and i havent flown the 5mtr beamer but i would guess it has im 13 stone dunno how u guys work it over there sorry :tumble: have fun flying mate and flexifoil handles are a must if u wana fly for longer there just so soft

Your winds are pretty light, and should be steady and you have prior experience. I say go for a 4-5 meter something. As with any kite, take it out in lighter winds first!

Seany

Quote:

Originally posted by jonesing4wind Ooohh, I see what is going on. I have actually seen that setup before, but didn't know what it was for. It looks like all that is happening is you are doubling the travel of the brake lines. Tell me, is there noticeable increase in effort necessary to apply the brakes? What minimum size would you recommend doing this on? I have a 8.5 that I may try this on.... Many thanks!! Seany

As one would guess, the brake pressure needed to apply them doubles when you hit the brakes, but the fact of the matter is if you were to use handles long enough to properly use the brakes, they'd be super long and require more brake pressure anyways. I find with the turning speed of the larger kites though, there's lots of time to pull the handle all the way to the stopper, then slide your hand down the handle and yard on it right above the brake line to snap the kite around. I'm using 39cm handles and have no problem turning the 13m though.

I'd try it on the 8.5m for sure, worth it for the fun factor alone. I just went to Canadian Tire for the pulleys, it's our cheap car related hardware store. cheapo pulleys rated for 100lbs were $2.00 a peice. Some old bridal line and I was in business. I also kept the lines a little longer, dialed in the kite, then cut off the extra. It'll take a couple try's to get it just where you want it. The measurements are for the JoJo rm+, so if you're running a different kite, you'll probably need to adjust the brake lengths a bit.

thanks for the advice! I will deffo try it. My G1 15 meter on a short bar turns faster than my 8.5 razor... I guess I am off to find some pulleys!

Sean