Just some thoughts that I wanted to get out there to share..

(1) HQ Kites Symphony(quad) 2.2.4
I converted this kite to a four line after getting a Snapshot 2.5. I then promptly traded the Snapshot for the Crossfire 4.0.. Don't get me wrong. The Snapshot was a fine kite and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to make the 2->4 line transition but the Symphony on 4 lines is literally unbelievable on how much fun it is to fly.. First buggy ride was with this kite and it was a blast even if i was a bit underpowered. If the wind is strong enough, this is the first kite out of my bag every time. Demo flights and Instructions on how to convert one to 4 lines are in my signature.


(2) HQ Kites Crossfire II 4.0
My first big kite. I got it on an even trade for the Snapshot. Gave me a much bigger kite to learn on and learn respect for. It also gave a friend that "had too much kite" a decent trainer in the Snapshot that he could enjoy without worrying about getting dragged around. It's a high aspect kite and It likes to keep moving when you fly it static but it flys faster than a kite this size normally does so it keeps the fun meter pretty much pegged.. My goto kite when the winds are low. I enjoy flying this kite as much as any small kite I own. Haven't buggied with it yet but I really want to. Used it for some of the night flying videos in th Flying Techniques - Tips & Tricks section


(3) Skydog SDT 2.8
A more recent purchase. Lots of pull and very predictable. Great maneuverability and control. Fun for static and learning more about this buggy thing. My third run on my second buggy trip was made with the Skydog. Was the perfect kite for that particular downwinder day. The higher aspect Crossfire was just a little too much work for the same run. Definitely a keeper for sure. Another kite I used for the night flying videos in the Flying Techniques - Tips & Tricks section. I've also done a review on this kite. Link is in my signature..


(4) HQ Bolero 6 Stack Delta
My only non traction kite(s) on my favorite list. This stack is fun to fly and just plain looks cooler than 90% of what you see on two lines. I'd fly this a lot more if there wasn't so much setup time. Half of this stack is the stack you see in my avatar. This stack is almost as much fun to watch as it is to fly.


(5) HQ Kites Crossfire II 2.0
Some folks claim to not like the Crossfires because of stability issues. It does take a careful hand and you have to keep it moving when flying static but it's fast through the window and a blast to fly once you get used to its personality. The high aspect ratio of this kite makes for fast flight and lots of fun. This kite gets tons of air time. My first choice for my second buggy ride. Footage in the VABBB forum


(6) Flexifoil Bullet 2.5
3shot introduced me to this kite and I just had to have one. Haven't buggied with it yet but it's a lot of fun for static flying. Looking forward to it though.. Must take video....


(7) Flexifoil Bullet 4.5
I almost put this kite at #6 and I've really enjoyed some static time with it.. It's seen quite a bit of air time since I got it and is a blast to fly when the wind is low. My friend HotAir has had a lot of handle time with this kite as well. Great fun to fly..Pictures Here


(8) Peter Lynn Hornet 2.0
A recent purchase from BigMikesKites and another great predictable flyer. My main reason for picking up this kite was to carry something around for friends to learn on without them being overpowered. I'm far from disappointed and this kite gets static time often. My friends will learn on this kite.


(9) HQ Kites Crossfire II 3.0
My most recent purchase. This kite fits nicely between my other Crossfires. I haven't really had the chance to get as used to it as my other kites but I still like it very much. More handle time would have probably moved this kite up in my current rankings.


Every one of these kites is a joy to fly. They all have at least one advantage over the others in some way. I realize my quiver has a lot of overlap but I like it that way.. Any one of these kites is a close second to any other under the right flying conditions. They are all great kites and they don't get left behind. While #'s 1,2 & 3 are going to be the first kite out of the bag for their respective wind ranges, any one of them is just as likely as any other to get airtime under the right conditions.

Care to share your quiver?

Nice post ... thumb up !!!

Great post. I've seen a lot of these in action

You will love the 2.5 Bullet in the bug!! As soon as we catch a true easterly VAB wind, break that badboy out! :wee:

I look at the signatures of those who post and some have 1 or 2 kites, and some of us have so many its impossible to post them all, and everyone inbetween.
Nice write-up by the way.
Would be interesting to see how 10 people would review the same kite. OH wait, thats what the pass the kite was all about. Never mind.:D
Still a nice write-up.

I agree that in any review, you have to account for the reviewer's viewpoint. What might be a blast for some could simply be a show-stopper for others..