Hello to all!
I'm new on this forum and in Power Kite world. I've been flyig with kites since 15 years. Recently I started flying a couple of Revolution's kites and now I'd like to get something more "strong". I'm 170cm tall and 85kg weigth. I'd like to get a PL Hornet, but I'm not quite sure about the size. I've seen the 3.0 one and I think it's very powerfull, but not quite enough. The 4.0 could be so too strong. I'd like to make some jump, but I don't want to be pulled away!
I need some suggestion.
Thanks to all..
Great Forum!!!:D

The 3m Hornet would be a good kite to give you the skills required to fly a kite large enough and lofty enough to jump with. Any shortcuts will frustrate you and/or get you hurt.

Thanks Bob, but don't you think I am a little bit too heavy to make some jumps with the 3mt?
Where I live wind is not so strong, almost 18km/h

Since Riff posted it, it only seems right that someone should reference it.....

Before you ask, What kite Should I buy?

ATB,
Sam

If this is your first traction kite, and your first thought/priority is jumping, this entire thread should be considered required reading...

gravity always wins

ATB,
Sam

I'm still a relative noob, but if it wasn't for the jumping, I'd be a lot less interested, and might not have invested in all the upfront costs.

I think it's fine to get into it because you want to jump (eventually), but I think most people will quickly learn to respect the kite.. When I flew my first 3m, I had no idea how much power the damn thing could make. It only took getting lifted (and dropped) 6ish feet for me to really gain respect for them.

What I am trying to say is:
1) It's fine to come in with the goal of jumping, but don't make it your priority at first.
2) Respect the kite, and remember, mother nature *Always, Always* wins.
3) Learn from my mistake. Don't be jumping on a 3m. It does have enough power to pick you up. The problem is, it doesn't have enough fabric to bring you down soft.

My $0.02.

The thing about jumping is you need at least a 5m kite to get any float. Personally I don't think even 5m is big enough and I don't attempt jumping with one. Bob wasn't saying a 3m is good for jumping, he was saying it is good for learning the skills to jump.

Your Rev' skills will take you a long way in gaining kite control but choosing between 3m and 4m with jumping in mind isn't going to make much difference. Both sizes will be to small too meet your goal. The Hornet is not really designed with jumping in mind. It is designed for gaining kite skills. The RIGHT choice for getting started.

Try to jump before knowing how to fly and redirect your kite without even looking at it and GRAVITY ALWAYS WINS! ( click on link in Idigo's reply )

Kite jumping is something you progress into. Trust us on this one. If you buy the 3m it will allow you to take it out in stronger winds with less chance of hurting yourself. This will allow you to fly more days while you are setting the memory reflexes needed to jump. Your best option is to get the 3m and plan to buy a larger kite when you are ready to jump even if that means selling the 3m to fund the larger kite.

Sorry for the bad news but it is the reality of the sport.

Jumping is the fastest way to see what the inside of your femur looks like .

Quote: Originally posted by WELDNGOD

Jumping is the fastest way to see what the inside of your femur looks like .

:o :o :o

Hey, I'm new here as well and haven't even received my kite yet (coming today!). But I've done a lot of research and have purchased a 3m PL Hornet off a forum member. I believe the best kite to start with for a beginner is definitely a 3m kite. Some options are the Hornet as stated, Ozone Octane, HQ beamer, just to name a few. When you get better you will still have your 3m kite to fly in higher winds, so its a great starting point! A lot of people have told me that everyone needs one 3m kite. Good luck in your search! Also, if you can, I recommend trying to buy used off the classifieds here, you can save a lot of money that way and have more cash to spare for your next kite! Those revolution kites look awesome btw! I might just have to save up and buy one :p

everyone needs a 3m kite...rite of passage thing

Thanks to all for answers!
Maybe I wasn't able to explain my needs. I don't need a kite for jumping. My fear is the exact opposite. I believe I can control a 3mt without any jump, but with a big pull. I would feel quite unsure flying with a 4mt, but I thing it's the correct power to have a good pull for my weight. In this moment I think I will get an Hornet 3.0. It seams the right choice... And maybe the next step could be a 5mt, but it's too early... :bisou:

All sizes of power kites will pull hard regardless of your weight. The wind is what determines how hard the kite pulls. A 3 meter will give you the opportunity to fly in a wider range of wind safely while you learn than a larger foil. A 3 meter can still kick your arse in high wind but it can also be flown in very light to moderate wind while your learning.

Getting the 4m will give you more pull but it will also mean you need to pack it up if you get some winds in the mid 20kph range or risk injury. The 3m will allow you to keep flying in those windier days. We almost all have a 3m-ish kite in our quiver for those high wind days + teaching friends safely . Notice how we nearly all have built a quiver of kites to serve us in different circumstances.

With your Rev' background you will master the 3m very fast. Consider buying used if money is an issue because you are likely to want that larger jumping kite pretty quick.

A helmet is an important part of the gear. Be safe and have fun !

It wouldn't hurt to have some smaller than that if you start buggying. I started on a 2.5m Flexifiol Rage, and learned a lot. To show the power of a small kite I have a few vids to share again.

https://vimeo.com/80200976 2.2m & 2.8m

https://vimeo.com/53914152 1.5m & 2.2m

Never underestimate the power of the wind.

love those videos, I watch em every time. I wish I had a hard surface to use my 2.6 viper. I think it would be a blast in the buggy.

ssayre,have you checked out ALL of my vids on VIMEO. I have like 40 vids now, quite a few are from Wildwood Buggy Bash.

Check out my pages here https://vimeo.com/user2580342

Little kites rule! My last trip with WELDNGOD the winds were 25 mph in the morning. I was scootin' down his beach in my 1.8 rage!!!!:evil:

Quote: Originally posted by 3shot

Little kites rule! My last trip with WELDNGOD the winds were 25 mph in the morning. I was scootin' down his beach in my 1.8 rage!!!!:evil:

+1 'Cept I was using the Crossfire 2M

Smaller Kites are definitely more fun.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

I wish I had a hard surface to use my 2.6 viper. I think it would be a blast in the buggy.

It is! I've had mine up in 15mph pulling adults in the tandem... That little guy is a power house, FO SHO!!!

Great videos guys!!

Anyway, thank for all your sugestions.. Today I'e ordered a Peter Lynn Hornet 3.0.
I will tell you how I feel it!
Very happy!:D :D :D