We are going to Hilton Head Island, SC in a couple of weeks for spring break. Last year our family discovered that we enjoyed flying kites on the beach. We purchased a Prism Jazz and a HQ Symphony 1.4.

This year we want to add a larger foil kite and have noticed that there are some good deals on the Flexifoil Sting 1.7 and 2.4 and I like the idea of quad lines.

I am having trouble deciding between the two sizes. At this point we only plan on flying them on the beach (no buggies, etc.)
My kids are 11 (135 lbs.) , almost 10 (100 lbs.) and 7 (85 lbs.) and I am 275 lbs. My 11 year old says he wants a kite with more pull, 10 year old loves the Prism Jazz and the 7 year old has no issue with the HQ Symphony 1.4....so I am looking to size it for my 11 year old, but know the others will also want to try it.

I have not seen a lot of postings comparing the Sting 1.7 to the 2.4, do you have any recommendations?

Welcome! I would go 2.4 since you already have some kites that will work in strong wind. My daughter at 100#'s has no problem flying my 3 meter up to about 14ish winds. It all depends on the wind you will have when there. The 2.4 will provide more fun on the light / moderate wind days. Having said that, I haven't been to where your going and don't know what the average winds will be for that time of year.

I just noticed on flexifoil's site that the 2.5 rage is much less expensive than either of the stings. Might be a good option. I haven't flown either one so can't comment on how they compare power per meter. (whoops, just noticed the rage doesn't come with lines or handles)

Edit: I'd play it safe and buy both

2.4 is perfect size,


out of my quiver my two favorite play kites are the twin 2.6m Vipers.

Review of the Flexifoil Sting 1.7, 2.4 and 3.3 here:

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28471


Review of Flexifoil Sting 1.2, 1.7, and 2.4 (including pictures of comparative size here:

http://www.racekites.com/2006/05/1262/


Looking at the historical wind date for Hilton Head for the past few years, you are probably fine with the 2.4.

Make sure the breaks are dialed in before handing it off to the lil 'uns. I have had a couple of Stings come of the factory line with brake lines that were too long. Great kite, but stuff happens.

Not the end of the world, but it was a bit disconcerting the first time I realized the winds were picking up and the brakes just weren't there.

ATB,
Sam

Looks like I may have missed out....Amazon had the price at 129.99 today...but while waiting for feedback the price jumped. Any other suggestions for something close to this price range? How does the Peter Lynn Cross Quattro compare...its only about $36 more?

Dan

I've not flown a quattro, but would trust buying one. Here is a video review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ8ON4mMwqk

PKD Buster Soulfly is a very good price for a well made intro kite that will deliver good power.

Jeff aka BigKidKites is the rep' for north America.

I too recommend a 2.5 Rage if you can get one, even used is good. IF you decide to buggy down the road, its an awesome high wind buggy engine and a blast to fly static. Its more robust than the Sting, as an option it comes with handles that can take the pull on a buggy. Sting handles aren't rated for bugging, at least the 1.7 Sting that I have isn't very sturdy. My kids don't buggy but they grab my buggy kites instead of the Sting every time.

For the investment, you should think about kites that can be multi purpose IMHO even if you spend a few more bucks.

Just saw this:


Untitled by rtz549, on Flickr

Thanks everyone for the information. I reached out to Flexifoil and explained the price change situation. Their representative sent me the FLEX5000 code and told me that I could share it with others...I see RTZ beat me to posting it.

So I have a 2.4 on the way, thank you to everyone for your suggestions!

Dan