Hi,

i need some advice on Hydra 2 350, which i just ordered and waiting for delivery.
I have noticed, that there are two versions of the 3rd line. First version is standard bridle and second version uses a 3rd line to kind of pull the rear of the kite together... I guess it may be easy to convert from one version to another, but the question is, which is better for me. I am a begginer, so far had a HQ Symphony 2.1 Trainer with bar. I also hope that this kite isn't too powerfull for me at aprox. 80kg...

Thanks for your help and advice. Boki

http://www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/showProduct/Kitesurfing/...

or

http://store.kittyhawk.com/HQ-Hydra-II-350-PowerTrainer-Kite...

I've got one and weigh less than you. I don't think you will be overpowered, though in enough wind any power kite can get out of hand. Chris from HQ posts here from time to time, maybe he will explain the bridle differences. It doesn't look like a big change to me.

It looks like with the Hydra II they have reduced the bridles to increase performance by reducing drag.

The 3rd line really only comes into play when reverse launching, backing down or going to safety. I suspect that the new bridle will work fine. I wouldn't pay any extra for it?

ALL kites become too powerful once you go past their rated wind speed. The 3.5 should be good into some pretty strong winds. Check the chart for rated winds.

Thanks Randy, that is very helpful. I just wanted a kite to have fun with and i am not looking for extreme power. I have second toughts about maybe getting a smaller 300 Hydra, which i could manage easier and i couldn't get into trouble. But 350 is ordered already, if it is "nice" enough i'll keep it. If i may get into trouble with it due to its size, i can still exchange it for a 300. You said it will be ok for me, so i guess i will give it a try, unless your advice is getting a smaller kite.

About the 3rd line - it seems "cleaner" when a line is drawn along the trailing edge of the kite with no bridling. Which is better, i don't know, but it sure looks simpler with one line only and i like it. We'll see when it arrives... :-)

thanks again, boki

Thank you Bladerunner

Wind Range (Bft.)

Hydra II 300
2-6
6-46 km/h
4-29 mph
3-25 Knots


Hydra II 350
2-5
6-34 km/h
4-21 mph
3-18 Knots

These are the specs for both sizes, there is 420 Hydra also, but i don't consider it, might be too big for a beginner. I actually decided on 350 becouse it is the middle size between 300 in 420. I don't have a clue if this is ok for me. Randy said it was ok for him and weighs less than me, but he may be more experienced than I am...
This may be a little odd question, but here it goes - do i need to wear a helmet? It may look silly (i may look silly, he he). I better ask now while the head is still in one piece :-)...
I intend to use the kite for flying it only from a standing position on the ground or shallow water... But really wouldn't want to be dragged or thrown around...

Quote:

This may be a little odd question, but here it goes - do i need to wear a helmet? It may look silly (i may look silly, he he). I better ask now while the head is still in one piece :-)...

I think that would be a really good idea. Add some knee/elbow protection too. You can't be too safe. I always put a helmet on when I'm in the buggy.

While you're getting used to the power of the kite and your local wind conditions, the helmet and pads may well save you a few bruises. Once you get comfortable with the kite and conditions, you can make more informed decisions about what you need or don't need to wear.

A larger kite in lighter wind tends to be slower and more forgiving. A smaller kite in high winds is much less so. Start off in gentle winds first and slowly work you're way up from there.

Boki,
What you are seeing in those videos (on both sites) are the original Hydra AND the Hydra II. The original was discontinued with the release of the second version. The only Hydra you can purchase from a store today is the Hydra II.

FYI - The square meter size of the H2 300 is 2.6m vs 3.4m for the H2 350. http://www.powerkites.de/Products/Kites/Trainer-Kites/Hydra-...

The larger size will fly a bit easier in lighter winds, but will pull harder when the wind picks up. If your desire is to simply static fly for fun, you might want to consider the 300, as it will be a bit more maneuverable.

Hope this helps. Feel free to email me directly - chris(at)hq-kites-usa.com

Thank you John and Chris. Very helpfull. I guess i will bring my cycling helmet .... about wind conditions , can't say, since i want to fly my kite at the seaside 600km away. I will first observe what others are doing and only later try it myself.... ;-). Boki

at least your semi close to the beach. I'm 1200km away from a beach

Hi. Again thanks everyone for your kind help. I spent quite a lot of time with my hydra 350 version 2 at the sea this summer and i have to report back, that this kite is AWESOME. It is easy to fly, inflates well, easy to relaunch. Generates quite a pull if you want to. The reverse launch can be mastered in a few hours. Yes it has its problems and can take water if draged trough the water, but the vents at the edges are super easy to use. Just let the water out, close and start all over. I had a great time with it and can highly recommend this kite, very well made and designed. I was a little surprised that it almost wants to go to zenith by itself, not quite but it has tendency to do so with some input from user. The 3rd lline system, which closes the trailing edge of the kite together performed great, no problems whatsoever, plus only one line is used, which avoids tangled lines. I am very impressed and i think i made a good choice, thanks to you guys also. Boki