Hi I am looking at getting back into the Power Kite scene in the UK. We have had Flexifoil kites before so I am looking to purchase some of these.

I had a Blade III 4.9 some years ago and it was awesome. I definitely want another Blade, and will be looking at the second hand market. So my question after (goolgling furiously without any joy) is what are the differences between the Blade I, II, III, IV, V ..........?

Secondly, I am also wanting a stacker or 2.
I have had the 10ft before which was awesome, but I am wanting my young lad to have a go too. He is 5ft, and 70kg.
I dont want to throw him in at the 10ft end, so wondered how much difference in pull there was between the 6, 8 and 10 varieties??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Quote: Originally posted by Myv8growler

Secondly, I am also wanting a stacker or 2. I have had the 10ft before which was awesome, but I am wanting my young lad to have a go too. He is 5ft, and 70kg. I dont want to throw him in at the 10ft end, so wondered how much difference in pull there was between the 6, 8 and 10 varieties??

Compare the relative pulling power of the Flexifoil Stackers:

2 x Stacker 6 = 1 x Proteam 8
3 x Stacker 6 = 1 x Super 10

ATB,
Sam

Great thanks
Should have figured out an 8 ft is equivalent to 2/3 of a10ft from all the reading I have done.

So next question, is it worth paying less for a blade I, over getting a blade III or IV?
Will I notice any difference?!?

Ok, found a cheap series 1 blade 4.9
Anyone flown one recently?
Any different to the series 2,3, or newer?

I'm no expert....I just fly the snot out of things....Those that know me can back me up here.....

If going for a blade....I would stay away from the I & II series.....especially since you can still find great deals on the newer model kites. These models had really pointy tips and they would love to fold in an any lull or wind change. The kite would then bow-tie which lead to many curse words, as you knew you were never going to get it undone unless you re-staked, walked and got it out.
When I picked up my first III series this is when I noticed a considerable difference in the way they performed. I have logged a ton of hours flying these and I can't really say I would notice a difference in the III , IV, or V....like I said I just pull them out of the bag, get in the buggy or static and just smile. If I was racing or fine tuning then I might notice some difference.

I hope that helps a bit. I did read you wanted to share with your young lad and I would like to stress that these kites are no joke...they can seriously hurt you, (very lifty) so you may want to ask some others if the stackers are a bit more friendly in that dept.

Thanks for your advice.
The only blade I have flown was a blade3 that we enjoyed and took buggying.
I have decided against the blade 1, and purchased an 8 an 10 stacker for my son and myself.
We will look to moving up to a decent blade 3 or above after some basics.
Regards.

Quote: Originally posted by BEC

I'm no expert....I just fly the snot out of things....Those that know me can back me up here..... If going for a blade....I would stay away from the I & II series.....especially since you can still find great deals on the newer model kites. These models had really pointy tips and they would love to fold in an any lull or wind change. The kite would then bow-tie which lead to many curse words, as you knew you were never going to get it undone unless you re-staked, walked and got it out. When I picked up my first III series this is when I noticed a considerable difference in the way they performed. I have logged a ton of hours flying these and I can't really say I would notice a difference in the III , IV, or V....like I said I just pull them out of the bag, get in the buggy or static and just smile. If I was racing or fine tuning then I might notice some difference. I hope that helps a bit. I did read you wanted to share with your young lad and I would like to stress that these kites are no joke...they can seriously hurt you, (very lifty) so you may want to ask some others if the stackers are a bit more friendly in that dept. And Bruce has dibs! Flying the snot out of them is an ,,UNDERSTATEMENT,

I believe the Blade IV and V have AoA adjuster(Angle of Attack adjuster) on bridal to adjust lifty-ness/ grunt of kite.

These later used models are therefore usually sold for a bit more for that included feature, as well as just being a newer model.

You CAN buy an AoA adjuster kit to put on all Blade III's if you like this control option.