I started flying power kites about a month ago (only static) and was thing about starting buggying maybe bikeing. I want recommendations on a kite and set up. I was planing on making my own buggy on bike.

When I started kiting I was having so many ideas about making my own buggy ..... but thankfully I found cheap buggy .... Now I know that all those ideas would drain more money and time then expected and I would end up buying buggy anyways .... but ..... there is some videos and instructions on how to make your own buggy if you want to go that way ,,,,,

I've made a couple of home brew buggies - one was just downright dangerous and the other is actually pretty good - but I could have picked up a s/h Peter Lynn for much less dollars and effort than building one myself. Popeyethewelder's site will give you nearly everything you need for making a buggy. I recently did a 'how to - kite buggying' vid in the kite buggy section that may be of help. Any low aspect kite 3 - 4m would be pretty good for learning on. Personally, I think the Nasa Star 3's from Born-Kite are the easiest and most forgiving kite to buggy with.

Thank you for the advice on the buggy what kite and bar/handles should I use when buggying i will also do some static flying with it

If you go with a foil you'll likely get handles with it. If you go with a Nasa Star then get the three line bar that's made for it (and a harness will make life a lot easier too).

If static flying was going to be a large part of what you do then I think a foil/handles is more versatile and fun. Whereas the Nasa Stars are just so darn easy to cruise with in the buggy. You're gonna end up with more than one kite anyway :D

Any particular kite I am thinking of going with a parafoil

The differences in most of the leading brand low aspect kites are pretty subtle - most are quite good. HQ Beamer, Zebra Z1, Buster Soulfly, Ozone Imp, Flow, Octane, Flexifoil Sting or Rage. Peter Lynn Hornet. All good quality kites that are well respected and will last you many years.

What kind and sizes of power kites do you already fly? Where are you located?
There might be some of us near you to provide pointers and allow you to try different gear.

I live in the Bay Area in Northern California and have a 1.9 meter kite I have flown in a wide range of winds

Be aware that no single kite will do it all. When purchasing think about building a set of kites to handle all winds.

The tried and true method is to buy a quality built 4 line fixed bridle around 3 meters in size. This kite will stick with you and become your high wind buggy engine. While mastering the 3m you can think about what size is going to compliment it for your locations.

Please notice how many people are telling you to think twice about going straight into a home build. I am not saying never build one but that they are a labour of Love. Better to buy and ride. Then you can always Mod' a manufactured model to make it your own.

You should look into the IBX event happening soon. It would be a HUGE boost to your progression at the perfect time. Good deals can usually be found on gear there as well.

So when I buy a buggy what should I look for.

Quote: Originally posted by Bobsleepzzz

So when I buy a buggy what should I look for.

Sort of a loaded question in this crowd! :karate:

Are you more of a "buy used" or "buy new"? Sort of guy? I know this all started with a "build it myself" theme. Buying used is equal parts art form, brute determination, and sorcery. Just plain hard to come by. I have bought two buggies and sold one on this forum so it's not impossible, just hard. If you want to go the used route then I'd suggest keeping your eyes peeled to the For Sale section of PKF. I'd also suggest posting something in the Wanted section. Sometimes there are folks just getting around to sell and can be bumped off the log so to speak with a nice Wanted posting.

Peter Lynn is coming out with a new model that by its pictures looks to be of good quality. Lots of folks on PKF have Libre buggies and seem to like them. I started with a PL Folding buggy but sold it again as it was too small for my tastes. I bought a PL BigFoot+ off of eBay but that was just plain lucky! I'm in the process as I write this of getting Van Nguyen to make me a VTT upgrade kit that replaces the seat and side rails, making the buggy longer and with a seat that I'll be "in" as compared to "on".

Then there is the matter of wheels. BigFoots (best for sand and grass) or more narrow wheels (best for hard pack like the playa). Tons of options.... Good luck!

One other thing: If you come to IBX next month I will have a second buggy with me. I'll be there Tuesday - Thursday, 3/29-3/31. Talk sweet to me and I just might sell it....

I've heard hundreds of times that you will learn more in a few days at Ivanpah than you will learn in a year riding at home. We would love to have you join us at IBX. Also you will have almost every buggy made sitting around for you to check out and have a seat in. Most will have no problem letting you take one for a test run.

I think it would help to know what kind of a budget you have and what type of location are you thinking you will use.

As Bob points out, visiting IBX will be a big advantage in making the choice for your own style / needs. Nothing beats seeing all your options in one place .

In the end we all end up looking for something that will suit us and our own personal situations.

If money is an issue shop the for sale sections and look for used Libre, Flexifoil and Peter Lynn buggies. All 3 can be modified to your taste or sold at little loss to fund your home build. Shipping can be the deal killer. Another reason to check out IBX or at least looking local 1st.

Thank you for all the advice it is time to try to find a kite and buggy :d:D

Quote: Originally posted by Bobsleepzzz

Thank you for all the advice it is time to try to find a kite and buggy :d:D

Take the time to ask opinions on here BEFORE putting out money on a kite or buggy. All too often good deals come with a catch. None of us want you to repeat mistakes that we have already made.

Try to make it to a buggy event. Others there will have extra kites, extra buggies too. You will be a natural after spending a week or so in that kind of environment where you can learn from experienced riders and get that instant feedback. Lots of guys also have that old 3m kite that they keep in their quiver that wouldn't mind you bashing around a bit to learn.

IBX and kitebikes FTW.