Ok, Beamer is out. Between the Core and the twister, which will be the most fun to fly static? Which will have the most potential to grown into other areas of kite sports?

can't help you there since I haven't flown the core.

Ok. Stay with me here folks! I had an offer for a 2016 Flexifoil Rage 3.5. Between the PL Core 3m, PL Twister 3m, and Rage 3.5, what is your pick for a biggish guy, light winds, and ambitious but a total newb?

I'd choose the Rage out of that group but I also would have chosen the Beamer out of your previous group.. Fast through the air isn't everything. A High aspect ratio has a tendency to overfly the window and just collapse..

My Current Avatar is a Flexifoil Bullet 4.5 flying static and very light wind.
Plenty of speed and a ton of pull.

I love my Flexifoil Rage - although I've only flown the 4.7 meter and not the 3.5. Considering your mass and winds, I also vote for the Rage.

I fly it static in reasonable winds and it pulls PLENTY hard at 5 - 6 mph and above. The 3.5 should be completely manageable. If it isn't your cup of tea after you get it, I'll trade you my recently acquired (3 weeks and 2 flights ago) 3.0M Beamer for it! I'd love a quiver of Flexi's.

See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Cdp9ybCYdo&feature=yout...

Frank

My vote:
HQ Rush Pro 2.5 (2 sq. meters)
3 line = easy relaunch
Bar = easy training experience
Size = good balance of control and power
If your winds are lighter try the 3.5 (3.5 sq. meters)

YMMV

Just to confuse things I vote 3m Beamer can't go wrong w/ it...
Get the one of others next...like in 3 weeks

I would go for the Rage if the price is right! Can't go wrong with Flexifoil and if you don't like it people will line up to buy that kite!

As mentioned Core is a good all round kite.

I worry about the Twisters. Not as much for you but for sharing. Especially with kids!

This may seem confusing: Small kites fly early because they are light and fast. You can force them to fly early but they don't generate power until the wind picks up. Around 3 m that starts to change. The overall weight of the kite and it's size slow it down. At around 4m it gets to be a real struggle to force the kite to fly and turn fast enough to generate the Apparent Wind needed to force it to fly. Larger kites don't actually all fly earlier than small ones. They generate power earlier and overpower you earlier.

We use larger kites because we need engine type power out of the kites to get us moving. We don't want a kite so much as a sail. Flying a big kite in low wind isn't any fun unless you have a huge location to ride. You don't really have a need for anything bigger than 3.5 trust me! It will scare you like a knife! Heck, Flexifoil makes a Blade! When you get addicted and want to get riding something. THAT is when you want to think about a larger kite.

+1 on the Flexi Rage 3.5m! Flexi quality is top notch

Perfect for static flying and enough kite to get you moving if you ever plan on progressing onto a buggy/landboard in the future.

I bought a 3.5m Rage not too long ago, and with our low winds it is the ideal kite! With the 3.5 you get that perfect range between the 2.5 and 4.7 Rage's. Not too slow, not too quick through the window! With enough pull to get you scudding at ≈ 6 mph+

OK. I'm in for the win with the Flexifoil Rage 3.5m! Thanks to everyone for their thoughtful advice and recommendations!

Quote:

If it isn't your cup of tea after you get it, I'll trade you my recently acquired (3 weeks and 2 flights ago) 3.0M Beamer for it! I'd love a quiver of Flexi's.

Thanks, Frank! I'll track you down if that ends up being the case.

Quote:

This may seem confusing: Small kites fly early because they are light and fast. You can force them to fly early but they don't generate power until the wind picks up. Around 3 m that starts to change. The overall weight of the kite and it's size slow it down. At around 4m it gets to be a real struggle to force the kite to fly and turn fast enough to generate the Apparent Wind needed to force it to fly. Larger kites don't actually all fly earlier than small ones. They generate power earlier and overpower you earlier.

Not confusing at all, Bladerunner, that was a great explanation. Thanks.

Quote:

Perfect for static flying and enough kite to get you moving if you ever plan on progressing onto a buggy/landboard in the future. I bought a 3.5m Rage not too long ago, and with our low winds it is the ideal kite! With the 3.5 you get that perfect range between the 2.5 and 4.7 Rage's. Not too slow, not too quick through the window! With enough pull to get you scudding at ≈ 6 mph+

IFlyKites: This sounds like exactly what I am looking for!

Once I receive the kite and have a chance to get some time with it, I will report back with some initial impressions. Thanks again for all the help, folks. Ya'll have been generous, welcoming, and an awesome introduction to the kite sports community! Cheers!

Good decision! I doubt you'll regret it. Flexifoils are well made kites, and the size seems ideal for your circumstances. Let us know how it goes once you've had it in the air a few times.

Frank

Now the fun begins!

Be ready to get scared ! It will start the day you get the kite and open it up. It will appear HUGE. When you 1st get it out in decent winds you will think it pulls like a truck.

Sooner than you think you will master control and take the kite into higher and higher winds. At some point it will leave you wanting to try something bigger if you get hooked and want to get moving. If not you will have all the kite you need for free flying fun!