i've tried to read everything that i can find about the 2.5ish sizes for these two. both sound like great kites.
static only, something zippy to keep it interesting, still want the workout pull, something between my 2 and 3m hornets.
or do i even need something between the 2? yesterday i had 18mph or so and only had a 1/2 hour, so i let the 3m beat me up. if i were going to fly for 1 1/2 hours or so, i'd have gone with the 2m.
would a middle-sized kite be overkill?
i see that the rage is credited with maneuverability. bigmikes skydog video is amazing.
which might be best? any others i should consider?
tom

for static, try finding a 2.6 viper used. Very zippy and will be a completely different flying experience than what you have.

i see "s" models, and apparently, "regular" models. what is the difference?

Quote: Originally posted by tomdiving

i see "s" models, and apparently, "regular" models. what is the difference?

not sure on this but i think the s model has thinner bridles for less drag. I had the s model so not sure how much difference that made.

Me personally; I'd have to get them both. Get one with plans to get the other later.

I like the half sizes as when I'm using the buggy and indecisive about using a 3m or 4m for the given wind conditions; I split the difference and go with a half size.

I haven't flown the current model Skydog; but definitely pick up a Rage if you can. It is great for static flying as it can be spun around like a propeller and does indeed fly very well and precise.

ill go the other way and say you don't need it and the next kite should be a 4/5...or larger
or think about a harness

have a hydra 420, scout 3, 4 and 5, and a harness that i've never used yet.
also an apex 8 that will rarely get used, if ever. my brother got into LEI's, so i'll have him show me the ropes with the 8 some day. it's eventual use will probably be in the snow.
used the 5m scout on snowblades once. that was more fun than any one person should be allowed to have.
the hydra is quite a handful for static. i like the zip of the scout 3. have not opened the 4m bag yet but assume that it would be a tremendous pull that would take me from static to running around like an idiot. not that i'm against that...
tom

I have the 2.6 Viper S. I've never flown a none S. So I can't tell you the difference. I once posed that very question on here and nobody had a real answer.
It's a great kite. Very fast, very stable, it'll do anything you ask of it. You can literally park it anywhere in the window you want. Loads of fun static. Also makes an excellent buggy kite. My personal favorite in the buggy on really windy days.
I'd tend to agree with Abkayak. A 4-5m static is good fun and a real workout.

For your entertainment. My static flying a 15m Peter Lynn Phantom II

https://youtu.be/OFoxslkTTeQ

found and ordered a 2.6 viper. no "s" was listed.
if I ever get on my landboard, this should be the ticket.
4-5m static, my 149 pounds, that would make for a very entertaining video. and obituary.
tom

Just last weekend my 120lbs. 15yr old was static flying my 5m Beamer. Granted I'm 315lbs. But I was static flying a 6.0m PKD Century. Last SOBB my son also static flew a 7.0m Flux. It's not as bad as it might seem. You just have to be mindful of the wind. I enjoy the little kites but when the wind is nothing more then a gentle breeze. I really love putting one of those big guys in the air. Everything happens in slow motion. That's just my speed. Haha!

well, then, I guess it's time to stop being a sissy. I shall give it a go with easy wind and big sail.
wish I still had health insurance.
tom

Gratz on the Viper. I think you're really going to like it. The first time I flew one was at SOBB it belonged to Sand Flea. I was just learning to buggy with FB's the wind was 25-28mph. I had my 2.0m legend and was doing ok but struggling. I pulled up to the group ready to get out of the buggy when he says let me see that kite. So I give him the handles. He says to me to stay in the buggy. He lands my legend and launches his 2.6m Viper S. Gives me the handles and says go try this. So I took off and....well I don't think I came back for at least a good hour haha. It was simply amazing the difference. That was my last day at SOBB. The next day I got online and bought a 2.6m Viper S. You won't be disappointed in that one.

That very session I just told you about. https://youtu.be/s0sNqQuarLs

watched that video, and a couple of others about an hour ago while searching for viper info!
boy oh boy, that sure looks like fun.
tom

Apparently the bridle material is the only difference between the Viper and the S model: http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=21611

rtz - also ordered a 2.5 rage that is still on sale at amazon. thanks for adding that link in another post.
if this keeps up, i'm going to have to rob a bank or something.
tom

It has only just begun Tom!!!!
:evil: