gah it seems my ramble didnt post and time is running out

5'11 75 kg, static flyer, mainly inland few beach trips, experience of 2 line stunt kite - flying wings beatle.

looking for end user feedback / comparison of PL hype 1.6 / 1.9 to PL uniq play 1.5

Interested in 4 lines / tricks with 2 line foils but never flown a foil. Looking for fast and fun rather than pulled along on anything, foil appeals as less bits to break and easier to transport than 10 yr ols stunt kite. Worried might be wasting money on a 2 line foil, not sure i need bars or a trainer but struggling to justify increased cost jump ior 2 line to 4 line.

Hoping to be steered in to a purchase decision.

Uniq play flies less wide and is slower than the hypes? - less risk of blowing a cell but less "fun", "fast", "zen" etc?

Noted shorter lines on PL kites than HQ Symphony pro range also

Another option... https://flysurfer.com/project/peak-trainer/

I have several dual line foils. Prism Snapshot 1.2 & 1.4, HQ Symphony Pro Edge 1.3, 1.8, 2.2, & 2.5, HQ Symphony Speed 2.0, and PL Vibe II 2.6 (which is an older version of the Hype). I don't have a single skin foil, so I can't comment on how it compares to the typical twin skin foil; however, I believe the primary advantage of the single skin is crash durability, as you have indicated.

I find the PL Vibe II to be a slower flying kite compared to the HQ Symphony Pro Edge. The PL kite is made of heavier material and requires more wind vice a comparable sized Symphony. The PL lines are much shorter which is usually a disadvantage unless you have to fly on a small field.

I use the dual line foils to teach newbies. My wife and nephew still fly them. I usually only fly them when the wind is too strong to fly one of my quad line power kites. My Symphony Pros have been crashed hard by newbies and so far have not had any issues with blown cells.

I usually recommend the HQ Symphony Pro Edge 1.8 or/and 2.5. Ideally get both, the 1.8 for high wind and the 2.5 for lighter wind.

Quad line foils have the advantage of being able to land in a more controlled manner, which is better if you are flying alone. The brake lines provide an additional element of control allowing you to trim the kite for power, perform reverse launch if the kite is upside down, execute propeller spins, fly backwards, etc. Once you start flying quad line you won't be flying the dual line foils much. Obviously the initial cost of a quad line will be higher. The standard recommendation for a starter quad line is usually a low aspect ratio 3m (something like HQ Beamer, PL Hornet, or Flexifoil Rage 2.5m).

The best thing is to find a more experienced flyer in your area who is willing to let you try some of their equipment before you buy your own.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for your input & sorry for the delay in replying, I went with the PM Hype 1.9 in the end, so far it has travelled more horizontally on day trips out with us than vertically though! Had a largely unsuccessful hour or so with it in gusty conditions once I could found some room away from people, the location (Willen Lake, Milton Keynes) probably wasn't the best though as the field was bowl shaped with trees around the edges. Need to find a good spot more locally.

Inland flying can be a challenge. Finding a good location is important. Large open flat field without surrounding obstructions or hazards is best. An un-crowded location is always preferable as safety of others should be your primary concern.

With a dual line foil of that size you are probably going to want/need 10 mph wind speed initially. As your skills and experience with the kite improve you may be able to fly in less; however, you will have to work the kite more.

If you have a helper, that will make launch and retrieval easier.

If you are flying alone things can be a little harder. For launch you may need to weigh down the trailing edge with something like a water bottle or bag of sand/rocks. Landing and retrieval in high wind can be problematic. Land at the edge of the window and position the kite leading edge into the ground. Reposition yourself so the kite is more centered in the window (i.e. powered into the ground). Use a kite stake on the handles. Then you can walk to the kite, fold it, and weigh it down or put it back into its bag. (Quad line kites have an advantage in this scenario as they can be landed using the brake lines, staked, and the brake tension will keep them grounded.)

Hopefully you'll be able to find a experienced flyer in your area that can help you along.

Cheers