Hey everyone I'm just starting to look into this hobby/sport. I noticed no one is thrilled with the Prism kites. I have a chance to get a P1, 2, 3, or 4 for free. Are they that bad compared to the rest that it wouldn't be worth it to get the free kite and convert it to a quad line set-up? All so what would I need and about how much will it cost to convert to the quad-line set up?

From what I've read I thought they came with everything you needed for 4-line setup.?. If not, then you'd need to get lines for a 4-line kite and handles, read the directions that prism provides for the 4 line setup, and learn how to fly on handles as oppose to 2line straps or what have you.

Say you got a p4 for free, I don't see how it's considered money lost. I haven't flown them, however, from what I've read (like yourself) the pull that the kites generate is not nearly equal to that of other vendors. Would it be a good kite to learn how to control a 4 line kite on? Quiet possibly since it doesn't generate the pull like the others, so you don't have to worry about getting dragged on your face or lifted in the air unexpectedly while learning. In that respect, the "freeness" isn't a bad thing. If you think you're going to be pulled across the beaches, etc. then you may be a bit disappointed though.

Also remember, that if you get something like say the p4...do not think that another 4m kite will pull just as little. With that said, I can see how people may purchase a p4 and think, wow...this is easy and has little or no pull..then turn around and buy a second kite that is much larger thinking that's what they need to get buggying, scudding, boarding or whatever. Not so... any of the flexi, hq, ozone, radsail, etc. kites will get you moving in the 4m range and even lift you on occassion..so don't be decieved.

I believe kiteboarder2b bought a prism or was it ballistic...if he doesn't chime in, you may want to u2u him about the kite.
~Joe

ps. at the end of this month, me and two other guys are headed over to dewey..if you're interested let me know and you can try out some of my kites.

Where or what is Dewey? Thanks for all the info. If you are wondering about the kite being free it is because I had a Cabela's credit card that I am no longer using and I need to burn the Cabela's cash I have earned. I've really only flown cheap two line stunt kite before, but have always had a ton of fun with them. Plus it helped that they were only like $15. Then when I was turning the pages in my Cabela's catalog and saw these big kites I just had to look into them and that is how I ended up here.
-Brian

Dewey Beach, DE. I would imagine it shouldn't be too far of a hike for you since you're in NJ, depending on where in NJ you are that is.

What I gather is that the prism foils, or p1, p2, p3, p4 series is just like what you've flown, only in foil form. So it could be fun and fun learning to fly something 4 line as well. But it gets "funner" when you get dragged about and lifted ..haha.
~Joe

I'll have to think about that trip, it's a bit far from me. I'm up near Philly.

I was going to buy a P4 - my Prism dual line kites are great and I am sure a P4 will drag you about. If you can't spend $200 on anything else at Cabela's a P4 would be a great starter.

It comes with 100' of 300# spectra lines so you would have to buy a set of handles and a pair of 100' - 150# spectra lines cost $55-75

The more I look into it the P4 doesn't seem like the the best deal. I've been looking at the HQ Beamer III 4.0. It come complete with everything you need to start up (ground stake, pack, exc.)

The Beamer III......Better choice, by far.

Quote:

Originally posted by code Also remember, that if you get something like say the p4...do not think that another 4m kite will pull just as little. With that said, I can see how people may purchase a p4 and think, wow...this is easy and has little or no pull..then turn around and buy a second kite that is much larger thinking that's what they need to get buggying, scudding, boarding or whatever. Not so... any of the flexi, hq, ozone, radsail, etc. kites will get you moving in the 4m range and even lift you on occassion..so don't be decieved.

I made the mistake of thinking, "ahh... a 4m is a 4m"

It was a painfull, and embarresing lesson to learn.

Unless you don't plan to get hooked on the idea of a little pull, (which the P4 is just enough to do, and , from what I've seen as inevidable) make sure that you understand:

The Stylus is a "power" kite and not a "traction" kite.

Pease, don't be confused.
The P4 WILL NOT prepare you for serious traction kiting, wether you plan to fly static, or board/buggy, don't let your "next kite" catch you off gaurd!

I hope this helps,

Rob