Hi all, my name is andrew, I'm from Charlotte, nc and I've been flying since I was 13 currently 34. Started out on a two line micron I flew till I did so many loops one day I burned through one of the lines. Stepped up to a delta something or other, 7 foot wingspan daul line kite and then purchased a revolution exp. I consider myself proficient at all of them and dont anticipate crashing a lot, with so many excellent options I really need help. I will be static flying near a lake with steady and moderate winds. I'm looking for some thing manuverable and reasonably quick. I am purchasing a revolution supersonic to satisfy my stunt/speed bug and a parafoil to have my arms pulled out of my sockets but dont want to get drug face first down the beach either. I am 220 lbs and 6 feet. My question is which kite is the best or are they all so good just pick the one I like the looks of? I'm afraid of getting something and getting bored with it since i have dual and quad line experience. Just not parafoil power kite experience. I'm leaning towards the hq toxic ii 3.0 meter.

welcome around
any are fine...tensors are really ugly
if you get bored just wait for more wind...than you can be scared

Given you know how to fly kites, understand the wind window and probably have decent line control, you enter the sport with a great advantage over typical power kite fliers (I say this because I flew dual line sport kites for 12 years before I picked up a power foil and I learned to power kite on a 8.5m Blade III - which was a foolish decision but my ability to understand the wind window and fly the lines as opposed to the kite, allowed me to progress on that kite and then buy smaller high wind kites as needed).

You comment nothing on the average winds you expect to fly so take this with a grain of salt... given your weight, you may be better with a 4-5 m kite if you really want some pull in winds that are 12-18mph. If you routinely fly in winds that are 15+, I'd think 3m.

I weigh 145#. I stepped down from a 8.5 to a 5.5 and then a 2.5. Did most of my flying on the 5.5 in winds from 10-15mph. You weigh 80#s more than me. I love my 2.5 on the beach with winds in the high teens. Great fun for scudding. But if its below 15 its just like flying a sport kite. If you want pull you may want to think bigger.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone but you will learn foils on handles really quickly if you can fly sport kites and revs.

Can you come to VA Beach?

I could come to va beach, as far as winds go I would say average winds are 12 to 15 mph.

I agree with B-Roc that you will probably pick this up fairly quickly based upon your previous flying experience. Likewise, I started with dual line stunt kites and foils.

You can tell from my signature what's in my quiver.

I weigh about 165#. I started with a Beamer V 4m. I don't fly it much anymore. Nothing wrong with it and it was a fine kite to learn on. It is slow and dependable. Not likely to surprise you.

I have a Toxic 3m. It's more fun to fly. It is faster and will generate more pull; however, in gusty winds you do have to watch out for bow ties. I used this kite recently at Ivanpah in the buggy.

I would recommend that you consider the Flexifoil Rage. Probably a 2.5m to start. You could go for a 3.5m because of your experience and weight, but starting out you wouldn't want to put it up in high winds and be in over your head first time out. I have a Rage 1.8m and 2.5m. I used both at Ivanpah. The Rage is probably a compromise between a Beamer and the Toxic. In terms of durability, I'd still give Flexifoil the edge. Especially because of the reinforcement on the trailing edge.

The other option is to find some experienced power kiters in your area and try their stuff first. Most are very willing to help. We've all been there and it's a niche sport.

Oh, eventually you'll need more than one power kite. Different sizes for different wind conditions and usage.

Good luck.

I just got a 3.1m Tensor. Really the only reason to get the Tensor over any of the others is the ability to convert it from bar to handles and back again. For me this was what I wanted because it does double duty as a trainer for traction sports on the bar or for static flying on the handles. If you're primarily flying static then the Tensor probably isn't worth it unless you get a really good deal on one.

I wouldn't get a Tensor or a Toxic. Tensor's just don't do well on resale because not too many people take them seriously IMHO. You may like it for a little while, but if/when you want to step up and go to sell it, you will have a very hard time. I had a Toxic for a very short period and found twitchy and unstable. It constantly luffed and frustrated me. I know that was primarily due to my inland wind conditions, so that may not be a problem for you in Charlotte being so close to the beach. But I'm of the opinion that they aren't that good to start out on.

I believe either Beamers or Hornets are great starter kites AND they are great to hold onto for a high wind machine or something to hand to a friend who wants to give it a try. A few others are good for starting out as well, I'd recommend reading the thread on "Before you ask what should I buy..." ... lemme see of I can find it and I'll share the linky.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28759#pid30...

Welcome to the fold and enjoy your Flying!!!

I would toss the Bullet 2.5 or 3.5 on your list if you can hunt one down. If you're only flying static, you will get bored with the Rage or Hornet I think. They're stable kites for pulling. The Bullet does double duty as a really fun kite to fly static, and will pull you if you end up getting wheels. I have the 1.8 Beamer, and that's pretty fun to fly, but I haven't tried the larger ones, so can't comment.

Va. Beach is my local fly spot . If you want to come and try out some foils hit me up on U2U,I have plenty to try, and a fair amount of knowledge .

Quote: Originally posted by WELDNGOD

Va. Beach is my local fly spot . If you want to come and try out some foils hit me up on U2U,I have plenty to try, and a fair amount of knowledge .

This is your best bet for sure!! Given your size (I am approx the same size as you) and given your average winds, you may find the 3 meter range a little less than spectacular. I could be wrong though. I started on a PL Twister II 5.6 but anything above 15 mph I found myself reaching for a smaller kite. I would recommend something in the 4-5 meter range personally as long as it is not a high aspect kite. You don't want something too lifty to start on.