Which do you think is a safer/better static kite? I'm leaning toward the 4.9 just because it seems more manageable, unless someone can point out that the 6.5 is the way to go for lower wind flying.

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Originally posted by SandMan2 Which do you think is a safer/better static kite? I'm leaning toward the 4.9 just because it seems more manageable, unless someone can point out that the 6.5 is the way to go for lower wind flying.

This is not an edited photo. (You can get the full size version by clicking the link in my sig.) We had both kites in the air and pulled them close for the photo. I thought it might help to see the two in perspective. The 4.9 will turn sharper than the 6.5. This is no slight on the 6.5. Each kite will pivot around the power line you are turning around or maybe even a little tighter than that. The 6.5 is just more kite to spin around. I've been over 10 feet high with the 6.5. Both kites are a dream to fly. I was able to spin the kite to untwist lines while buggying with the 6.5. I could just pull the kite up high and spin it fast as I was approaching a turnaround point in the buggy. It always does exactly what you tell it to do. Your choice will come down to what other kites you have now, how much you weigh and what winds are common for you.

To answer your question about low wind flying, the 6.5 will stay in the sky with some work on your part down to 3.6 mph. At 5-6 mph, you can drive it right through the power zone and just play with it. Over 12 mph and you can come off the ground every time you want to. Over 16 you will come off the ground some when you didn't intend to. I don't have this much detail on the 4.9, so maybe others can fill in the details on it.

yep, your weight and winds will be your determining factors. Ive owned/flown both and the 6.5 is my fav of the two. Add about 5mph to Bobs numbers for the 4.9. Your jumping on the 6.5 in 12, about 16/17mph the 4.9 comes alive for jumping. 4.9 turns a little faster but not by much. Top end on the 4.9 is around 23/24/25, the 6.5 18/19 mph. Safety is all on you and knowing when to hold um and fold um. Dont forget a lid and pads................

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Originally posted by tridude Top end on the 4.9 is around 23/24/25, the 6.5 18/19 mph.

Lemme just say I don't doubt for a minute that Tridude would take the 6.5 out in 19 mph, but I tried it and it was like grabbing a tiger by the tail. It might be more feasible for me if I was able to manhandle a landboard with it, but a gusty 18 was too much for me early in my blade days. In defense, I did realize later that it was set on the high lift setting. It would be at least a little more manageable in the low lift setting. I might try it again if I can catch a nice smooth high teens wind.

Yesterday it was 14 gusting to 21 and it went up and so did I! So did the 8m P3...................

I have taken out my 4.9 in high winds and in low lift settings (high grunt), it pulled me in the low power zone of the wind window. Blade IVs are great kites but they need to be respected.

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Originally posted by BeamerBob Lemme just say I don't doubt for a minute that Tridude would take the 6.5 out in 19 mph, but I tried it and it was like grabbing a tiger by the tail. It might be more feasible for me if I was able to manhandle a landboard with it, but a gusty 18 was too much for me early in my blade days. In defense, I did realize later that it was set on the high lift setting. It would be at least a little more manageable in the low lift setting. I might try it again if I can catch a nice smooth high teens wind.