What a dilemma! My kite connection was demo'ing a 5m Flow over the winter, but I never had the chance to try it out, so I contacted him recently about getting in a flight, maybe with the option to buy it. I got a reply that he has a slightly used 4m Access for sale, but didn't mention the Flow. (I told him I'm looking for something between the 3.5m Imp, and the 8m Access.) Do ya think the 4m Access will move me any better than the 3.5m Imp already does? Any advice will be appreciated. B:puzzled:

I'd go for a 6m Access over the 4m. Especially since you already have the 3.5m. The 4m will need lots of wind to get you moving so if you're main concern is a kite for landboarding in 20 mph winds then the 4m might be a good bet but otherwise I'd go bigger.

I haven't flown the Flow but it looks like a nice kite. Probably a very nice option as well as long as you like to langboard with fixed bridle kites.

Since I'm new to both kiting and boarding, (both land and snow) I'm not too sure what I really need. My experience is this, started with the 3.5 Imp trainer last April, I've flown at least a couple times a month since, got some pull out of it on Chaumont Bay this past winter in smooth 20 mph wind, alas,my board skill needs much work to hold an edge on the slick surface. Tried to use it in similar wind but deep (thigh to waist) pow, couldn't rise to surface, managed many face plants! Picked up the 8m Access in Feb., managed to get moving some on the snowboard with it, but conditions failed before I had enough. Been out with the mtnboard a couple of times with the kites, but gusty conditions kept me from getting on the board with the 8m in the air (healthy fear?) and I found the 3m a bit lacking in steady pull. (or trying to concentrate on the kite and the board at the same time is beyond me right now!) Should I save my pennies for a while longer and just order a new Flow, or wait for a 6m Access?

What kind of surface are you landboarding on? Gusty winds and a softer surface like a field are pretty difficult conditions to learn on so don't get discouraged. Personally I prefer to fly my depower kites on the landboard. I like riding hooked in and like have the depower there for the gusty winds. If I fly inland though and the winds are really up and down the depowers can be even more of a challenge to keep in the air than a FB kite on handles.

With the 8m Access and the 3.5 Imp you already have a couple of good kites to learn on. I do think that either a slighly smaller depower kite or a slightly larger FB might help you out. It might come down to which style kite you're more comfortable with, so that you can focus more on the board and less on flying the kite.

Where are you flying? What kind of wind speeds do you typically see in your area?

Thanks for the input, right now mostly on opn field, bumpy and rough right now, soon to be overgrown. This is inland, but with a great opn exposure to the WSW, which is pretty much the prevailing direction here. ( I try to get out whenever I can feel a breeze on my face and I have an extra hour. My local field is just 1/2 mi. away.):bigok: Going to check out state park on shore of L.Ontario this wkend. It doesn't have much for beach, but has a large opn grassy area for tent camping, and is little used at this time, also has sandy overflow parking area that might be useable. If the winds are steadier, the 3.5 might work just fine. Can't wait!

kiteNH is right

- sounds like you're off to a good foil start with an Imp 3.5 and Access 8m. What model Access? Does it have a depower strap, or is it the old model with knots on the depower line requiring ground adjustment (If so, add a strap).

krumly

8m Access II w/strap. 07 model bought new this year, so great deal! Turns out the 5m Flow is not for sale at this time, but slightly used 4m Access (last yr. model, great price!) is so I will prbly go for that, anyone w/exp. on this kite? If nothing else, a great high winder for the snow season! Today's winds don't look so good, but if a fly sneezes!!! B.

The 4m access is a high wind kite... not a lot of pull. If your winds are routinely over 20mph and gusty, then it is a great kite... it is pretty tame.

Dont wanna burst your bubble, but dont want you to get a kite that wont work for you, either.

There are lots of options, and it is a buyers market at the moment.

I am seriously considering selling my fixed bridles off... except the Blade and the 9m century. Take a look at my signature, and see if anything appeals to you. Seems like you might really like the Rage kites. They are similar to the Flow.

Thanks for that info, there were times this past winter on the Tug Hill that were gusty enough to warrant that kite, but I can understand not rushing into anything ATT. This will def. be a try before I buy (I could prob. have tried it on most days I was out this past winter) Landboarding in mostly pasture, but hopefully some mowed areas now, need to practice! I will also try the Flow and maybe will just hold out for one of those, or how's that 4.7m Rage fly? B.