Hello all, name's Drew.
Between me and the old man we probably have a dozen or so stunt kites, and have been flying for the past 6 or so years. Ive flown in about all types of wind and weather over the years, and want to step it up. Ive been toying around with getting a traction kite for some time, and with a tax return in hand, im goin for it.

I was looking at a 5m beamer that a local dealer sells, but ive read its not a very 'lifty' kite, and jumping is something i really want to do. Im about 220 and 6'2", so i need something with some guts. Here in western nebraska an average day is 10-20 mph winds, so i figured the 5m beamer would work well. I wanted to stay in that price range, $300 and change will be my most spendy kite as is. Under 500, is where i want to be.

If you could point me in a different direction, if needed, that'd be great. Thanks in advance!!

Check out the 5.0 Scout from HQ. It has more lift than the Beamer and is designed for landboarders. Great kite for an excellent price.

We have them in stock for $430.00 complete, ready to fly. Perfect for your budget. This kite also qualifies for free ground shipping (US destinations only).

Consider also the Twister from Peter Lynn. Designed as a Lifty kite, perfect for landboarding and available complete on handles or control bar. Also in your budget in the 5.6m size. They are shipping now as the Twister II with some refinements for the same price

Scout is good choice to9o, of course.

If I was in the market for a first traction kite then I'd be taking a look at the Ozone Flow. However I don't know if it has very much lift and I've never flown one. For jumping I'd expect people to be suggesting higher aspect kites more like the Flexifoil Blade IV or HQ Crossfire.

Also, I don't see that you mentioned landboarding anywhere and I'd think that if you are going to be flying static and coming from a stunt kite background that a kite on handles might be preferable to a bar.

Yeah I somehow read landboarding into that without paying attention. The Crossfire II from HQ is a great, versatile recreational kite with a lot of lift. You can turn down the lift with a ground-adjustable bridle but the kite will require some skill to fly right. Crossfires are recommended for handles only.

The Legendary Blades from Flexifoil have recently become more affordable but. They are a very aggressive kite that must be flown with care (very lifty and punchy) but are a real thrill.

I am going to add my 2 cents here as well. First every response here is valuable, they all have a HUGE amount of experience. I had a beamer when I first started 3.5 tsr to be exact (I am 6'4" and 230). It has a good deal of grunt and will lift if pushed the right way the nice aspect of this one is it won't lift unexpectedly. It would be my suggestion as a first power kite. Yes you will out grow it in a few months, it isn't a very expensive kite but is still a good performer. I have watched a guy here with a lot of stunt kite experience play for an afternoon and then go out and buy a blade. A week later show up in a cast on his leg and wrist from a miscalculation. The blade is unforgiving, it punishes mistakes. I would suggest that a smaller size lower power kite would get you going with out as much risk of the dread season ending accident. I'd say the beamer or scout, or flow. would be a great kite. I figure that up to a 4m but not bigger.
Alex

yeah its a big jump up from stunters to power kites! there's a bit more to learn, and if you and your old man think at all like you might me doing the power kite thing for a while, then you really should go for something smaller to learn on then something bigger to jump on.

if I were to start all over again, I'd get an ozone flow either 3-4 meters, then go for something like a big old crossfire from HQ or a biggish twister from PL, both kites sometimes available used for not too much. The flow has been jumped on -- give it enough wind and it will do the trick, but it's more of a crazy wind wind kite for later.

You don't want to get locked into anything too big as your only kite -- puts you in harms way when the wind picks up and you've got nothing smaller to change down to...

First off... WELCOME to PKF...

Powerkiting is like a road trip with no end, you cant just be there when you start you have to travel to where you want to go over time and to do it safe you start with a beginner kite and work your way up... with your weight and background, I'd expect a 5m is a lil large but doable... and it's defiantly something you'll use for a long time even if you have a 15 kite quiver... so you should take your time and plan your trip...

You've come to the right place and a lot of great advice to be had here by a bunch of great people that want you around for a long time...

"Plan your trip" you will not be disappointed one bit...

a 5m Beamer (or any of these beginner kites) is a full blown beast in the right winds and could give plenty of lift given the right piloting... get to that point and you'll kill an advanced kite when you get one...

If you can find any one in your area that flies then hook up with them and try different kites out before you buy, the ultimate way to start out... Maybe the shop you went to can get you on a demo, if they do that... Where you from?

Good luck, and fly safe...

thanks for the input guys.... right after i posted this i did some more digging around the forums and stumbled upon the twister. (thanks for the reco)
anyway got on the phone with the kite shop and talked some kites, and went with the twister 2, 5.6....

BTW acampbell, did i buy that from you, lol!?! i was just checking my email and if i didnt, there is a HUGE coincidence in names goin on here.:puzzled:

thanks again for the input, i'll put some pics up when i get the chance

Acampbell is "Coastal Wind Sports", and he's Angus, and if you bought from him you lucked out because he's class A type of people and will take care of you... Highly recommend him as a dealer, I was lucky enough to meet him at NABX this year, great guy and a lot of fun (I see how BB likes to hang with him)... I believe he does demos also, so you can try before you buy kind of get up (correct me if I'm wrong, Angus)...
By the way, great kite... I have the Twister II 7.7m and its a beast and a lot of kite... I'm still getting time on it before I give it a review, but expect it to be a good one... also, I urge you to give a review of yours when you feel you've gotten to know it as people like to hear opinions on newer kites...

welcome to the forum!
I saw Western Nebraska, I used to live in Valentine. I know there is kiter around North Platte called Kiteon. If you are close you might try to send a U2U and fly with someone.
good luck

glad u got something other than a blade--in 20mph winds that kite will KILL you!!!:shocked2:

Screwy, thanks for the kind words; it was good to see you at NABX. Drew, your Twister is all packed and ready at the door; thanks again and do let us know how you make out with it.
Fair Winds.