Wexler, great to see you on board here. I'm sure you will have much to contribute.
Gang, watch this one. He's flown my Blade 4.9 and Reactor 8.3 with skill; it does not surprise me that he took to a Blade 6.5.

Welcome Wex,

Hes got skillz indeed. I told your dad to tell you watch that 4m Ace when its over your head. She can get a bit lofty if the wind is up. If you like the 4m keep it, just be careful. Ill give your dad a great deal on it. Welcome and fly safe!

Yes when I would pull the 6.5 Blade over my head on the non lifty setting it would pick me up about 2 maby once or twice 3 feet. There were a couple times my dad would jump 2 or 3 feet in the air. Me and my dad keep trying to come up with scenarios where we can sell some kites to get the blade 6.5, so far none of them work.

Well, I flew the Blade again yesterday. I was way over powered. Winds were 12-14 mph with gusts hitting 20. Jumping in 10 mph winds is one thing, but being lofted in 20 mph gusts is totally another. Can't rest at the zenith. Can't make it quit pulling to the side and full brakes isn't quite enough to get it down through the power zone without some serious pull. I finally realized I wasn't the one in control and in theory, I'm the one with the brain. I should've gotten out the 4m Ace, but I had been off the ground enough without ever deciding to. So I went back to the old standard Beamer III 3m. Rest over head, go into the power zone and handle it. How many times have we said that you won't ever get tired of that first kite? My skills would let me fly it up to 25 mph or maybe a little higher now.

But you know I'm checking into how to get one of those blades calling my duffle bag home already. Anyone ever wonder why there isn't a long list of Blade IV's for sale?

EDIT: By the way, there were times that I had all fingers below the leader, but it didn't really help. I wonder if a kite that size should have longer handles for more travel on the brakes?

Longer handles help. But your fore arms will still burn trying to brake in the moiddle of the window. The only easyer way to land is at the edge.

Are you taking pix this weekend at Amelia Is?

Yes, I will be flying both Aces, the Crossfire, and the Blade at the same time. I want pics of each kite and the group of them all staked out at the same time. I can't wait to go from kite to kite and back again in the same wind on the same day. That will really put things in perspective. I hope the wind is ok to turn the blade up a notch and actually TRY to jump instead of the lofting I got on Sunday. The beach is always a great place for pics of kites

Where is there enough space on Amelia to fly?. It always seemd like a small beach to me.

We are at the north tip of the island and it is wide open enough to fly for sure. If you look at the beach right where you drive straight in, it is very tight and narrow. North or south from there gives what I remember as a wide open beach, especially right by the pier. I just looked on google maps and confirmed what I thought. On that north point, it gets pretty wide and I should have it to myself.

Got it. Ft. Clinch State Park to the North. Looks like a good beach.

If you haven't yet- ttry Cumberland Is. sometime. Access by Ferry. Huge gorgeous and empty beaches. And the wild horses... Really a gem

We are setting a weekday aside for that. We tried once and could get there but the ferries were full coming back so we changed plans. I've heard it isn't to be missed.

Bob, You better get there early. I always have hopes of flying 2or three kites in a day also. But I end up getting tired after the 2nd one. and I always whant to fly before the wind dies then I am wiped out! Someone would have to pack them up for me. I hope you have a good day and get lots of flying in and some good pics to share.

When in St. Pete at New Years, I flew for 4 hours straight with 3 different kites. I taught 2 others to fly but once they were going I'd go get my kite back up. They had to make me leave to go eat dinner. I need to check tides but will go out early to maximize my opportunities if there is enough beach. Wexler can set up his own kite and fly mine too. Jared will want some 4 line time this trip so I will spend some time teaching him. I will set up the kites and just float (pun intended) from kite to kite for contrast.

I have to agree the Blade IV kites handle just as well as the Quadrifoil Competition kites and have pretty much the same amount of lift. Great kites. My favorite is for sure the 4.9 meters.

Later-Scott

im going to have to try a blade some day. everybody i have met so far are flying c and bow out here. sounds pretty intense.

I absolutely love my 6.5 Blade IV. Its just a joy. Comes out every time i go out. Can launch in 4mph, have flown (and nearly shat myself) in 27mph steady wind.

At the high end it will pick you up and smack you down, but thats part of the buzz, and definitely the reason you HAVE to respect the kite.

My experience is around the 14-18mph wind range, in the medium or high lift setting is the most fun you can have with clothes on. If the wind is clean and steady, you can get static pendulum jumps to about 10-20ft easily (once you know the timing of your kite), and float down with the grace of a Swan Lake. I mostly static fly; and landboard, and for both this kite is awesome. I learnt to board with it, cause its just so steady and controlable, it'll just do what you tell it to.

Blade IV 6.5m is awesome. And in answer to one of the earlier posts, well worth the money. I payed £450 GBP ish for mine. On extreme lines, with handles. Possibly the best purchase ive ever made.

It looks like the 4.9 and the 6.5 are the most popular choices. This thread is increasing my craving to try the famous Blade. If you can only have one size, which is the one to go for (note that I think I'll have to sell the Riot and possibly the Ace to finance this new kite so don't think I'd be doubling up no 5m kites)?

Quote:

Originally posted by kiteNH If you can only have one size, which is the one to go for. no 5m kites)?

The 5m range is well covered by your 8m access ?
Looks to me like you need a low wind kite ?
What is the normal wind + use of this kites existance ?
I would say 6.5 or 8.5 . If you get a lot of low wind days. The 8.5 has a pretty good range.

NH,

Whats your weight, and avg winds. I had a BIV 4.9 but at 185/90 lbs, the 6.5 better suits me. As Snowbird says, your 5m is covered. The 6.5 is an amazing kite. Cant go wrong with this one!

I weigh in at about 150 lb. I'm still getting a feel for the average wind speeds. So far I'd say 5-15 seems pretty average. I live up hear in New England so "average" weather doesn't really exist. We just go from one extreme to the other around hear. I'm also near the coast so it depends on whether I'm down at beach or flying in fields.

I didn't realize that my Access covered the 5m range. I guess that must be about the low end of it's coverage fully trimmed. Would the 6.5m Blad have a lower end than my 8m Access?

According to Flexifoil's website the 4.9 covers 6-22 mph, the 6.5 from 5-19 mph and the 8.5 from 3-18 mph. I don't know how accurate those ratings are or what pilot size they are assuming.

I would be using the kite for static flying/jumping, an ATB in the spring and probably some lite wind snow kiting (although I'm really enjoying having the depower for that). The Access isn't a jumper so that is probably my primary interest for this kite.

I'm not real keen on the 8.5m because it's awfully expensive and I'd be a little bit nervous flying such a large kite with my level of experience. It seems like the 6.5 might be easier to keep up in the air on a light wind days because it should fly and turn a little faster. And being a light rider maybe I should still consider the 4.9. Cheapest of the bunch and probably the least likely to get me into trouble.

Quote:

Originally posted by kiteNH  So far I'd say 5-15 seems pretty average. I didn't realize that my Access covered the 5m range.  I guess that must be about the low end of it's coverage fully trimmed.  Would the 6.5m Blad have a lower end than my 8m Access?  6.5 from 5-19 mph and the 8.5 from 3-18 mph.   It seems like the 6.5 might be easier to keep up in the air on a light wind days because it should fly and turn a little faster.

Both the 6.5 and 8.5 seem to cover the winds you desire. If jumping + getting going in 5mph wind is your goal the 4.9 is less good a choice.

I'm guessing your access should start giving usable power at about 10 kts and should take you to the point that the 3m looks like a scarey option !
While the 4.9 Blade is a great kite for jumping it is the " Widow Maker " in the wrong hands or if things go wrong. It will lift you big time and then produce no float unless properly re-directed. Your LEAST SAFE option even though it's smaller. The extra canopy of the 6.5 or 8.5 is something you will really appreciate when jumping + trying to get going in low winds. Being lighter you may get away with the 6.5 ?
I have only flown the 4.9 and 8.5 !

Well pointed out Snowbird - the parachute effect is really imporatnt when jumping big. I would suggest you go for one of the bigger two, even if it takes a few months to get - the saving money will be worth it, cause it could save you from some serious OW-ies.

Also, the triple-A adjuster in my 6.5 makes such an incredible difference it extends the wind range/power level lots.

GET A 6.5!!!!! hehe.

Yep, the 6.5 even at 150lbs with the winds you described seems the better choice. The 6 to 19 mph wind range you mentioned for the 6.5 is accurate. 14 to 17 mph seems to be the sweet spot for me on the 6.5

Thanks everyone. The 6.5 sounds like the best choice for me. I'll just need to save up a few extra bucks for it.

Yeah, thats the way forward, saving pays off!

14-17mph is definitely the sweet spot! Take it easy, and fly hard!

Got to fly a 6.8m Blade yesterday...AMAZING! What a solid kite. Never once did it luff. Jumps were easy enough, even in the weak 8mph winds (My Speed was paitenly awaiting more wind.)

So, I could sell my iPod, and I really don't play my Playstation much...

I guess im not sleeping that well, so i could sell my bed. Ive got suitcases, so could sell my wardrobe and chest of draws. dont really need any furniture.

i could buy lots of blades after lots of selling. haha.

Davinch, How bout that 6.5 loaner? I would like to see 20ft. If ya do put me on for the bad boy!

When the Pansh Ace and Comp 90 are back, I'll try to figure out another demo for you guys

Who has the Ace? I am ready to Send back the board if you like. My son won't though. Just can't get it for him right now. Sorry son. Play your Ps 3. Thats what he got. Send u2u with address. Thanks Davinch.:sniff: