Hi
I am relatively new to power kiting although I did catch the kiting bug last year in Devon after picking up a cheapie delta kite. I'm now looking for a bit more fun as the delta, as nice as it is to fly, is lacking a bit in the adrenalin stakes.

After reading lots of reviews I've narrowed my choices down to a Buster or Beamer. As I'm new to this all I'd prefer not to spend too much hence my choices. I guess I'm looking at a Beamer 3.6m, a Buster 3.0m or a Buster 4.0m.

I'm 6'2 and 12/13 stone and want a bit of fun with this kite. I really don’t want to be outgrowing this kite after a few months so would prefer to get the choice right first time. I'll be aiming to fly it on the beaches of North Devon next week and after that, providing all goes well it'll be the local park in London. I'm initially just looking at recreational flying - a bit of scudding and a little bit of jumping (although I read these aren’t the best for jumping, but I cant find anything better for the price).

I'm leaning towards the Busters as I've read about a few issues with the Beamer over flying at the Zenith. I had decided on a 3.0m Buster but am worried this wont be powerful enough for someone of my size - I read about kids (8-10 yrs old) buying a 3.0m and they don’t mention it is too powerful for them.

So, after all that I guess I would to know your thoughts on the kites mentioned, and if I go for a buster, should it be a 3.0m or a 4.0m.

Thanks in advance guys - can’t wait to get out flying!!

Hey bashdem,

Perhaps you could do a bit of sampling before you buy. I suggest going to a flying field where there are some power kite pilots. If you have experience flying four-line kites they may let you try out their kites. They may even have a "demo" kite for you to fly.

I did something like this when I started flying foils. A fellow had a 1-meter four-line foil that he let me fly. After several sessions over a few weeks my skill increased to the point where I bought my own Quadtrac 3.0 meter foil. That kite taught me a lot and served me well.

A four-line Parastunter made by Go Fly A Kite is an excellent learning kite. Granted it's not a big adrenalin-pumping kite but it's great fun to fly. I've seen guys buggy with them when the winds are howling. For US$70.00 you can't lose.

A big foil can hurt a novice or expert alike. I'd hate for you to get something that hurt you the first time out and then you don't do it again. Ease into it, get some skills and then go for the adrenaline. Just my $.02

CrashLama