So I've searched the net, asked around, placed and cancelled orders but still I'm not sure which kite to "start" with. The majority of the local guys I've talked to say I have got to start with a 12 - 14 metre kite. Yikes, as a first kite won't I kill myself?? I know I'll need two kites. I was thinking an 8 & 12 metre. My plan was to get the 8m , I'm looking at the FS Pulse 2, and go from there.

SO....Should I buy a 12-14 metre kite as a first kite??? Yes / No and why or why noy

Don't get the 14m pulse 2 :D
i didn't really like that one, the 12m is a good one though and will have a larger range and better turning.
12-14m kite would apply better to an LEI but remember a 12m pulse i think has the range of a 12-16m LEI, a 14m pulse is like a 17m LEI and it turns too slowly for me.

What kind of wind are you gonna be using it in, whats your weight?

I'd personally recommend the 8m as a first kite. The reason why is that this will give you something to learn how to fly without killing yourself. Sure, it wont have a lot of power in lower winds, but this is what you want. It will make it easier to learn how to control it. A sudden gust isnt going to loft you like crazy and drag you all over the place. Later you can use it as a high-wind kite, but for now it will work well as something for you to get used to.

When you are ready for something stronger, and ready to ride in lighter winds, get the larger kite... Just my thoughts on the matter. Are you planning on riding on land, snow, or water?

I agree with Dom and Ragden

8m first get some experience with it.

then move on to 12m. no need for a 14m

8m and 12m should make a good combo for snow at your weight (many people have 6m and 10m in winter)

bonus:::$$$

then later for summer if you want something more powerful for water and/or light winds, you'll eventually get a Speed3 19m.

Great kites for sure...
Give me a call... More info and detail needed to make the best choice....

Also Pro Kite Repair should you ever need it.

Also some good news on the latest Pulse upgrade if you decide to go that way...

Also anything Ozone as well... I ride and sell both...

Yup - I'd say the 8 would be a good start primarily because you'll be able to fly it a bit more than the 12/14 which would have you cowering in the basement on days with strongish winds. (And, it falls close to the "start with a 5m fixed bridle" advice you've got thus far....and I'd like to try an 8m : )

Now, to go Flysurfer or not is another question to ask yourself. If you've got the money let 'er rip, but otherwise you should really consider what Ozone has to offer. Because they are open cell kites, they are a bit quicker "out of he bag" and you'll probably find the price point somewhat lower. (When I say "a BIT quicker", I really mean a BIT....I find the FS bridles kinda tangly, unlike the Ozone which generally just 'catch' on themselves but shake free. COuld be lack of packing skill though).

I was curious about the Arcs and am super glad I went out on a limb and tried them out. At the same time I am mighty impressed with the depower found on a Flysurfer and the quality kite you get in an Ozone.

If you've got inclinations to hit the water (which I believe you do) then look to the Flysurfer or the Neo (or the Arcs if you wanna stand out). Friday / Saturday you'll see all the kites below so you'll be good and confused about what to get. Your biggest enemy will be the "I want my kite....NOW" urge

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Originally posted by macboy I find the FS bridles kinda tangly,

The Pulse2 has shorter bridles than previous models.

P4 and S3 have too, and ticker bridles so no more easy tangles

I hope you are taking lessons or have good friends who can let you fly some smaller stuff to get started.
S

OK Black sheep alert!!! Im going to have to disagree....

First ill say it cuz no one has,, you have flown on trainer kites or have taken lessons correct?

Second If the guys in your area are telling you you need a 12-14M kite, thats what i would get. They are telling you that is their most used kite. If you get something smaller you might be sitting on the beach ALOT because theres not enuff wind to ride. And fighting with too small of a kite in not enuff wind is extremely frustrating. Sure you can fly around but the goal is to ride.

IN MY OPINION!! its easier to learn on a big kite in lighter wind then on a smaller kite in high wind.

The local guys know more then any of us on here about your conditions and can give you the best advice on kite size.

Dont be scared of a big kite, they can make alot of power, but just be aware of the windspeeds. When i first started i would get to the spot and ask what kite size everyone was on. If they are riding 9s and 10s its probably to much. But like i said, locals are probably telling their most used size.

As far as type of kite, i would also stick to what they are using. If they are on LEIs and you show up with a foil they may be les ept to help you, they also will not be familar with foils, launching setup, tuning ect.

Quote:

Originally posted by snobdr OK Black sheep alert!!! Im going to have to disagree.... First ill say it cuz no one has,, you have flown on trainer kites or have taken lessons correct? Second If the guys in your area are telling you you need a 12-14M kite, thats what i would get. They are telling you that is their most used kite. If you get something smaller you might be sitting on the beach ALOT because theres not enuff wind to ride. And fighting with too small of a kite in not enuff wind is extremely frustrating. Sure you can fly around but the goal is to ride. IN MY OPINION!! its easier to learn on a big kite in lighter wind then on a smaller kite in high wind. The local guys know more then any of us on here about your conditions and can give you the best advice on kite size. Dont be scared of a big kite, they can make alot of power, but just be aware of the windspeeds. When i first started i would get to the spot and ask what kite size everyone was on. If they are riding 9s and 10s its probably to much. But like i said, locals are probably telling their most used size. As far as type of kite, i would also stick to what they are using. If they are on LEIs and you show up with a foil they may be les ept to help you, they also will not be familar with foils, launching setup, tuning ect.

this is good advice

go with the locals and what they are doing, ultimately you ride with them and not a forum

Quote:

Originally posted by snobdr As far as type of kite, i would also stick to what they are using. If they are on LEIs and you show up with a foil they may be les ept to help you, they also will not be familar with foils, launching setup, tuning ect.

the guy located in Alberta like near Edmonton where the Flysurfer Canadian distributor is located. Lucky for him for support.

Sounds like Flysurfer wins over LEI around there

A typical picture taken from the gallery at flysurfer.ca for the Alberta winter kite event :: http://flysurfer.ca/Page.asp?pageid=54





1 LEI, too many FS ;-)

I know...crazy hey? Imagine what they all thought when they saw the Arcs unroll ; )

Alberta.....we're rich with oil money

I WISH!

Lol, is that snobdr rocking his LEI showing all the Flysurfer boys how its done?!? :bigok: JK guys, those pictures are somewhat amusing though.

I would agree with what has been said above, although I would recommend flying a few different styles of kites (FB, Arc, LEI) first, just to see what you are comfortable with. Even if everyone else likes their LEI doesn't mean you have to get one too. Yeah they may gripe and groan about helping you with your different style kite, but after all is said and done, you are all their to fly and have a good time.

If you are flying on land mainly for a first depower kite I would suggest an open foil. I have a 10M Pulse 1 (closed cell) and it likes to be in the air rather than sit on the ground which is great for the water. But if you are learning on land, inland with gusty conditions, I would suggest the 7.5 M Apex (open cell). It stays put when you land it on the ground. I used that a lot more in the buggy. I bought the Apex after I got the Pulse. The Apex helped build skills on land which then helped me on the water with the Pulse. I have got as far as body draggin. Not on the board yet.
I have not tried an Arc yet.

crazy talk........for a big depower first kite Id say Peter Lynn or one of the new bow/SLEs...........................many can advise about ARCS.................snobdr, big kahuna, and NWsurfskate on bow/SLEs...............................an arc will improve skill set quickly and if decide to move on youll be ready for whatever........................

Snobdr makes an excellent point. However, I still have to say that I would feel more comfortable flying a smaller kite so you can get used to it, and when you are ready to fly, get the big kite. Or, buy them both at the same time, and fly the small one to get used to it. Then, when you are ready to ride, use the big one.

As I expected the 14m is NOT the best starter. I like the idea of the 7.5 Apex. I can also get a deal on a new HQ Neo 8 metre for $925 Canadian (good deal?).

Thanks you all the advice guys, keep it comin'

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Originally posted by bribe36 As I expected the 14m is NOT the best starter. I like the idea of the 7.5 Apex. I can also like theHQ Neo 8 Thanks you all the advice guys, keep it comin'