So I think I have figured out this poll thing out.

160 lbs, 5'6" flying 90% recreational, maybe a landboard later on (No Buggying). Being on the water later on is a whole other story, I'll leave that out of the equation for now.

Location:- Sunny Cornwall, mostly large beaches, maybe some inland flying on the Moors. Winds could be anything at any time ;-)

Which 3 or 3.5 kite should I go with?

Everything's better with Ozone :D.

I gotta support my local boy - Peter Lynn

hornet and beamer are both good choices, but I must throw in my favorite ... 2.6m PL Viper. Pulls as strong as the hornet or beamer ... don't let the 2.6m mislead you.

Here's another thought - if most of your flying is going to be done static, don't discount a 2/2.5m. In 15mph of wind they'll pull you around a fair bit. Here's some footage of a 2m beamer: http://www.vimeo.com/5148864

It's also on the start of my 'too much fun on 13th beach' vid too - in 20mph wind it was dragging me through the sand without any problems. Perhaps a 2m is a little small for the landboard, but good for static flying.

are you using this to learn with? or a high wind engine?

HQ / Ozone / PL are all excellent brands, you cant go wrong with either one. it will just come down to price.

if you're looking to zoom zoom than getting a smaller High AR (PL RII, Vapor / HQ Prodigy / Ozone Yak GT) is also the ticket in a 2.2 to 2.7m

Definitely Ozone, it's the best way to fly.

I love my 5m Flow so much that I was considering picking up a 3m in the future. I've flown a Beamer before, it was ok... All the 3m have similar characteristics, it's really up to which design you like the best. My vote still goes for the Flow...

I like the Hornet and Beamer for value. Hornet has the lowest MSRP by a bit, but the Beamer is so nicely refined. Build quality on both are real good.

PL FTW
LOL

Ozones are really great from Imps to Flows to Access Frenzy and Manta.
(and the other land kites)
Well know Worldwide.

Many really like the Flows for Price entry and they have a
Megatron loop like the more expensive kites.

I use them to teach with all the time...
Lots of Success and customers love them...