Alright, I have a revolution EXP and will get some more time in on my friends Blast. But alas the budget is only going to allow me to get one more kite this winter, and I want your opinions on what to look at.

I am 210 lbs, and the avg winds here in MN are probably around 10 mph. I want a kite for playing around on the snow that will give me a good tug, that I won't get bored with too quick. I imagine I will end up on ski's or a snowboard. I would like to buy a kite that is going to stay useful to me even as I move up the ranks of experience.

First of all, I have no idea if I want handles or a bar... I imagine a bar is better for snowboarding and handles are better for ski's/static jumping? What are the +'s/-'s.

I'm wide open to suggestions, what do you think? One last thing, how come nobody flies the rev blasts on here? They seem to pull quite hard, although I have no experience with anything else....

Handles=Fixed Bridle kite, Bar=Depower kite(some exception, there are bars made for fixed bridle kite). If you are going snow, then you should be looking at depower, as it does what it says on the tin, allows you to have greater control of the amount of power the kite is generating. If you have experience with the revs, then you have time on a fixed bridle kite with handles. Generally, you can do more precise flying with handles, but the depower-bar allows better power control. People can and do use the Rev Blast as a motor for buggy/snow, but most have moved away from a kite that can be broken on a hard impact.

What sort of surface? Ice with packed snow? packed snow? powder? The deeper and fluffier it is, the more power you'll need to keep moving through it. Board/Ski length can also alter the amount of speed, longer=faster.

I am a big fan of foil kites for the winter and strongly recommend the Ozone brand. It's much better for you to buy a kite that is perhaps a bit smaller than you think you might need and 'work it' VS buying a big one and getting whooped up on by it as your skill increases. Not really knowing your skill level or conditions, I can't recommend a size, perhaps another user will chime in.

Welcome to the obsession!

I would lean toward a depower. One depower can cover the size range of up to 3 fixed bridles. But you would need a harness for the depow. A depow will be on a bar. I prefer bars for the ability to fly with one hand.

You're not a lightweight but you're a beginner so that makes sizing a little tricky. A 7m foil (give or take a meter) would be a good allrounder. Big enough to pull you on ice in moderate winds and snow in higher winds. But you could have fun static flying it as well with you weight.

If you had more expirience I would say 9-10m foils.

Ozone makes a great line up of open cell foils. As does HQ. If you're on a budget HQ might be the better option as they are usally priced a bit cheaper than Oz. I would lean towards a touring kite link the Ozone Access or the HQ Apex series. Both provide good power and minimal lift. So no inadvertant airs. I really like the Apex2 series.

Apextech is selling one of his 7.5m Apexes.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=19948

If you are new to power kites you need to start at the begining and get a trainer. Please read previous similar posts for all the reasons why and what to buy.

Good question about the Blasts. We have one local who throws one into the mix. They aren't cheap. Slightly delicate. TONS of fun. They take a bit of re-learning to fly.

If you are an accomplished Rev' flier than you may take to 4 line fixed bridle kites . They work OK for snow but have limited range so you will want more than 2.

Depower is the most popular way to go on snow but learning on a trainer is required.