Hey guys,

This is one of those "hey you guys told me and I didn't listen" stories that I am sure you see a lot. I went out today in conditions that were WAY above my experience, and although I could handle them today, it was because I was on a 3.3 meter Sting kite. I decided while that little kite was dragging my 260 lbs across a field that I would be a while before I went to a more advanced kite. 2-3 weeks ago I bought an HQ Crossfire II 5.0 meter kite for a great price, but based on my experience today, it will be a while before I am ready for something like that.

I want to buy or trade for another 5 meter, but more docile, kite. I haven't flown the Crossfire, but I have read and been told its a pretty serious performer, and I need a light wind kite thats still a trainer.

I will also sell it for 300 dollars shipped in US. This is a brand new kite that has never been out of the bag. It includes all of the accessories and literature that comes with the kite from HQ.

James

The Crossfire is a beast. It is also for very experienced fliers and even then you have to stay on top of it. Much Much different than the Sting.

What are you going to be using the kite for? Buggying? general flying? Fill us in.

Yes, I had that same kite and while I had some good thrills with it, it was also the most demanding kite I've ever flown. There is much power and lift there to be extracted from it if you can keep the power focused and in control. It is a beautiful kite as well. One of the best color schemes of any kite I've ever had except for maybe the Flexi Blade IV.

For the first while, I intend only to use it to gain experience and control in static flying. I can't imagine trying to learn that while also worrying about a buggy or land board right now, especially without access to a beach or wide open area.

Once I can close my eyes and fly that kite, I figure I will branch out and figure out what I want to do for transport. I never intended to fly the crossfire in anything over 5 mph winds, but yesterday showed me that inland winds aren't that forgiving with their gusts. it was going from 5-10 to 20-25. It was fun and I did enjoy it, but certainly it would have been hard to find my way home from whatever state I landed in if it had been the crossfire.

James

Quote:

Originally posted by BigMikesKites The Crossfire is a beast. It is also for very experienced fliers and even then you have to stay on top of it. Much Much different than the Sting. What are you going to be using the kite for? Buggying? general flying? Fill us in.

Yes, i remember you saying that your 8 year old could use the Crossfire, which I totally understand was in conditions which allowed it. I am not saying I could never fly this kite in the right conditions, but figured if someone was looking for a kite like this and had something more fit for a novice sitting around in the closet, that we could swap out, especially since I have never even opened mine. If nothing happens, I will try out the crossfire some day when the conditions are right.

I also am interested in trying some form of Revolution kite, but most people are not willing to let one of those go.

Thanks for the comments.

James

Quote:

Originally posted by BeamerBob Yes, I had that same kite and while I had some good thrills with it, it was also the most demanding kite I've ever flown. There is much power and lift there to be extracted from it if you can keep the power focused and in control. It is a beautiful kite as well. One of the best color schemes of any kite I've ever had except for maybe the Flexi Blade IV.

Hmm,

I'm not sure who you are directing the statement that an 8 yr old can use a crossfire. Definitely not from my point of view. For fun flying, choose a Peter Lynn Hornet or HQ Beamer. Stay 2-3m in size and 4m if you have lighter winds. If said 8 yr old is flying, stick to a 2m with supervision...but i'd point you towards something like a vibe or a symphony for an 8 year old.

Revs are what they are...great kites. Alot to choose from on that front.

Quote:

Originally posted by titanflyer I also am interested in trying some form of Revolution kite, but most people are not willing to let one of those go. James

I believe PNW Flyer still has a Rev or two for sale.

Dino at Dakitez has some that he was selling as a set, but you could always ask him if he would split the set.

If you check the "Clearance" section Mr. Shenkman still has some Revs from the "Rev'member Sale".

Posting a WTB on the GWTW Forum would probably shake a few loose from the trees.

ATB,
Sam

Quote:

Originally posted by BigMikesKites Hmm, I'm not sure who you are directing the statement that an 8 yr old can use a crossfire. Definitely not from my point of view. For fun flying, choose a Peter Lynn Hornet or HQ Beamer. Stay 2-3m in size and 4m if you have lighter winds. If said 8 yr old is flying, stick to a 2m with supervision...but i'd point you towards something like a vibe or a symphony for an 8 year old. Revs are what they are...great kites. Alot to choose from on that front.

Mike he was referring to a past statement I made. My younger son (and older) flew both my original crossfire and CFII 5m when conditions allowed. Between their experience and my judgement it was fun every time. Almost anyone can fly almost anything in the right conditions. This wasn't a stretch considering all factors.

BeamerBob, I didn't mean my comment to sound like it was unsafe for your kids, I mentioned about the conditions etc in my post. I am getting more and more scared of this Crossfire II the more I hear about it. I wish the guy that sold it to me had mentioned the skill required...(no names to protect the semi innocent..lol).

If anyone wants this kite, I will sell it (brand new in the bag) for 150 bucks plus shipping. Its got to be worth that much to someone with the skill to fly it.

James

Oh yeah,
I remember trying a slightly bigger Crossfire once.
I had it parked over on the far right side of the window and the constant pull was such that I was scared to move it back.
I told the (bigger) owner, "Here, you take the handles back!" - right out of my hands!

u2u sent

Hi James, sent you a U2U. Would gladly take this off your hands for $150 if you are sure you want to sell it for that price. Let me know what you need for shipping to 66085 (KS). Jim

the brand new lines and handles are worth about $120 alone. Someone is going to get a steal

Titan, no offense taken. Big Mike was the one questioning the choice to let a youngster use it and I was just clarifying the decision process and outcome.

This kite shouldn't be passed up at this price. Dino is saying the same thing I thought when I saw the price.

Hey guys, sorry for all the drama.

I put the kite on here for 150 because to me a couple hundred dollars is not worth me getting tempted and taking the kite out of the bag when I really shouldn't. I have no one around with more experience so I could end up doing something stupid... happens. Anyway, the seller read on here how scared of the kite I was and he contacted me to explain that he had no intention of selling me a kite I was afraid of.. actually gave me a whole new respect for the small business world, and especially this kiting world. He truly did think I had more experience than I had, and that for sure was my fault. I in now way at any point blamed him for selling me what I asked for...jokes aside.

So, the kite should be considered off the market. Sorry, I really was going to sell it for that price just to convince my wife I should buy another kite. I don't have enough life insurance for her to argue safety with me... plus she watched me getting dragged yesterday.. lol.

So, sorry for the drama. I guess its one of my many faults. This is a sport filled with REALLY great people. I will let you know where my drama takes me next.

James

Nuts- would've been a nice addition to my quiver :D

In all seriousness kudos to the un-named seller for getting in touch and working this out. Since getting into kiting I've been continually caught off-guard by two things:

1) How crazy fun and addictive getting pulled around by kites on all different types of vehicles can be :bigok:

2) How friendly, helpful, and generally awesome everyone I've met that is connected with kites in any way has been. There seems to be something about this sport that pulls in really good people, and getting to know them is proving to be one of the most enjoyable parts of my kiting so far. :singing:

Couldn't agree more with those comments. Sorry it didn't work out for you though.

This is a great sport by itself, and when you factor in a bunch of people who are there to support it so well, it becomes amazing.

James

Quote:

Originally posted by BigMikesKites For fun flying, choose a Peter Lynn Hornet or HQ Beamer. Stay 2-3m in size and 4m if you have lighter winds.

+1 for the Hornet. My friend went from flying this kite to bugging with it within 2days. He had a blast by the way thanks for the Advice on the kite Mike. Great kites awesome to do business with. A 3m can be used to buggy in like 15 mph winds. The guy weighs like 160 and he was in a peter lynn buggy so we are looking at like 190ish for the total weight on grass. and the 20mph gusts were always fun to watch. He rocketed across the field then landed the kite in a tree. THe untangling wasn't to bad it took about 15-25 minutes but after that I told him I forgot to mention to stay away from the trees. I use a 2m flow for anything about 20ish mph. It takes some work but it is possible and can do some nice speeds. I need to fill the gap there when I buy my vapors. Im like 4% the way there on the money to buy my quiver. LOL. only another year or more.

Hi,
I flight with this kite and I was really surprised by the power.
Really good for landboarding!