Hi again,

Ok, the search continues for a budget kite.
I'm 82 kg (180lbs / 13stone).
Winds in Dongal average 16knots, 30kph, 18mph, Force 4-5
Winds in Dublin average 10knots, 19kph, 12mph, Force 2-4

In my previous post we compared the Beamer vs Radsail, and it seemed the majority voted for the Radsail .
However, my positive for the Radsail is that the designer for the Flexi Blade designs it, but the negative is it doesn't come with much extras, and the website is diabolical for info, forums, etc.
*Moreover*, I have definately added the Buster to the three, which seems to get good feedback.

SO here is my data so far, listed in order of retail price, new:

PKD BUSTER II 3 (£135 / €195)
Proj=2.4m, AR=3.36, ARproj=2.3, Adj.Brid/AOA, Force=3.0 - 5.5

PKD BUSTER II 4 (£136 / €196)
Proj=3.2m, AR=3.36, ARproj=2.3, Adj.Brid/AOA, Force=2.5 - 5.0.

Eolo Radsail Pro II 4m (£155 / €224)
Proj=?.?m, AR~3.6?, Blade designer. Poor spanish website. Force 2.5 - 5.0.

PKD BUSTER II 5 (£160 / €231)
Proj=4.0m, AR=3.36, Arproj=2.3, Adj.Brid/AOA, Force=1.5 - 4.0

Eolo Radsail Pro 5m (£170 / €246)
Proj=?.?m, AR=3.6?, Blade designer. Poor spanish website. Force 1.5-4.0.

HQ Beamer TSR 3.6m (£179 / €260)
Proj=?.?m, AR=3.2, bar (debate-able pro), adjustable bridle

HQ Beamer TSR 5.0m (£213 / €308)
Proj=?.?m, AR=3.2, bar (debate-able pro), adjustable bridle

- - -
Maybe the Buster is the better low-budget foil?

Tim

In an ideal world, a buster II 3m and 5m, one kite will never cover the whole range for you. I've no exp on the Beamers, heard good things about them though.

When comparing the Rads to the Busters though, a few things jumped out. Yes the Rad does have a little more speed and lift, but doesn't tend to hold it's shape as well as the buster, Buster's more stable, more bottom end pull. We've also found that when beaten, the Rads will give out on you a little sooner than the Busters. I have no problem with upwind, downwind etc with the fleet of busters I'm currently flying. That's why we went with them for the club kites when we were deciding what to get, that and the fact that you can get a couple more of them for your $$$ than the Rads and get more with the Buster II's.

The only drawbacks to the Buster I's were that the bridal was prone to fraying if you weren't careful with it and the lines weren't that great, with the Buster II's they've fixed both problems, also added zips to get sand out of the kite, improved the sail and added some more nice extras to the package.

NOTE: This is only my findings, I've flown a 4m Radsail and almost every Buster I out there. I've no exp with the Beamers, heard they're good but can't compare them.

Cool. Thanks for the reply!
I am going to have to make my decision this week, so it will arrive in time before we head up to Donegal.
I'll let everyone know what I ended up with...
...and now if only there was a bit of wind! ;-P