Hi I am pretty new to powerkiting have been just flying statically over the summer on a Rush pro 300 and a tensor 4.2 both kites on control bars. I just switched the Tensor to handles but the wind has not been cooperating with my free time I so I have not really had too much experience with handles yet .

I will be picking up a new buggy and kite from Rich (who has been super helpful with all my U2U messages) in the next two weeks and not sure what size kite I should get. Going through the past wind history for my area I might me looking at between 5 -10 mph average wind speed. Most of my riding will be done on rec fields in the area (Philly Suburbs).

What do you guys recommend from experience that will power the buggy in those conditions but still be somewhat beginner friendly. Rich has recommended the Viper S and everything I have read about it seems like it would be the right kite for me but what size would be best and are there any other models I should be considering ?

Matt

reactor II 6-8m, with 5-10mph

Reactors are sure nice, but I find that my first gen. Reactor (I've got the 3.8 and 6.4) like a lot of running room, of course it could be me, hehehe... anyway don't rule out a well built NASA wing(Susan's NPW9's are great!) in the 7-9M size. You can park and ride in 5-6mph wind, and make 15mph in the buggy easily. You can use shorter lines to extend the range of the kite. Welcome to the fun, and if Rich is helping you, you're in good shape already. Get to the fall Wildwood bash and try before you buy!

When you get down here we will let you fly several different kites then line you up with the right kite. I agree with phree that the 6 m range may suit you, but in the reactor, the price is definitely higher. It will out perform any of the other kites we talked about.

The Reactor looks a little out of my budget for now. I guess I will have to try a few and see how they are

Check the for sale section. There is a 10m but I'm sure there is an 8 on there somewhere.

I listed a 5.5 RII a while back... it's still in the bag

+1 for Ron's 5.5RII . Current model at much less than retail. Rich may have one for you to Demo?

While it's nice to have new it's a lot like buying a new car. Ron's is low milage but lost all it's value when it left the shop. Still has that new kite crispy feel!

At some point you will actually want a 7 or 8 m kite in those winds but I agree with the others. Something around 6m will be enough to handle those winds and not too much if they pick up a bit. As kites get bigger they turn slower. 5 - 6m is a nice medium between fast and slow.

Try a 7m and see if it's too much !

i have a 6.9 and a 8.6 Reactor II on the for sale section.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=23091

My winds are just like yours and right now there is no question that my go-to kite on most days has been my 6.8 Viper S. I even had in winds the other day that I thought may be a little much and it was one of the most fun sessions I've had in a long time. I've gotten very confident with this kite, it's responsive, powerful, good upwind, yet has not ever been a scary kite to handle given it's size. I also have the original Reactor 8.3 I bought from RonH and it has been great too. Like others have said given your wind conditions you'll definitely need to cover the 6-9M meter range if you get bit with the buggy bug.

Finally had some decent wind today and got lots of time on the Tensor with handles. I was having a little trouble transitioning from the control bar to handles on The Tensor. I think it was just a case of not having enough wind and getting frustrated. Everything seemed to click today. I was out there flying statically until I had no strength left in my arms. I can see where a stroop and harness would really come in handy to fight off fatigue.

Looking forward to meeting up with Rich next weekend and checking out some buggies and kites

Pretty neat when thay little light bulb goes off and you go ah ha! Now I know what they meant. Looking forward to having you down. Glad you got some time in on this great day!

Quote:

Originally posted by cyclesteel Finally had some decent wind today and got lots of time on the Tensor with handles. I was having a little trouble transitioning from the control bar to handles on The Tensor. I think it was just a case of not having enough wind and getting frustrated. Everything seemed to click today. I was out there flying statically until I had no strength left in my arms. I can see where a stroop and harness would really come in handy to fight off fatigue. Looking forward to meeting up with Rich next weekend and checking out some buggies and kites

I agree about the harness reducing fatigue thing ! If Rich feels you are ready be sure and try one.

Next weekend is potentially the most valuable weekend in your kiting life. If you get wind and a chance to see + feel all the gear you will feel so much more comfortable making choices. Even without wind you are sure to learn a lot! It will launch you into the sport. Time WELL SPENT !!!!