Hello, I have been flying stunt type kites for more than ten years. Recently my kites have been getting larger and I have been wanting to try four line traction foils. I have been looking at a 4 or 5 meter HQ Beemer . I am about 250 lbs. and 6'3. We get a lot of 10-20 mph wind here. Am I on the right track? Eventually I would like to get a buggy, I think that would take a larger kite but for now I think a 4 or 5 would be about right. I have flown a quad line once for about an hour but it was small and not a foil. I wanted to get some input before I spend money on the wrong setup. Thanks for any help.

Hello and welcome. Basically you would be right on. I would suggest the 4m or maybe even the 3m. The 3m in 15mph winds is going to be a real treat starting out. I am sure you have the skills to handle the kite fairly quickly. It is the Power aspect that will surprise you. So a 3 or 4m Beamer, Hornet, or whatever basic "starter" kite will do you good.

Have fun and be safe! Ask questions whenever you can, it's your best bet!

I would recommend getting a 3m as a first power kite. A beamer would be fine. Some other options are an Ozone Flow (I love mine) or Octane, a Peter Lynn Hornet or Viper S, or a PKD Buster Soulfly.

A 3m kite would still get plenty of use even if you do get a larger kite afterwards. :Ange09:

BigKid will probably be on soon to sell you a Buster Soulfly. :singing:

Quote:

Originally posted by DemBones BigKid will probably be on soon to sell you a Buster Soulfly. :singing:

Thanks for the plug DB, I have other kites such as Zebras, Spirits, PL, PKD, HQ, Radsail, and a bunch of demos to boot. And yes the Buster.

A buggy will not necessarily take a larger kite, it depends on the wind. In a lot of wind, a 2 meter kite can be too much. In other wind speeds, a 7 meter kite might be right for you. Don't fall into the trap of thinking "more skill = bigger kite". Not always.

If I were you, I'd look for a 3 meter but take a 4 if it's a good deal. You'll be able to fly the 3 meter more often when you are learning, since that's the size that fits a beginner in most winds.

Guess I will try to find a 4 meter I am worried a three would not hold my interest....I have a symphony 2.2 that I keep in the trunk and fly any time the wind blows when I am traveling or hanging about. I am,trying to get in touch with some locals....though Pomeroy is a fair distance from anywhere. Wind is 40 right now so no flying anything today.

Seems like you could get this deal here and have a nice beginner buggy quiver.
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=24070

Looks nice ....if it is still there mid December I would do it. Wife might blow a gasket if two kites show up...might as well schedule a "discussion" for delivery day. Still very tempted.

1 for you and 1 for her! Win win situation there!

I would go for a 4-5m if I were you.

You do need to be cautious with the power a kite will generate but I'm starting to think its better to be cautious with the windspeed rather than the kite size.

I only weigh 150lbs and I can hold a 3.5m up to 30mph+ with out much problem... For a big guy like you in less than 20mph i would expect a 3m to feel like a chlids toy.

That is my worry, I have been a pilot for many year and have developed a healthy respect for Murphy's law and the proclivities of the wind.

I am also 6'3" and 200+- lbs and I have been mighty spanked by a 3 meter kite :wee: And other days wish I had more than 18m. It's all in the conditions and place your at.

With your understanding the wind , your previous experience and your size , 5m beamer etc. would be appropriate , just beware of high wind gusty conditions in your early learning.

I have had a few broken bones from poor decisions before...it helps with the discretion bit.

As chuck Yeager said......good judgment comes from experience, experience comes from poor judgment.

Quote:

Originally posted by Bassetman I have had a few broken bones from poor decisions before...it helps with the discretion bit. As chuck Yeager said......good judgment comes from experience, experience comes from poor judgment.

and experience is something you get right after you need it. With the gusty winds around here I would start with something no bigger than a 4m and figure you will get a second bigger kite. In smooth, predictable wind you can push the limits more but in gusty, inland wind you are likely to get spanked. in my opinion

Pretty set on a four... Now I have to chose between about five models all pretty similar so the least important factor will make the choice, what color it is.

Quote:

Originally posted by Bassetman Guess I will try to find a 4 meter I am worried a three would not hold my interest....I have a symphony 2.2 ...

Don't let the symphony fool you,... While it will give you some pull, it is NOTHING compared to what a 3m kite (or even a 4 line 2.5m kite) will do even in 10-15 mph wind. While your size and skill may have you leaning toward 4m, don't rule out a 3m.

A good for instance... I am really close to 200lb if not right on it... I have a 2.1m symphony that does very little ...where my 2.6m PL Viper S yanks me around like nobody's business...

The key difference is square meters vs linear meters... True power kites are (mostly) referred to in square meters, while the symphonies are listed in linear meters from wing tip to wing tip,... (Credit to Big Mike for this revelation)... So your 2.2 symphony is more like a 1.5 to 1.8 square meter kite designed with less power efficiencies like a true 4 line power kite.

Just sayin... I don't think you'll wear out a 3m before you're ready to get more,... Then you also have a high wind engine for your buggy.

I like beamers, but I hear hornets have more umph... I can't attest to much anything else,... The other option is a 2.6m viper s, which I have and love and never tire of,... And will really work like a rocket engine in the buggy in the 13+ mph wind range. Plus, ... If you can find one,... THEY'RE ON SALE EVERYWHERE cuz they're no longer in production.

Good info thanks, I had not known the difference in sizing. Maybe a 3.5 apex or 3.3 buster or hornet.

Oops I ment alpha not apex....the three lines kites like a rush pro do not have the differential braking so are less interesting....good thing I have a little time before the buy.

welcome! here is what a 3.3 Buster Soulfly will do in 15mph winds and I have yet to lose interest in it
http://youtu.be/W-EAShq20zo
a 3 or 4 is a good place to start, they will be your go to kites, but they wont be your only kites

Great video, I used to live right near there, I need a buggy bad.....sigh. I could be quite happy with that kite or similar




:eekdrull:

Quote:

Originally posted by MDK a 3 or 4 is a good place to start, they will be your go to kites, but they wont be your only kites

Oh, yeah,... Don't know if anybody else mentioned this, but you WILL eventually need more than one kite, especially with a buggy... If you look at the siggy's of most of the people on here you will see multiples.

The thingy is, especially in the land of traction, you will need kites to suit the wind conditions... Big kites for low wind, smaller for high winds.

The moral is... Start small, you will get bigger stuff eventually anyway

I already have like 25 small foils and stunt kites so yes I see a quiver of several if not many kites in the future but first I have to get off on the right start. Fortunately most of these pack up pretty small so they will be easy to sneak in to the collection.....once you pass a certain number the wife just sees " all those damn kites":D

Thanks the Buster is an excellent kite! Stable, predictable but not boring, good power! it sits out front real nice (I had trouble with another brand intermediate kite falling back at speed). that video was just my 5th trip since I started buggying so you cans see what is possible for you.....get a bug! and lets go!

LOL! don't hide them, earn them , then everything is good

"LOL! don't hide them, earn them , then everything is good "

Ya right ...I ignore her beads and kitchen junk, she pretends to hate my hobbies...and does a real convincing job

LOL! I have a basement full of beads!

Sweet Video MDK..............after that I need some airtime on my Buster 3.3!!!

what was your ground speed during that video?

thanks for sharing.

Quote:

Originally posted by Windy Heap Sweet Video MDK..............after that I need some airtime on my Buster 3.3!!! what was your ground speed during that video? thanks for sharing.

Thanks, 35 maybe 40 mph, wind was 15 mph or more. the Buster is a nice kite!

MDK - thanks for sharing the video. Awesome!! I am from Butte, Montana and have been in your state quite a bit but never been to Weiser - where are you riding in that video?

Bassetman - I started out on the snow about four years ago. Started landboarding just cause it looked like a good way to get out a little during the non-snow season - I started buggying this past year just cause it looked like fun. I was surprised at how little power is needed to tool around in a buggy. Point is, I agree with what most of the replies have been saying regarding the smaller kites. On low wind days (10 ish mph) I can use a Frenzy 7.5; on average wind days (15 ish) I've used an Access 6.0; 20-25 mph I use a 3m or 4m kite and am amazed at how little resistance the buggy provides. On those days I could also use a 2m trainer .... just haven't yet. Good luck and keep us posted, John.