Ok so I bought the hq hydra 300 a few years back and am hoping I can use it for jumps. I haven't been able to get it to work yet

So if this kite would work is it possible to swap from using a bar to handles?
Should I just sell it and buy a new kite instead?(would rather not)

Do not jump with that kite. It will surely lift you, but it will drop you even faster. A 5m+ kite is recommended for jumping. My 4.5m has dropped me a few times. luckily I am young and I didn't get hurt. If you want to jump you are going to need a bigger kite, plain and simple.

Ok good to know.
Just out of curiosity. Is it possible to convert this kite from a bar to handles?

Also what would you recommend for a 5m kite

It's a good kite to get into the swing of things..no jumping, but will drag you all over the place once you get familiar with it..it's a 3 line at the bar so I don't thing you can convert to handles but I've seen guys buggin and boarding with them...keep it.fly it.dominate it..than get a 4line

Twalt-We say a 5m is the absolute smallest you want to jump on, because that size and up has a chance at putting you down gently, rather than dropping like a stone.

Unless you've got a super soft and forgiving surface to land on like soft sand, jumping can be quite dangerous. Please at least wear a helmet whenever you go out!

How would the peter Lynn hornet 5m be for me then?
I run into the problem of tere being 50049303 choices and get lost haha

I will say my max price range is around 350

jumping is something you need to ease into after developing a good feel for things.. you need to be a pilot first to do it safely...take your time...that said my hornet doesn’t like to go where it needs to be for lift...its more of a puller than a lifter...but give a kite enough wind and things start going up fast

I realize that. I'd never jump right into jumping. My legs are important lol.
But with that said. I'm looking to buy a kite that will be good for jumping
But have no idea what to look at
Could I get some of your thoughts on this?

Thanks for the replies so far peeps

The Twister is a kite for jumping. Be careful though.

http://www.bigmikeskites.com/ByDiscipline/JumpingKites.html

imo..fly the hell out of the hydra.. be comfy w/ it in +20 winds.. get a 3m 4line and do the same...than look for a proper jumpin kite.. you dont want that 5/5+m kite yet..its the careful what you wish for thing

The Hydra is a 3 line setup so converting to 4 lines isn't as simple as getting handles and swapping.

Are you simply wanting to jump static or are you out to get riding at some point ?

If you are simply wanting to jump then the Flexifoil Blades or Peter Lynn Twisters would be your best bet. If you have put in your time on the Hydra and can fly it without looking at it then I think you may be ready to step up . Just respect the fact that you are moving up to a very lifty kite and simply don't fly it if the wind is too strong . Always size for the gusts !!!!! If the wind is too strong or gusty fly your Hydra. When the wind is smooth and just right ( about 10mph at 1st ) then you will be set.

Don't sell the Hydra if you don't have to. It will be the kite you go to when winds are too strong for your bigger jumping kite. Having it to fly and teach friends will help you avoid taking out the larger kite in the wrong conditions. Notice that we all have a few kites for different winds.

Something like the 5.6 Twister will be a LOT of kite even at 10mph at 1st !!!! Eventually you will take into winds just shy of 20. But NOT right away!

Jumping is serious business . Don't try it with a budget kite !

Get medical insurance.......and a helmet!

+1 for the Twister if you want a fixed bridle. It will generate good lift but is well behaved so won't boost you unless you ask it too.

Also look at Peter Lynn Arcs which are realively cheap if you get an older model. They have good lift and are easy to fly and also float you back to earth very nicely