Just curious as to if there is a "best size" for each of these kites. As if one size in particular is "tuned" better or the design of the kite lends itself well or better to a certain wind range and a certain size kite more so than other sizes and wind ranges.

Does anyone buggy with a Beamer? Anything stand out about them? Wondering if one of the particular sizes works supremely.

Anyone flying one of the new Hornets? Any comments on them?


I had a 2m Hornet II and it was extremely grunty, a lot of low end power. It just felt like it was full on power all the time and I found it exhausting to fly. It was also extremely darty it seems from memory.

I've briefly flown both static and some in the buggy the new model Hornet in the 4m size and it seemed tuned up in how it flew(improved) and turned. But I didn't get to fly it extensively enough to really get an impression with it.

I had a 2m Beamer V and a 3m Beamer IV. Both the top end speed and the upwind weren't enough for my liking. The 2m in particular was real nice to fly and I suppose would make a nice kite to fly static for learning. Also a great beginner kite(good control, not too aggressive).

I miss not having that 2m Beamer V sometimes. The quality of the HQ kite is apparent when you get that kite out and look it over. Something about it I could never quite figure out what. Maybe I'm use to the very plain and minimal Ozone bridals and the HQ one seemed "fancy".

I'd have to agree on the lacking upwind ability of the Beamer... I used to have a 3m Beamer V. It was great for learning the buggy, but it was tough getting upwind with it.

If HQ ever makes a Beamer VI and gives it more upwind; I think the situation will be similar to when the Flow was changed to the Octane. Better, faster, more upwind; etc; but at a cost(does "things" the Flow never did). It will no longer be the same kite(V to VI) in the sense of it being what it once was.

How are you getting along with your 3m Octane? Have you had it out in some serious wind yet? From 15-20mph it's one kite; from 20-25mph; it's really something else. I'm still gun shy of it. I've got some tamer 3's to use in this unreal gusty wind we've been having. As soon as the winds calm; I'll feel more ready to try it out some more.

the Beamer and Hornet are not really good buggy kites IMO. They are really good for learning how to handle the kite, and you can start learning the basics with them on a buggy. But I never had much success with these kites on a buggy. They just aren't designed as buggy kites, but all around kites. They are better for the first time 4 line power kiter.
both you guys are more experienced buggiers and other than have one of these kites in your quiver to fly with a friend, I'm sure you are moved on to other things. As for size....that is wind dependent. 2-3m for higher winds. 4-5m for not so.

Both Hornet and Beamer have the same design objectives- moderate A/R with good all-around performance. The Beamer is a more thoroughly refined design and will yield greater performance in the right hands.

Last I checked, they are both built in the same factory in China but I think HQ does a better job of holding their won-tons to the fire and demanding superior fit and finish in terms of build quality. Notice a lot more crooked stitch lines in the Hornet when you put them both side-by-side and more finishing touches on the Beamer.

A 2m anything will by "darty" because it is just smaller. Like "a wasp on crack" as has been said here before. I've had my 3m Beamer over 40 mph in the buggy on Ivanpah (and I was holding back) and at that moment I was not concerned about upwind ability. A 4x8 piece of Plywood on a length of rope will go upwind with enough wind ;-).

For true upwind ability on a narrow beach or limited space, look for a true buggy engine like a Toxic or Reactor or something in the PKD line.