First a little history. I currently own an 8M Apex IV. Although it has an incredibly annoyingly long throw, it's been fun to learn on. During my research, I was informed that this kite was quite forgiving in gusty winds. Although it doesn't do bad, I feel like I'm missing something. A buddy that I fly with has a 6M Flysurfer Peak that seems to outperform my 8M. It seems to handle the gusts better and stays in the sky when the wind starts to die down.

So now I'm looking at buying a larger kite for the wind that's not as strong (thinking 12-15M). Initially I was thinking a Frenzy or a Montana. I was actually even considering the 12M '07 Frenzy up for sale right now on this forum by Samm. After flying my friends FS Peak, I started thinking that maybe I should go with the Peak 9M.

I then started talking with some more experienced guys and they recommended I go for the arcs - specifically the PL Phantom and after having gained some experience to look to the Charger.

So after being pulled so many directions, I thought I'd throw it all out on here and see what you guys would recommend. Is the Frenzy a good next step, or should I go with an arc due to my shifty winds? Or maybe the Peak? :puzzled:

Frenzy / Montana is WAY different from Apex / Peak. I think you need to decide what kind of riding you want to do – jumping, cruising, good gust absorption, high lift, low lift, etc. I have never found high A/R kites to be the best for flying in-land. However, they are the best for jumping and cutting upwind.

I can’t comment on the arcs but what I will say is that if experience shows you that a Peak works well in your conditions and you have flown it and like it then that might be your best option. At least you know how it will perform and what it will do. Can you say the same for an arc? Will it leave you feeling the same way about it as you do your Apex? It’s no coincidence that when you find local kiters riding together they often ride the same gear. What works for one works for many. Buy the kite to match the conditions for your flying style.

An arc is definitely a good option. phantom 12 or 15 original gonna be tuff to find, old and fragile. a new phantom II 15m(CH II much quicker) would be powerful and well behaved.

the FS stuff is great gear as well. more sensitive for sure so lighter air is doable, definitely powers up earlier than PL.

a powered 6m? what kinda breeze ?

I have found out a circa 2004 Flysurfer Voodoo 14m is amazingly docile in gusting changeable winds. It has a large fat round profile and is like flying a big slow moving helium balloon. Because its closed cell, it doesnt luff and collapse at the edge of the window in changing winds. Its power delivery is gentle and constant, a bit like a giant HQ Beamer. Unlike an arc, its easy to relaunch and doesnt ribbon tie itself, and you can reverse launch. Flys from 6 knots up. But if I could afford one, Id prefer a Flysurfer Lotus 15m with modern bridles, big depower, super light waterproof fabric.

Quote: Originally posted by PHREERIDER

a powered 6m? what kinda breeze ?

With anything over 5mph it will stay in the sky, but you really need 7 or more before it's fun.

Thanks for the advice guys. Anybody have a used FS Peak (unlikely since they are quite new) or Phantom II for sale?

I've actually been eyeing a FS Peak 9m I found on ebay earlier today: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flysurfer-Peak-9m-/161406242155?pt=L...
I really shouldn't buy it though because I've bought too many kites already and I don't have anywhere good to use them.

Jadog, pbc has a pII 15m I would be willing to bet he would sell you. Send him a PM.

In regards to arcs, I can attest I can fly in the silly inland wind much easier with the newer arcs. They are such babies in the sky.

Yep, that Peak on eBay is what spurred this conversation. So if you guys don't bid it up too high, I'd like to buy that one.

If anybody else on here is planning on bidding on it, please let me know so we don't go on a bidding war with each other.

Quote: Originally posted by kiteballoon

Jadog, pbc has a pII 15m I would be willing to bet he would sell you. Send him a PM. In regards to arcs, I can attest I can fly in the silly inland wind much easier with the newer arcs. They are such babies in the sky.

Yes indeed, the P2 15m should go. I love it, but its size lends it to inland flying which is so rare these days for me.

Jadog PM'd me, I PM'd back. If he does not bite I'll post it in PKF.

Thanks for the kick in the seat. I love the kite, but it's just not going to get the use to justify its continued presence in the quiver.

Philip

Quote: Originally posted by jadog

Yep, that Peak on eBay is what spurred this conversation. So if you guys don't bid it up too high, I'd like to buy that one. If anybody else on here is planning on bidding on it, please let me know so we don't go on a bidding war with each other.

Dude, I'd come to Indiana just to try it once you have it