Hi I'm Mark. I'm 13 yrs old and have been flying stunt kites for about 2 years. I would like to purchase a Prism snapshot (1.9 or 2.5) as an intro to power kiting. I weigh only 95 pounds. I want a kite that will supply me with a lot of power, but not destroy me in the process. Which of the two do you recommend?

Snapshots are good kites, but I would look for something that comes with handles and 4 lines. A 2m hq beamer or 2m Peter Lynn hornet would be larger than a 2.5 snapshot and you would learn 4 line control. Don't try jumping with them.

Hi,
I this is a cheap and good way to start out with power kites.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/power-kite-4-dual-lines-control-Spor...

Quote:

Snapshots are good kites, but I would look for something that comes with handles and 4 lines. A 2m hq beamer or 2m Peter Lynn hornet would be larger than a 2.5 snapshot and you would learn 4 line control. Don't try jumping with them.

Actually, it looks like Prism measures the Snapshot 2.5 on area, not span (it appears to be the only one, the other Snapshots are span) Source. It also converts to 4 line and handles (but that requires buying handles and a set of lines). So the 2.5 may not be a bad option, but I would recommend a 4 line kite, and the ones ssayre mentioned would already be set up with them and not need the conversion that the Snapshot would. I'll second ssayre that you shouldn't try jumping with these kites.

Also, the best way to make sure you don't get destroyed is to get comfortable with wind ranges by starting low and go up from there. If the winds are 10 mph or less, you shouldn't have much issue with the kite. As you get used to flying it (4 line has a bit more finesse than 2 line) you'll feel more comfortable in the higher winds that the kite is capable of.

Welcome Mark. Best recommendations starting out are a 4-line 2-3m kite from one of these manufacturers:
Peter Lynn
HQ
PDK
Ozone
Flexifoil
Skydog

Sorry sadsack, that kite you are referencing on ebay is not a good choice. Be prepared to spend at least $100 on a small 4-line foil.

As mentioned earlier, start out in <10 mph wind and slowly work your way up into stronger wind as your skills progress. And also, as mentioned earlier, don't try jumping with these sized kites.

vaultingbassist, I know prism says they are measured by sq area but I have owned a 2.5 snapshot and a 3 meter beamer and the snapshot is half the size of a 3m beamer.

Here's a thread that shows them laying side by side.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=29336

Huh, weird. Thanks for clarifying that!

13 yrs old? Good age to start power/traction kiting. The smartest thing you've done so far is to come here for advice.

Forget about the Prism SNAPSHOT. Not durable. As I have joked about before... it's called a Snapshot because the line(s) often will SNAP, and your fun is SHOT!

A prism Tensor 3.1m is fine,durable, however....you are safer and better to start with a 2m which they don't make.

Pick a brand from pongnut's list, and then get a model that is LOW ASPECT...ask for this or come back here and ask.

You posted in 'kite jumping' section by accident..or because you are thinking about jumping?

Well forget all about jumping. Put it way in back of your mind like that drivers license you won't be getting for a while!

The excitement being pulled eventually just along the ground, dragging your heels, perhaps later on a board, buggy or skates-if you choose- will provide plenty of excitement.

Stay in school and no jumping!

Quote: Originally posted by sadsack

Hi, I this is a cheap and good way to start out with power kites. http://www.ebay.com/itm/power-kite-4-dual-lines-control-Spor...

Sorry sadsack, but those nasty Chinese knockoffs mostly are a waste of money. There are way better alternatives that won't bust the bank(and won't bust the first time it hits the deck). We generally tell people to avoid them so they don't get disillusioned that kiting sucks when it does not fly right.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

vaultingbassist, I know prism says they are measured by sq area but I have owned a 2.5 snapshot and a 3 meter beamer and the snapshot is half the size of a 3m beamer. Here's a thread that shows them laying side by side. http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=29336

I think it means 2.5 sq.ft not 2.5 sq.m

It pull me on my skateboard and skates. It is no $500 dollars kite
but you don't pay $500, for it. If you are 13 and want to try out something new why pay big bucks when you can buy one for quarter of the big names kite and see in six months you still want to kite or date girls. When you are 13 you don't know what you want.
:frog:

Quote: Originally posted by sadsack

It pull me on my skateboard and skates. It is no $500 dollars kite but you don't pay $500, for it. If you are 13 and want to try out something new why pay big bucks when you can buy one for quarter of the big names kite and see in six months you still want to kite or date girls. When you are 13 you don't know what you want. :frog:

Well that's sounds legit... NOT ! Mark, you might want to look at everyones profiles and choose for yourself who knows what they are talking about. Here is a place to get a kite ,and it DOESN'T cost $500!

http://www.pkdkitesusa.com/


I have been a member of PKF since 2006 and bought my first Traction kite in 2004. I'm pretty sure I know a wee bit more than any newbie on here. And I'm sure the other members will attest to that.

Here is me and another PKF member kite buggying with two kites that each cost less than $160. I'd say they are flying a lot better than Chinese crap kites. :P
https://vimeo.com/65980936

I know a guy selling an HQ Beamer, 1.5m. Perfect starting size for younger kids. My son started on the 1.8m, had a blast. He weighed around 70lbs at that point. It may not pull like a 3m, but you can safely learn on this kite then use it to show your friends. Don't forget some sort of helmet and maybe some knee and elbow pads just in case. Let me know if you are interested in the Beamer, I can help get the kite to you if you are here in the states or Canada.

Save your self some time and do not buy cheap knock off kites as some have already said, they don't usually fly well and are not going to last.

Quote:

I think it means 2.5 sq.ft not sq.m

Snapshot 2.5 was my first foil. I flew it on vacation a couple years ago and a guy came up to me that said he kites as well and that I should get a good 3 meter kite to learn on. I couldn't figure out why he thought I needed a kite that was just .5 meter larger to learn on. When I ordered my first true power kite I finally understood what he was talking about.

Yea. I went from an HQ Symphony 1.8 to an Ozone 3m. I said to myself "that's not much larger"......Boy was that a shock!!

You can say that again...

13 year olds progress at a real fast rate. The China kite that Sadsack shows is not a true power kite and will leave you wanting more power too quickly + you won't ever have any resale value in a kite like that. It doesn't cost $500 to buy a quality kite. Check out the PKD Busters if you are buying new. You can get one ready to fly with real handles and quality lines at $200 ( 3.3m PKD ) or less ( Smaller ). Second hand is a good way to go if money is tight. Avoid Ebay until you know more about kites or clear your choice on here. It is full of sub par and very old kites.

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

13 year olds progress at a real fast rate. The China kite that Sadsack shows is not a true power kite and will leave you wanting more power too quickly + you won't ever have any resale value in a kite like that. It doesn't cost $500 to buy a quality kite. Check out the PKD Busters if you are buying new. You can get one ready to fly with real handles and quality lines at $200 ( 3.3m PKD ) or less ( Smaller ). Second hand is a good way to go if money is tight. Avoid Ebay until you know more about kites or clear your choice on here. It is full of sub par and very old kites.

BR, the 3.3 Buster Soulfly costs $141 and some change.

Thank you WELDNGOD, that is very helpful. I was wondering if you would suggest the Buster Soulfly 2.2 or 3.3 for me?

Mark ,the 2.2 is actually $154 ,the 1.5 and 3.3 are the same. I believe this is due to desirability of the 2.2. There is also PRO versions that are made with race kite bridles and lighter material . Which makes them faster through the window. My personal recommendation is that you get the 2.2 as you will be able to hold it down in higher winds. I weigh twice what you do and I can scud with the2.2 in high winds. When you get more skills and a little more weight, the 3.3 will be in order. Also ,where are you located and what kind of winds do you have there? That has everything to do with it. Oh, welcome to the family. If you have any questions we are all willing to help. That is why we are here. Love of the sport:saint:

Hey Donnie. Any word on the pros availability in the US?

This is mark. I live in Red Bluff California we have pretty weak winds but occasionally they will pick up. The other place I fly is in Marin at my Grandmas but winds are't strong there either

Quote: Originally posted by Mark_kitetraction

This is mark. I live in Red Bluff California we have pretty weak winds but occasionally they will pick up. The other place I fly is in Marin at my Grandmas but winds are't strong there either

In my experience, newer fliers always under estimate actual wind speed and go out in bigger winds than they should. What are you basing your assessment on? Are you flying ULs, SULs, standard framed kites when you are flying sport kites? Are you basing your assessment on actual metered readings, feel, observation? I've heard newer fliers say things like, "I think it was blowing 10-12" and the pine trees are bent over and I've heard them say "It was blowing 30+" when the flag is waving but not straight out or fluttering.

A proper 2.5m power kite is going to generate way more power than whatever framed sport kite you are flying so make sure you have an accurate assessment of the wind before you launch.

Its easier for newer pilots to learn when the kite is easier to launch and more responsive which means its easier to learn on a smaller kite in bigger winds than a big kite in small winds. Size accordingly and start underpowered.

My 12 year old has been flying since he was 6. He is totally fine most days on a 1.5m. A 2.5 can be very intimidating. He weights around 75#s I think and goes out powered but not overpowered.

What B-roc said is spot on. But I fly PKDs ,and I'm certain you could hold down the 2.2 m buster soulfly. If your winds get up to about 15mph it's going to start developing power . For every additional 5 mph over that, I would say maybe 20 -35 % more power would be added. Jeff @ BKK could prolly tell ya better though.

Quote: Originally posted by 3shot

Hey Donnie. Any word on the pros availability in the US?

I got one don't I? Contact Jeff @ BKK . Matter of fact , I need to get the 1.5 ,2.2 and 3.3 in pro as well, to go with my 4.4 . I will get hold of Jeff and see what he can do for the Kokopelli Kiting Crew. It would look awesome if we all were flying soulflys on Virginia Beach.

I knew you had the 4.4 pro, but that was before they were even released I think.

Sorry to drift here...

Thank you so much. The 2.2 Buster Soulfly sounds great to me and I think I will order it this weekend.