So I took the advice from fellow forum Gurus and decided to get the 2013 PL Reactor 5.5.
As you can see below the engines that I had been working with prior. Then........... as I unpackaged & unfolded this monster out on my living room floor, I couldn't help but think "am I going to fly this thing or is it going to fly me? :puzzled:

Ohh yea, then the wife came in and reassured me "your gonna die". I guess I'm just looking for that little bit of support knowing that it's progression into the sport as Ive become pretty comfortable with the Beamer.

It's Just a shocker breaking it out of the bag and the thing keeps unfolding as I'm looking for the "ends".

Just be sure to take it out for the first time on a day when it's blowing less than 10mph. 15+ is too much your first time out.

I've taken kites out for the first time in around 5mph wind just to static fly to get a feel for them.

Also be aware the kite has pretty serious speed. It's quick and you'll be cruising so be ready for it and in an area that will allow for it.

It's a very well refined kite and flys real nice. You'll like it; just take it easy at first. Let us know how you do in the buggy with it and also the first time you static it.

Ditto on everything RTZ says. It's a great kite you'll be thrilled you added to the quiver. 12-18 mph winds will be its sweet spot. You can use it below that and above it as well, but look for a day on the lower end of the scale to gain confidence with it. Even 5-7 mph will let you fly it and learn how it turns and flies.

given the chance it will fly you....but no pblm...you got this under control
i vote 10/12 mph first time out...any more no kite killers just in case:D

I have barely flown my 5.5 at all. I mostly either fly my 8.6 or 3.5. The 5.5 is nothing to be scared of. 10-15mph is going to be the sweet spot for buggying on it if you have smooth, hard surface. I recommend a 10mph static fly session before hopping into the buggy with it like the others said. It is in another league compared to your Beamer, but nothing to be scared of in the correct wind speeds. You will notice how much faster it is through the window than the Beamer right off the bat, and it will fly much farther towards the outside of the window allowing upwind riding to be a bit easier.

The Reactors are great kites, although I definitely prefer the larger sizes to the smaller ones. My 3.5 scares me sometimes. My 8.6 is just a gentle giant though. Huge wind range on them. The 8.6 is a lot of fun playing around static in 18mph winds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeGhhIuKO5Y

I wouldn't suggest those speeds for the 5.5 until you get plenty of time under it.

I vote 10mph or below for the first couple of goes, and be careful when its gusty. Congrats on the Reactor, they really are one of the best PL kites.

Can't say I'm familure with that kite yet but I know my Twister which has a lower aspect ratio catches me off guard and scares me once in awhile if I catch a gust of 15+ flying static. I'm sure there are some vets who fly much higher than that with a 5.5M fixed bridle but that is beyond my limit.

Really great video Errol! I had to watch it again.

My sister filmed and edited it. She is very good at making videos.

I see you're from Wenatchee, great winds on the gorge!

yes you will die............someday.............but not today.


Dave in Sultan.

Quote: Originally posted by Demoknight

My sister filmed and edited it. She is very good at making videos.

I'd say even better than very good! That's one great thing about this forum - so many really good videos.

I've got his older big brother for sale when you're ready for 8.6 meters

If you live in an area like me where the winds are pretty mild you will be glad you chose this kite. Like the others said, try not to exceed 10mph for a while and you're relationship with this kite will really blossom.

BTW, I'm 125 pounds and regularly buggy with the old model 8.3 Reactor. On certain days if I want to fly or buggy, this is the only kite I have that will get it done.

The funny part about the Reactors is that people love them for being really powerful and fast for their size, but good for the buggy because they are not lifty. You can make them lifty. I love jumping on my 8.6m R2013. Very smooth lift.