Been lurking for a while and thought it was beyond time to actually join in I have been into kites for a long time now but never managed to get a
serious power kite yet, I have had a radsail 1.8 for a while and thoroughly enjoy it but wanting to move up a bit now, I won't be boarding or anything
and unfortunately I'm on a bit of a tight budget, have been looking around and thinking of the HQ rush v pro trainer 300. Like I say not wanting to
board or anything like that, just wanting something to challenge me a bit and pull me about a bit more than the radsail
I'd suggest you look at a 4line 2-3M fixed bridle instead of a bar at first.. ESPECIALLY if you're mostly static fly.. Keep in mind your Radsail if
I'm not mistaken is a sport size so even a 2M powerkite is going to be a significant size increase for you.. Hopefully one of us is near you and could
let you fly before you buy..
Here a sport size 2.2 Symphony (Blue) on top of a 4M Crossfire.. Here's also a 2M Crossfire (Yellow) on the same 4M kite.. As you can see, despite the
"numbers" the 2M Powerkite is a much bigger and read more powerful kite.
If money is an issue then you want to consider second hand kites. New kites drop in value as soon as they hit your door step.
Shop the for sale section of reputable forums. Ebay and the like can hold some deals but also some rip offs. AVOID IMPULSE BUYING!!!! Run your choice
through folks on here 1st if you go that route.
My first 4 line was a 5m HQ Beamer. Looking back I think I would have gone smaller. 2-3m Probably would stay with the Beamer line. I really like them.
I have flown 3,4,5m and they're all great. The Peter Lynn Hornet is another excellent option. A 3m hornet will probably have a place in your kite
quiver for the rest of your flying days. Another good one IMO is the HQ Alpha.They're are an excellent choice for the budget minded. And they have
very good flight characteristics.
I have never flown one myself but the Flexifoil Rage seems to be a very popular choice on here. Whatever you end up choosing I would keep it under 3m
and I have to agree with abkayak. I think you're going to like the 4 line on handles much more then a bar. Although there is the Prism Tensor. While
there not cheap. They can be flown on a bar or handles. I fact the bar it comes with breaks down and converts to 4 line handles. And there great
kites. They pull really hard. Just my two cents. Happy flying and welcome!
I would also steer you the way of a four line kite on handles. I started on a three line trainer on a bar then went straight to depowers. I just
recently acquired a fixed bridle for static flying and it's way more fun to play around with when I can't board. In my case the only time I fly my
depowers static is when I need the practice. No one has yet mentioned that depowers just don't ever seem to fly quite right until you're in motion, at
least not in my experience anyways. Good luck with whatever you choose. Welcome to the addiction!
Hi Rich, and welcome! I too am new here and new to Power Kiting as of the last couple of months, so I do not have the experience or knowledge of
these other members.
This new interest/hobby of mine started with a two-line Prism sports kite and then morphed into static Power Kiting for a bit more thrill and
exercise. So far, I have only flown the Flexifoil Rage and Sting kites. The Rage kites are available on Amazon in sizes: 1.8m, 2.5m, 3.5m, &
4.7m. They are sold kite only, so you also need to purchase handles and line sets which are available there also in the Flexifoil "store". I now own
all of the Rage kites, as well as the Flexifoil Sting 3.3m.
I bought the Sting 3.3 because - due to its slightly wider shape - it is a bit more forgivable to fly than a Rage, and at the time, I only had the
Rage 2.5. On fairly windy days (10+ KTS), the Rage 2.5 was way too much for me, so enter the Sting 3.3. Now, two months or so later, my Sting is
only flown by others who I wish to introduce to the sport, and I fly my Rages with abandon. In two months, I have learned a lot, and because of info
I obtained on this forum, I was always respectful of the often sudden power that these kites can generate, and the possibility of being very hurt by
it.
If you are on a bit of a budget - which I can fully understand - I would start with the Sting 3.3m which comes with lines and handles. You can learn
a lot with this well made kite. I would suggest that you get a better set of handles for it versus what comes with it (I'd suggest the Flexifoil
Prolink handles), and after a bit of flying, you will be ready for an upgrade.
Regardless of what you choose, be respectful of the power of these kites, and let us know how you make out.
Pansh 50% off sale right now(price shown after added to cart). I had to pick up a 4m Flux after being so impressed by the 3m. Such a smooth flying
kite and not bad for the price.
Thanks a lot guys I really appreciate the advice! I honestly think I was a little bit scared of the 4 lines because of the possibilities of tangling
(you should see me fishing) but after a few YouTube sessions it looks like a Beamer for me! Slightly out of my price range but have seen a couple of
second hand ones so might take that advice too! Seen a 3m and a 4m thinking of the 4 because it's going to be my only kite for quite a while so don't
want to wish I went bigger!
Most new to this worry that they will go to small and not have enough kite to keep their
interest and what's 1m? Many times it's the difference between having the nerve to launch or
more importantly being safe to fly...go 3m if your under 200# and you will fly more often..imo
Thanks a lot guys I really appreciate the advice! I honestly think I was a little bit scared of the 4 lines because of the possibilities of tangling
(you should see me fishing) but after a few YouTube sessions it looks like a Beamer for me! Slightly out of my price range but have seen a couple of
second hand ones so might take that advice too! Seen a 3m and a 4m thinking of the 4 because it's going to be my only kite for quite a while so don't
want to wish I went bigger!
Rich
I'm sure you're thinking Sport Kite size from your radsail instead of Square meters... PLEASE stick with 2-3M.. $m is a lot of kite for a first taste
of real powerkiting especially if you are thinking static. If you but only a 4M then you will spend a lot of time not flying because of the
conditions..
Here's a 4M Crossfire being art the rogallo f4estival a few years back..stop it at 3 to 4 sec.. The Red kite is a 4M Crossfire.. The
Lime/Gray kite is a Felxifoil Bullet 2.5. (Predecessor to the Rage..)
In this poarticular case the Cr5ossfire is being used for scudding and the rage is being flown static as well..The person flyinf the Crossfire is a
Pro in anyone's eyes here.. The person flying the Bullet is a good friend of mine and tthis was his first time with that kite out in good beach wind..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feJBAfaDekw
He still owns that kite AND hasn't considered another yet.. I'm holding the 4.5 Bullet that in my Avatar in case he changes his mind.. It's been a few
years now and he's quite happy with the 2.5
HQ Beamers are great, PL Hornets are as well. Flexifoil Rage comes in the between size and will not disappoint.
YEAH RIGHT! Tht's funny
right there. I bet a dollar to a doughnut that you will. LOL
But seriously,get a 3m Beamer,rage/bullet,buster soulfly or some other lower aspect ratio kite and learn to fly it well. A 3m kite can fly in a
large range of winds.
Trust us,this is who we are, and this is what we do!
Seen a 3m and a 4m thinking of the 4 because it's going to be my only kite for quite a while so don't want to wish I went bigger!
Gotta weigh in here and also strongly advise going 3m instead of 4m. Another point beyond the (excellent and spot on) comments already made is how the
3m will perform in the sky versus the 4m. The 3m will be so much more lively and interesting to fly, and as such will dramatically drive you to
improve your skill set.
One way to look at this is to think about that the 4m is 1/3 larger than the 3m. While somebody on this forum could surely provide the precise answer,
the relationships of size changes to pull and liveliness in the air are not in one-to-one proportionality. Not sure if it is a simple quadratic
(squared) function but there is a BIG difference between a 4m and 3m FB kite in the same lineage (e.g., 3m Hornet vs 4m Hornet).
If you buy a 3m FB there will be many days that you thank yourself, far more days that you wished that you had bought the 2m, and far fewer days that
you wished you went with the 4m.
The guys that have chimed in above have been doing this a long time and really know what they are talking about. I joined PKF last year and am SO
THANKFUL for all the great advice I have received from these veterans of this wonderful sport.
Just to chime in one more time to reiterate what I was saying about going with something in the 2-3m range. I'm 6'8" 310lbs. There have been a number
of times when I was firs flying that I made mistakes and had my 5m Beamer life me off the ground into the air...several feet into the air. More often
then not I found myself wishing I had gone smaller. In fact my next kite purchase was a used 3m followed by a 1.5m do you see a pattern here? Haha!
I'm glad to see you enjoy the sport so much. Learn from my mistakes.
Just to give you an idea of what a 3m can do. I was out in my buggy a few weeks ago and made a few mistakes with my 3m HQ Toxic in about 25-30mph
winds. It lifted me completely out of the buggy. I'm a big man at 310lbs. I was pretty impressed with the shear power of such a small kite. I can
almost promise you that you won't be disappointed with a 3m In which ever flavor you choose.
Well it looks like I now own a 3m Beamer IV it's used but looks in good condition as far as you can tell on eBay! Can't wait for it to arrive now!
Looks like I'm going to need some pointers on flying 4 lines soon! :D
Very excellent choice my friend. Your gonna like the Beamer. Still my favorite.
Yeah used kite buying is addicting. I may have to go to meetings soon. Haha!
WELCOME to the addiction.
I don't know where you are in the world...but feel free to give a shout out on the forums here and If anyone is near you I'm sure most anyone on here
would be happy to set up a play date. Happy flying!
Well it looks like I bought the 4m one too! Put a cheeky bid in thinking someone would outbid me and they didn't:o, oh well suppose I could re sell
the 4m
Well it looks like I bought the 4m one too! Put a cheeky bid in thinking someone would outbid me and they didn't:o, oh well suppose I could re sell
the 4m
Rich
No crime in starting a quiver! Don't say we didn't warn you... :evil:
Hahahaha yeah to be honest I got both for the price of a brand new 3m Beamer so quite happy, but don't think the wife is oh well looks like it's time to put the quadcopter on eBay and recoup some money
Yeah man, you won't regret that 4 meter size. Very under rated size in my opinion.
For my local wind, the 4 meter was my favorite size for static. Your next purchase, look for something with a little more zing. Maybe mid ar. Use
these for awhile then sell. I'm a big fan of trying as many different types of kites you can to start off with until you find your style. If on a
budget, this only works buying and selling 2nd hand. Some of us have to sell once in awhile unlike abkayak
I view the 4m size as the inland fat kid's 3m. 3m just didn't have quite enough low end even on the windy days on my fields with thick grass. Take
some of the rolling resistance away, and 3m would work often where I'm at.
all you newbs pay attention this is how you do it...buy the snot outa every kite you can find, and then figure out how to fly them...so USMC
of course this does not apply to NYCL kites...those are mine
^^ he is right though. I haven't sold a kite that I didn't regret a little bit. In fact a lot of kites end up back in one of the original owners hands
at some point. I know where all of my previous kites are except maybe 1.
I swore you told me that you got a 3m and 4m so you can share this new sport with the wife.
Now go tell her what a thoughtful guy you are!
Here are some pointers for getting started:
Hold the handles with your pointer finger above the top lines.
Try and avoid any brake input at 1st and just fly off the front lines. Add brake input once you feel comfortable flying 2 line.
If the kite won't fly overhead ( zenith ) and stay there with decent wind then your brake lines are too short.
If the kite spins, the brake on that side is effecting the kite.
Don't try and FLY the kite all over the place at 1st. ( most beginners do ) Try and CONTROL the kite! Anticipating the next move and starting it early
enough to be effective ...
Park your kite using a kite stake and brake lines tight.
Pack your kite and lines carefully to avoid agro'. NEVER allow your handles to get near your bridle!
Well it looks like I bought the 4m one too! Put a cheeky bid in thinking someone would outbid me and they didn't:o, oh well suppose I could re sell
the 4m
Rich
Wow, that was fast.. Most of us are on our 5th, 6th or 16th kite before making the "I bought 2 by accident" excuse.. Beamers are great kite all
around to use AND especially user friendly to learn on..
Well the 3m arrived today! Not much wind so didn't get it up for long but when she was in the air was very stable and strong! Can't wait for a better
day!
Went out again tonight and she well and truly kicked my butt! Dragged me all over the place before I could get up to the zenith! Landed me literally
on my face, soon learned that adrenaline does not agree with common sense, I knew to let the kite killers do the work but my brain wouldn't let go of
the handles! Steep learning curve today and possibly a black eye! But I did carry on flying and gor her up above and flying well eventually!
![[*]](images/perspective/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
..used kite purchasing is addicting btw
oh well looks like it's time to put the quadcopter on eBay and recoup some money
