I've been flying power kites for many years. My current favorites are Flexifoil Rage 4.7 and the playful Big Buzz. I'm looking for something in between with the simplicity of the quick setup and launch of a 2-stringer, but with much more power than the Big Buzz. I realize when you get into the 4.7 size range, it's smart to have 4-lines for braking, but...

What 2-string kite(s) do you say has the most power/lift for scudding and careful jumping?

The attached pic is very recent. This is the Big Buzz. Winds were so light I could control it with one finger on each hand. The Rage 4.7 in the same wind was able to drag me around a little bit when I got it up to speed. I want power closer to the Rage with the simplicity of 2 strings. With that gap filled in my quiver I'll have everything covered for any wind condition. Just looking for that inbetweener... Max power with 2 strings.

Without a doubt the most lifty 2-liner is the Mandibule from France but not sure if you can get it any more. Also a 6.6 or 8.5 Blade III retrofitted to two lines would fill the bill.





But if I was static jumping I'd prefer a 4 line kite.

For kites currently in production, if you are looking more for grunt than lift.

"All sizes of the Born-Kite Nasa Star 3 ( kite bag is included here ) can be flown on either a 2 line or 3 line depower bar.
They can also easily be converted to fly off 4 line handles."

I am thinking the 12.5m on 2 lines should require more than a little bleach for the cleaning of grass and err umm.... other stains.

As it is also available in 2.5m, 4.0m, 5.5m, 7m, 8.5m, and 10m.... saner options are also available. And the other flight control options are still available when dual line simplicity isn't the order of the day.

ATB,
Sam

Why wouldn't you just convert what you have to 2 line if you want to dumb things down? Try shorter lines for a smaller window and longer if you want more window = more power.

My Peel is a very powerful 2 line.

I agree that mandibule is king when it comes to 2 lines and lift.

Quote: Originally posted by indigo_wolf

For kites currently in production, if you are looking more for grunt than lift. "All sizes of the Born-Kite Nasa Star 3 ( kite bag is included here ) can be flown on either a 2 line or 3 line depower bar. They can also easily be converted to fly off 4 line handles." I am thinking the 12.5m on 2 lines should require more than a little bleach for the cleaning of grass and err umm.... other stains. As it is also available in 2.5m, 4.0m, 5.5m, 7m, 8.5m, and 10m.... saner options are also available. And the other flight control options are still available when dual line simplicity isn't the order of the day. ATB, Sam

I'm with Sam here. When I read your description I immediately thought about the Born-Kite NS3s.

Born-Kite

I've actually owned every single size of the NS3 including a couple not available other than via custom build. The larger sizes (8.5, 10.0, and 12.5m) are bonafide stump pullers and can lift you as well if you try, but I wouldn't exactly describe them as "lifty". Definitely good for scudding. You want fairly steady winds for these beasts to fly well as they are prone to back flying if you can't keep them moving. They fly well as two liners (bar or straps), three liners from a bar, or four lines from handles with z-bridles.

Bladerunner, I hear you. I don't want to dumb down something. This is specific... I just like those family / friend times when it's a quick outing and you can unspool everything off of one winder and be in the air in a minute. The Big Buzz is perfect for that, but I want that with bigger power. I have my four-string setup down pretty well, but it's still a longer setup and tear down.

Quote: Originally posted by Rand

Bladerunner, I hear you. I don't want to dumb down something. This is specific... I just like those family / friend times when it's a quick outing and you can unspool everything off of one winder and be in the air in a minute. The Big Buzz is perfect for that, but I want that with bigger power. I have my four-string setup down pretty well, but it's still a longer setup and tear down.

Why can't you do that with a four line kite? I only use one winder for my handle kites. It is no different with four lines or two if you keep the lines connected to the kite when you roll up.

2 things don't make sense.

Why does it take longer to ground handle a 2 line over a 4 line?

Why do you want to use a 2 line to jump? Having control of brake input is a true advantage when jumping. Don't even think about jumping until you can fly the kite for minutes at a time without ever looking at it.

As others have mentioned, if you want a lifty 2 line buy a 4 line Blade and remove the brakes.

Are you flying the Rage correctly?
Have you worked on turning the kite with only brake input? Have you tried combining brake input with push pull control? Doing so can tighten your turn to the piont that you are turning on a wing tip.

For quick setup and tear down, learn to para pack your kites.