Hi all,

I'm new here and I hope I can get some advice from the more experienced guys before buying a new kite.

I'm 27 years old and my only experience with kites dates from when I was teenager. I had a small foil and delta kite (about 1m wing span). And I've flown a 3m 4 line kite when I was about 14 years old for a few hours on vacation. I still remember that it was an awesome experience.

I flew my delta stunt kite a few times during the past months, but I don't like it that much because it's very nervous to fly. And my foil is gone, so I can't fly that one anymore. But these kites weren't very exciting to fly, so I'm looking for a decent upgrade.

I would prefer a nice, big kite that flies controlled and not so nervous as the small kid kites. I live in Belgium and the wind speeds are usually between 7-15kts in the summer.

I've been reading a lot for the past 2 weeks about kites on different forums, but it seems that activity is much lower since ~2015 on all forums. I'm not sure why that is, but it makes it harder for me since most manufactures updated a lot of models in the past 1-2 years. But I think I found some good platforms for a beginner like me. I just don't know which kite would be the best for me.

Here's what I found:
- Peter Lynn Hornet 3.0m (2016 model): The only info I found was about the pre 2015 model (Hornet II) where they say it's a great beginner kite that's stable and can handle gusts very well, but some say that it can get boring quickly and doesn't react very good on the brakes.
- Flexifoil Rage 2.5m (new model): They had a refresh recently but I can't find anything about the current model. They now come with the Triple A adjuster and when watching videos of the older Rage, it seems faster than the Hornet while flying. It's an expensive kite, but I have a 40% coupon code for the Flexifoil shop, so I can get it for the same price as the Hornet 3.0m with the Flexifoil Pro handles and 25m Flexifoil lines.
HQ Beamer VI 3m: I saw it discounted in a few shops and there is a newer HQ4 Beamer since February 2018. I guess no one knows how this one flies yet.

At the moment, the Hornet 3.0 or Rage 2.5 look the most interesting to me.
I've found a few Youtube videos of the newer Hornet and it looks slow and easy to fly. I think that's great for a newbie.
The videos of a 2.5 rage are all old (4-9 years old) and of bad quality, so it's really hard to judge this kite by watching movies. The only thing I saw was that it flies fast but I'm not sure if that was because of high winds. If it would also fly fast in lower winds, it would scare me a bit because I'm still a beginner with the bigger 4 line kites.

Is there a big difference in the length of the lines? The Hornet has 20m lines and the Rage 25m lines.
And is it easy to make a 4 line kite fly slower or do you only use the brakes when turning/landing?

Which kite would you guys recommend? Other brands or types are also welcome.

Thanks!

You won't notice the 5 m difference in line length all that much. I certainly wouldn't chose a kite based only on that. Do keep in mind the longer the lines the more space you will need. I'm sure others can compare the specifics of the Hornet and Rage kites.


Here is a thread that will be very informative.



http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28759

Hi, welcome!

First question, are you intending on just flying static, or will you be riding something - land board, buggy etc...? Static - if you want some exercise and pull, then you are on the right track with a Rage or similar. If you want to do tricks/spins etc you might want to check out a Symphony with mod or Rev.

Lately the Flexifoil kites have been on sale on Amazon, check there for a Rage - I got one recently for $99 (kite only - you will have to get lines/handles elsewhere - they do not have to be Flexifoil). I assume same sale on europe Amazon. It's a fun kite, if you're just flying static it will launch in just about any wind over 5mph. I'm on ATB, not static. I feel like it doesn't start pulling until over 10-15mph (I'm 85kg). So far I like flying my Bullet better (Rage is Flexifoil's update to the Bullet), but I think the Rage will be a much better higher wind kite as it's more stable.

You may want to look into the Symphony 2.2 quad conversion if you're only into static. Another member here got a Rage and likes it, then got the Symphony mod and LOVES it for static flying. Watch the video on the last page and see if that type of flying grabs you.
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=26213

You have total control with handles/brakes - you can use them to turn, slow the kite down and land. Look up some how to fly quad line kite vids on Youtube.

Good luck, do lots of searches here about specific kites, and ask lots of questions!

Quote: Originally posted by Randy

You won't notice the 5 m difference in line length all that much. I certainly wouldn't chose a kite based only on that. Do keep in mind the longer the lines the more space you will need. I'm sure others can compare the specifics of the Hornet and Rage kites. Here is a thread that will be very informative. http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28759

Thank you. I found the link before and read it, but I'd like to known how the Rage compares to the Hornet in terms of handling.

Quote: Originally posted by jeffnyc

Hi, welcome! First question, are you intending on just flying static, or will you be riding something - land board, buggy etc...? Static - if you want some exercise and pull, then you are on the right track with a Rage or similar. If you want to do tricks/spins etc you might want to check out a Symphony with mod or Rev. Lately the Flexifoil kites have been on sale on Amazon, check there for a Rage - I got one recently for $99 (kite only - you will have to get lines/handles elsewhere - they do not have to be Flexifoil). I assume same sale on europe Amazon. It's a fun kite, if you're just flying static it will launch in just about any wind over 5mph. I'm on ATB, not static. I feel like it doesn't start pulling until over 10-15mph (I'm 85kg). So far I like flying my Bullet better (Rage is Flexifoil's update to the Bullet), but I think the Rage will be a much better higher wind kite as it's more stable. You may want to look into the Symphony 2.2 quad conversion if you're only into static. Another member here got a Rage and likes it, then got the Symphony mod and LOVES it for static flying. Watch the video on the last page and see if that type of flying grabs you. http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=26213 You have total control with handles/brakes - you can use them to turn, slow the kite down and land. Look up some how to fly quad line kite vids on Youtube. Good luck, do lots of searches here about specific kites, and ask lots of questions!

I'm not planning to ride anything. Just static flying.
I like how the bigger kites fly so slow and controlled, but I think anything bigger than 3m will pull to much to fly static? My weight is 75kg.

I don't like the smaller kites that fly like a wasp, but this style is nice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGUGOZrAKHk
Very relaxing to watch, but it looks very hard to do that :p

Do you know if the Rage 2.5m pulls harder as the 3m Hornet?

For static flying only, a 2 meter kite and a 4 meter kite make a good quiver. A three meter becomes a work out quickly with any decent wind and isn't large enough to be fun in lightish wind. A 2 meter or even less will be a lot of fun in higher winds to fly static without wearing you out and the 4 meter will be more fun in lightish wind. Kite size is only relevant to the wind speed. If you plan on static flying often, a combo of 2 kite sizes will allow you to take advantage of more wind. just something to consider.

welcome around...all 4 line kites are interesting
i like what ssayre is sayin...but i believe more kites are always better
get the rage than add your bigger slower lower wind kite...
normally i just say buy a 3m

If All I wanted to do was static fly I would choose Revolution kites hands down. They are far more technical and fun than foils. If you are not aware of them you should do a search.

The only reason to go foil over Rev would be for power to drag yourself around.

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

If All I wanted to do was static fly I would choose Revolution kites hands down. They are far more technical and fun than foils. If you are not aware of them you should do a search. The only reason to go foil over Rev would be for power to drag yourself around.

^^^THIS^^^

Rev kites are a blast to fly! Very technical, and never boring. You will not get the pull from a rev that you will get with a 4 line foil, but the Rev has is in the fun department. Watch some videos of Rev kites, I think you will like what you see.

If pull is what you are after, the hornet is a great kite as well as the Beamer however the Rage is great as well. All of them have their pros and cons. I started on a Twister 5.6 and quickly realized it was not the best choice for a first kite and I quickly added a Viper 2.6 to my quiver. If you can find a Viper for sale, GET IT!!!! Super fast, loads of pull yet it is forgiving. Does well in gusts and it will be a kite you can learn on and still have fun with as your skills progress. I have been kiting since 2010 and have moved up to race kites and advanced depowers yet I still find myself flying the Vipers for fun.

Look for Peter Lynn Vipers, you will not be disappointed.

Welcome to the addiction!!! Fly safe, and have fun!

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

If All I wanted to do was static fly I would choose Revolution kites hands down. They are far more technical and fun than foils. If you are not aware of them you should do a search. The only reason to go foil over Rev would be for power to drag yourself around.

I was going to say something similar. If static flying is the goal, then a Rev or some kind of stunt kite would seem to be a lot more interesting. You can do far more interesting and entertaining tricks with a simple two line stunt kite than with any traction kite (except power a buggy, board, or boat.)

Now, I suppose one could go for a traction kite for exercise, but there are plenty of cheaper ways to do that.

Lots of good stuff here for sure! My all time favorite kite to fly static is the Vioer 2.6, and if I'm not mistaken there was just one on the for sale section on here. Such an awesome kite! Very stable, very nimble, very satisfying. I've flown many makes, models, sizes, while static flying, and this one is a blast and so versatile. I used it when I used to go to the schools around town for kite day, I could literally park it on a kids head for a split second nice and controlled and then pop the handles and take off again. Again, hands down for me, the kite to have for static flying with little worry of damage while learning how to control it.

I'm pretty partial to the Symphony conversion.. The Fun of a Rev at 1/2 the price. Rev and Freilein amke great 4 line stunt kites though. I just like that the foils have no parts to really break.. perfect for a newbie to learn on.

I may sell my viper 3.9 and 5.6

Not sure yet, but I am kicking it around in my head....:evil::evil::evil:

i asked flexifoil a while ago what were the changes in models from old to new, if any. the reply was that the planform is the same, they're just using a different material, and there were minor bridle adjustments made.
static-wise, for my 145 lb-ish weight, in the place that i fly most often, which is a fairly wind protected school field, i have a few fun options. in the summer my go-to kite is a rage 2.5 on 30m lines, when the wind is "decent." that may change, though, with the addition of a recent bullet 2.5. this thing is a blast to fly in my cold, leaves-down, chilly springtime wind. pulls when you want it to, is extremely maneuverable yet easy to control. i've only had it for a short time, but i love it.
when the wind starts to pick up i go to a flexi sting 1.7, which would be very similar to the symphony 2.2.4 (which is about 1.6 sqm)
when it goes higher and higher my choice is a sting 1.2 or my converted symphony 1.8. (about 1.1 sqm)
i now have a bazillion kites to choose from but i use these when i want some pull that gets me running around a bit while also stunting/playing. my little peabrain can be easily entertained for hours doing this.
when the wind is lower i also have lots of options. if it's really low i put up a toxic 5m, knowing that all i'm going to get is a boring back and forth tug o' war, but that's better than sitting around doing nothing.
if it's merely low, not really low, i have a bunch of 3-4m kites that i'll use depending on what i want to do at that moment. i have a 4.5 bullet on the way that i'm hoping can slide into this slot. if it's anything like the 2.5, it should do the trick.
if anyone has an old 3.5 bullet lying around collecting dust, please let me know.
sometimes, though, i just want something tame and toss a hornet or beamer up. with the viper hype here, it looks like i'll have to get that one out again soon.
today may be that day after i get done with a bike ride.
tom

Thank you for all the suggestions!
I'll do a search and see if I can find a second hand PL Viper 2.6m.

I'll check the other alternatives as well. I would like to start out with just 1 kite instead of buying 2 at once. I won't be flying enough to justify the cost of 2 kites.
I guess 2.5-3m is the way to go then for 7-15kts wind speeds and flying on the beach? I would like a kite that can drag me over the beach.

The PKD busters are also very smooth and predictable. My Dad could buggy with the smaller ones in high wind and my youngest brother could fly the same kites in low wind when he was 5 and not worry about the kite doing anything bad. Beginner kite so it will not do anything sketchy on you, but still a professional kite that can be used for buggying or landboarding down the line easily. My family lives in Vancouver, so very gusty wind and not much clean wind down lower, also have taken years of abuse at the hands of me and my brothers who were little kids, I do not want to know how many bushes I have crashed our old 2m into and it is still going strong. Wide profile, hard to fold or fall out of the sky, and very forgiving to mistakes. We bring ours to the beach all the time since it has clean wind, just lay them out inside to dry after and shake out the sand.