ok. so i went ahead and ordered two kites at once. i got a 3.5 beamer to start with. and a 5m crossfire to go along with it.

i've gotten really used to the beamer. so i think i can fly the crossfire now. and i want to jump.

what knot should i set the break lines at?

my wind range is usually 10-15mph

any other advice would be awesome.

Seems like I have my brake lines set on the second or third knot from the end of the leader. You should try the third at first and then back off when you are more comfortable. Don't do the CF in the 15 mph winds the first time unless you are on a surface that will let you scud easily. My first CF flight in about 15 knot winds had me scudding non-stop till I pulled the kite back up to the zenith. It could catch you off guard on grippy ground and/or gusty winds. This is when it will spank you. I haven't had lumpy winds on grass above 10 mph yet so it hasn't gotten me yet. I can definitely see the potential there though. Unless you are really light, you will need more than 15 to really do much jumping. Notice the gap between the wind you need to get used to the CF and the wind you need to jump. Be aware of what the CF can do before you light it up in jumping winds. Also, if you need to rest, it is best to land the kite or pull it to the side of the window. You won't get much rest straight up. You will just "pray to the crossfire" and have to hold on to a heavy pull.

My first 2 kites were identical. Make sure your comfy on the 3.5 before you cut loose on the CF. There is a huge difference. The 2 kites compliment each other well. If you get it wrong on the CF, stake it out and go back to the Beamer. Figure out what your mistake was and get back on the CF. Sweet kites those 2 and def helped me progress in this activity!

As for break lines, the middle knot on the brake bridle is the factory knot. You can make further tweeks on the power and break leaders at the handles. A quick rule of thumb, if you cant reverse launch your kite you need more break! Test your breaks in lower winds before flying in the bigger stuff. All else fails, deploy your kite killers and call it a day on the CF (go back to your 3.5). Fly hard and safe! OBTW, lid and knee pads (even thought I forget mine from time to time) are essential!

had crossfire 6.3 before I sold it. Had it on a third knot in high winds and on a second knot from begining at light winds. Watch out for the gusts as you can get lofted. Happened to my several times, but I was lucky because the landing's were floaty.

Tridude can tell you all the ins and outs of the CF5. It was his CF that I adopted. He knows it like the back of his hand for sure.

thanks guys. i'll start out on the third knot and see how it goes.

is 15mph not heavy enough for some jumps? or just not strong for big jumps?

what's the highest any one of you or someone you know gotten on a crossfire?

depends on your weight.............I weigh 185lbs and can jump in 15 mph winds no problem, 4 to 6 footers. Id say 8 to 10 feet is the heighest Ive been on the CF5 static jumping. The CF likes brake input so once you have that dialed your there. You can set it on the side of the window, load the power and shoot back across the window for awesome pendilum jumps. Dont forget to redirect up once you're airborn. Landings are floaty. Just make sure you figure her out prior to jumping. No substitue for pattern work, and holding her at the windows edge. This will make your jumping much more successful. Try holding her at the edge then shoot across the window then up to zeneith. You will be leaning back and as she hits about 10 oclock jump up. This exercise will help you when you try pendilum jumps as you will understand the importance of redirecting. I added a short vid of some low wind pattern work that will help you--good luck! The second vid although its not the CF is a 5 meter sail with some good pattern work, braking etc..........

How much do you weigh? I'm 230 right now and it would barely pick me up at 15 mph. My talents aren't in place yet, but I expect it will really start lifting at 20. I'm not ready for any more than that yet and would be scared of it having its way with me then.:o

thanks tridude. i've actually seen the first video on youtube before.

i weigh around 170. 175 on a good day.