I have been looking at the Beamer TSR 3.6 and the Beamer III 3.0 as possible first kites. Before I buy though I wanted to ask what the difference is between them. I have read on a few different websites that the TSR is better for land boarding, and as a water trainer while the III is better for buggying. I assume this is because the TSR comes with a bar setup while the Beamer III comes with handles. Is there any other reason other than the control method? It seems to me there would only be one kite with interchangeable controls if that was the case.
So, choosing between these two kites would seem like an obvious answer, depending on whether I want to use is as a water trainer/for land boards or if I want to use it for buggies. Right now I am thinking I eventually want to fly with a buggy, but I don't want to rule out the option of getting into kite surfing in the future. Which of these two kites would allow me to do both? If I get one and decide that I want to use it for something else can I just switch the controls?

Hi mroctopus,

Both kites fly either way. The TSR 3.6 does come with a control bar but can be flown on handles as well. The Beamer III 3.0 does come with handles but can be flown on a bar as well. The new kite that replaced the Beamer TSR is called Scout. It does come with a Cross-over bar with makes the kite turn even faster than a Beamer TSR. Plus it is a better kite. But the price is a little higher as well ($299.99 for TSR 3.6 and $349.99 for Scout 3.0 MSRP).
You can also fly the Scout on handles if you like.
Thus, whatever route you pick, you got all bases covered.

Cheers
Tim
HQ-Powerkites

If you get a good deal on a Beamer TSR then it may be cheaper to add the handles then buying a Beamer II and adding a bar if you wanted to switch. But the TSR is usually more xpensive since it comes with a bar, so it might be a wash.
I've buggied with both.
You will never kitesurf with the Beamer TSR, but they are often recommended by kiteboard schools and instructors for learing the dynamics of the wind window. But either kite will teach you that. The TSR is more often recommended because of the bar, which is more similar to a kiteboard rig than a rig with handles. But remember the TSR control bar is not a de-power bar like you find on a kiteboard rig. Both bars turn the kite with a similar body motion, but the de-power bar is connected to a harness and also controls the angle of attack and therefore power of the entire kite.

One use for your kite will probably be to introduce your friends to flying. I find that the simplicity of motion with the bar makes it a lot more simple for 1st timers to get flying. That same simplicity robs you of individual brake control and as you progress you will probably like that extra advantage ? I like bars but most of my fixed bridles are on handles again
The thing I enjoy most with a bar is the one handed riding
As mentioned it is much cheaper to pick up a set of handles than a bar so you may want to factor that in.

HQpowerkites,

Are you finding the added pulleys and lines play on the brakes in low winds with the crossover ? This was my experience on my home builts even with light weight pulleys :puzzled:

I have a beamer III if you want to give it a try and see what you think. I'm not too far from you.

Snowbird,

I am not exactly sure what you mean. I have flown the Scout 5.0 in 6 mph and did not noticed anything negative because of the Crossover bar opposed to a safety bar.

Tim

It took me a little while to clue in to what was happening. I was flying my 3m Brooza right next to Pablo's in a low wind situation. His was hitting and sitting at zenith. Mine would back down like a lull in the wind and I had to keep it flying. We let the brakes way out and the situation didn't change. I then started to notice it with my 5m as well. My 7m on the other hand seems unaffected.

The only conclusion I could come to is that there was just that tiny bit of weight that the kite wasn't designed for effecting the brakes. Then I noticed that the trailing edge did have a very minor pucker in very low winds. Once I was clued in I could see it visually as well as feel it .

Tim should have one there next week and I think I might take one off the shelf for the bag. I know exactly what you mean, but the rig is light enough that it does OK in light winds.

I like the looks of the scout, even though I'm not a bar guy.

I'm not surprised that HQ has found a way to reduce this problem.
I'm pretty sure it can be overcome.

I hope to get my hands on the scout or at least see it at NABX.
I'll be on the blades ! Wave me down !!!