Hey Guys :bird:,

So, I’ve wanted to try out power kiting for awhile now, and I think it’s about time to just get out and do it. I’m looking for some help on choosing my first kite, and this seems to be the place to get it. I’m in the northern part of AL and the lower part of central TN which are both landlocked, so I’ll be on foot (and hopefully on a board a little down the road). I’m about 190lbs and in descent shape.

I’ve been looking through all the newbie threads, but I can’t really find anything that matches me. I think the average wind speed around here is 5-10mph with maybe a few days around 15mph. It seems like the favored first time kite is a 3m beamer, but would that work in such light wind (it seems like most people are dealing with 10 – 20mph)? I was also looking at an Ozone Imp or a Flexifoil Rage. Any helpful advice or comments would be amazingly appreciated.

Also, if anyone knows any good shops or someone that flies in Nashville or Huntsville, I think you'll have made a friend for life. :singing:

BBREX has a 4m Buster for sale at a real cheap price. It is a nice fiendly kite to learn with and not too big an investment . If your winds are as low as you suggest a 4m Beamer or Buster may be more useful .

The Rage is a kite better suited to Buggy than board. It has a lot of pull as compared to lift. A nice friendly kite to learn on but one you may eventually want to sell.

Those are the perfect winds for you to learn and have a blast with a Beamer 3. There are many good dealers, but the one I started out with and has since become a friend and resource for information is Angus (acampbell here on the forum) at www.coastalwindsports.com
He was a kiter first and dealer second. So, he does it for the passion. It tickled me when we were flying together last time and he went to get his camera to take a picture of my Blade just sitting on the ground commenting about what a beautiful kite it is. I knew yet again that his heart drew him into this, not the lure of fame and fortune.

Are there any big advantages or disadvandtages to going with the 4m? I'm leaning toward the 4m (not because I think i'm invincible) but because in that 5 - 10mph range, we really tend more towards the low end because i'm in valley (the TN valley). When I read over the specs, it says the low end for the 3m is 6mph, and I'd prefer to spend a little more (and be a bit more careful) rather than get borderline performance all the time.

If I go with the 4m, (other than being more careful) would there be anything that I'd really need to watch out for?

go for the beamer 3m its a great kite and will really help you learn alot. i see no probs going for a 4m but its your choice a 3 can get up in almost any wind and will still pull a little. idk.

I think the 3 Beamer would start flying in almost the same wind as the 4m Buster. The trick with small kites in low winds is to keep them flying so they are creating their own apparent wind. It is easier to fly and turn a 3m faster as a rule.

The 4m Buster is used and inexpensive and will do the job. It is a friendly kite + you have low winds so the extra size is less an issue.
The 3m Beamer is an excellent FULL beginers package with safety leashes, ground stakes , stickers, a dvd instruction booklet all in a quality pack pac . A very good set-up!