Ok...so as this is my first day on the boards, I have been doing a TON of reading and so far it seems the general consensus (sp?) is that the Beamer III is one of the best kites to go with to start out on. However, I have a higher power (my wife) that says I dont need to spend that much on a kite just yet. So, I was thinking about the FlexiFoil Big Buzz. Granted, I'm 5'10" and pushin 200 lbs. Am I even going to like the Big Buzz? Is there something else out there that is better but around the same price?

Right now, I am not looking for anything radical...something to get me going...maybe some scudding. Keeping my feet on the ground for the moment. Winds are probably in the 5-15mph range.

The Beamer III is a good choice. The big buzz looks way to small to be much fun IMO. Then you'll actually have wasted $100 and not saved $100 because you'll end up wanting more power right away. Your wife should understand this. Also, if you're serious about kiting then you might as well start rationalizing kite purchases with her now. Just don't tell her than you'll desperately want another bigger, more expensive kite in a few months (which you probably will :yes.

Just get the Beamer and you won't be stuck with a wimpy kite wishing you had more power (at least not right away).

Is it ok to go ahead and start out on a Quad Line kite when I have 0 dual line flight time under my belt?

Go for the Beamer.................after youve had the B3 for a while and are comfy flying, landing, reverse launching, scudding, then go for a Flexi, Blade that is! Welcome................

I say yes. I think quad lines are easier. The only thing that is harder is more bridles and more lines so the potential for twisted lines, tangles etc. The brake lines will let you reverse launch as well which means less walking to the kite. I don't think you'll find anyone on here with a different opinion on this one.

FOUR LINES RULE!

Plus you'll have more wind range. You'll be able to get the Beamer up and around in less wind which will be great for practicing. Then when the wind starts blowing faster, it'll be like you got a free kite upgrade :frog:

Big Buzz = 1.2 sq m = Not much pull :/ A 3m Beamer3 will be more usabile and fun overall.

As far as learning on a quadline, it'll be an better experience because you can reverse launch and 'sort the kite out' better if it collapses in the air or lands in a bundle on the ground.

Edit:
Here's a review on the Big Buzz:
http://www.racekites.com/reviews/getReview.asp?reviewID=1913

This guy's experience is pretty much what we're all warning you about (wanting more power). You could show that to your girl to strengthen your case for a Beamer

Edit #2:

Where do you live? Maybe you could meet up with a PKF member to let you test drive a kite or two.

If you can afford it, get the flexifoil sting 2.3. It has more ass than you would think, and talk about control. It is sweet

I'm in the D/FW area. Fort Worth to be exact. I am possibly meeting up with Jockeys tomorrow afternoon. He has a couple different kites.

oops...double post ftl. :p