So yesterday I did something very dumb/awesome. I tried my new 12m phantom in winds 23 gusting to 35. I was only flying static, but let me tell you...this kite is FAST! I was having so much fun. It was my maiden flight on that kite, and it did nothing but impress me. I fly it for a few minutes with the strap pulled in all of the way. As soon as i felt comfortable i pulled the strap all of the way out and went for my first jump with the phantom. I went up somewhere around the 17-20 foot mark measuring by the bottoms of my feet. There is a McDonalds across the street from my field and i could hear the kids that were playing on the playground start screaming as i reached the peak of my jump. I landed on my feet and then plopped down into the seated position. I was laughing so hard i probably looked like an insane man out there by myself. I modified a north 5th element bar to a 4 line bar. It has so much depower that i could walk upwind with ease with the bar sheeted out all of the way. When you have a good day, you have a GOOD day. Does anybody know why we are so attracted to power and danger? I love powerkiting!

excellent story. these phantoms are shockingly fast and have quite a lot of lift when you want them to.

I have the same kite rigged to a Naish smartloop bar and I can wholeheartedly agree with you that it is very nice to have a long depower throw on these kites.

I'm glad you decided to go with the North bar. I think its probably the most affordable bar with a push style safety. I think a push style saftey is a must have for any conditions requiring gloves. they also work when the kite slack lines unlike pull style safety's that require main line tension in order to release properly.

I know nwsurfwakeskate! I used to use a best bar with the nylon loop and metal pin. But one time i was in an emergency and i coulndt get my finger into the loop to pull the pin so i was dragged out of control for awhile towards a road. After that i decided to modify a north bar because you can use your left or right hand (which is good if you land on your dominant arm, or break it) and you just have to push it away and it unclips so fast.

Phantom flight ...... daily medicine.

the first time i put my P15 on the water OH MAN BEAUTIFUL


the venom will float the same, it just takes a little more wind for the venom

i have flipped the pin on a bar to make the more push like .. a big loop on it more for the thumb it seemed, but i like the top hat designs or ball type.

that P12 has to be fun

i would love to get some time on a 12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyNdvUeEPdM

http://www.vimeo.com/4262447

now that you have got the arc buzz this little vid might help you!!!!

Nice landing technique! No lines to untangle or anything!

I would've never had the guts to try that. Does it work that smoothly every time? That was a piece of cake.

Just make sure you are wearing gloves!

yep. always wear gloves.

its as easy as it looks and if you think its going to go wrong then just let go of the line and start again.

gloves mandatory, one of the few things i will actually go back to the truck for.

nice demo carl

I always put my gloves and helmet on before the kite launches. I buggied at the beach one day without gloves and my hands still hurt the next day. I'll try this landing technique next time I have an anchor. In light winds my chocked buggy had no trouble holding down the phantom from a footpeg.