I have 2 nieces ages 8 and 9 and they want to try their hands at kiting. I have been looking for a decent 4 line to get them going and so far I'm looking at the beamer III. The main question I have is, 1.4 beamer III or 2m beamer IV? I'm thinking the 1.4 would be a better bet for them, I'm just wondering how much fun I'd have with a 1.4 if they decide that kiting just isn't for them. Opinions?

mougl,

I have a 1.2m Sting for about 2 weeks now. It can be fun but I haven't had the kind of strong winds that can make it ALOT of fun for me. This would be your hign winds kite for sure! For a couple of youngsters, I think the 1.4 option you have is the way to go; it'll still deliver the thrill given the right conditions while being safe for the nieces. Also, consider that whenever someone else comes along whether they are 8, 18, or 80 years old you always have a kite that you can use as your newbie trainer.

Good point Donald, especially considering I've got about 60% of my friends chomping at the bit to try the insanity we call a sport LOL

I started my kids off using a Ozone IMP Quattro 1.5m. It is also a great kite to show your friends the sport. What I have liked about using the IMP is that it had done a good of withstanding the beating of being crashed. Granted I have blown a few cells over the years, but nothing that hasn't been able to be repaired (Prokite Surf is the best IMHO).

And like Donald, I use my IMP on those high wind days as well.

Except for the price premium, I would be tempted to suggest the Flexifoil Sting 1.7. Even at the upper range of sane winds, the pull is very manageable and kid friendly.

The 1.2 is also a lot of fun at winds that threatens to beat anyone with longer hair unconscious, but requires a bit more bottom end to get going.

For some reason the 1.2 either on handles or bar seems to be marginally better at ground recoveries.

I am beginning to think that anything in this size class (for static flying) would benefit from a longer lineset. Otherwise the wind window just seems too abbreviated given how fast the kites moving through it.

Some days, they are more fun when they are kissing the bottom of their wind range, just because you can stall and slide them.

All the best,
Sam

My 7 year old flies a 1.2 Sting and my 9 year old has a 1.5 Lil Devil. With kids, you want to take them out on days they can fly the kite and don't really need to work it - those tend to be days with higher winds.

Both of my kids prefer the 1.2 sting to the 1.5 lil devil in comparable winds. Look for something in that range. You want them to enjoy the experience and not be scared or hurt. If they want more pull they can go out in bigger winds. That beats having to put the kite away because they are overpowered at relatively low winds.

The HQ Symphony or New Tech Thunderfoil 6" Rainbow kites are good starters. There's also the mighty bug.

The thunderfoil will not provide enough pull to launch any adult but will provide good resistance. I wouldn't fly the kite in over 15 or so just because it might get ripped to shreds but it's probably fine for adults since it rated to 23 8-10 is perfect range; it'll launch in about 5-6. I've flow it in 15, and would probably not give it to a kid over 10mph. I fly the thunder foil it with my 5yr old. I switched the loop handles to handles (ties the brakes and power lines together) and then I have a short rope/kite killers attached to the flying lines in case he lets go or gets more than a foot away or so.

I haven't flown a symphony or bug.

I've been trying all the Peter Lynn's lately and have been very impressed, Last fri I flew the Hornet, Viper, Core, Twister II and the Beamer IV (back-2-back) and I ended up taking the Viper home and plan on getting more for my beginner and fun day quiver, unfortunately I think the smallest is 2.6m but I'm unsure yet...

The Hornet comes in a 2m and compared to the Beamer IV, the Hornet seems to react to pilot input a lil better "IMO" when flying the Hornet it turns primarily on the powers and break usage is a definite power killer and with the Beamer IV the breaks help in the turning a bunch...

Both are fantastic kites, I'd recommend the Hornet 2.0m, The power comes on very soft and the kite seems to fly in virtually no wind... The Beamer IV has a "tad" more power punch (just a "TAD" more, not much) when it hits...

Again, both are fantastic kites and the sizes you are looking at are perfect for lil ones just starting out, remember to get them started in low winds to keep them safe, then a 2m (or less) will be just fine... Kite Killers are a must, and maybe if they have bicycle helmets, they can wear them while playing with these kites...

Good luck and fly safe...