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- 30 Mar 2007
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- 2,889
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- Essex
Spec me a Kite
- Thread starter Bald-Eagle22
- Start date
I've just been in Cornwall for 2 weeks and my youngest and I played with a 1.9m stunt kite almost everyday, it was awesome fun so I'm now looking at going up a level for the hell of it.
I guess the next step is a small power kite so I'm looking at that Big Buzz one too and have a couple of questions.
What do they do that stunt kites can't?
Can they fly in low wind, as the wind here is nothing like that on the beach?
Why are the flying lines so short in comparison, the stunt kite had 50m, these seem to have only 18m?
I guess the next step is a small power kite so I'm looking at that Big Buzz one too and have a couple of questions.
What do they do that stunt kites can't?
Can they fly in low wind, as the wind here is nothing like that on the beach?
Why are the flying lines so short in comparison, the stunt kite had 50m, these seem to have only 18m?
I've just been in Cornwall for 2 weeks and my youngest and I played with a 1.9m stunt kite almost everyday, it was awesome fun so I'm now looking at going up a level for the hell of it.
I guess the next step is a small power kite so I'm looking at that Big Buzz one too and have a couple of questions.
What do they do that stunt kites can't?
Can they fly in low wind, as the wind here is nothing like that on the beach?
Why are the flying lines so short in comparison, the stunt kite had 50m, these seem to have only 18m?
It is surprisingly fun isn't it
The Big Buzz is okay (little small), although id recommend trying to get a 4 line kite, it allows better control and I find them more fun. A basic 4m power kite can be a good start, just use it in low wind to begin with. I started with a 3m and whilst okay, failed in low wind conditions. All depends on how much you are willing to spend.
Try second hand on ebay and the flexifoil kite forum, you can pick up some great buys. For example from the flexifoil forum I got a Flexifoil Blade III 10.5m for £170 with lines and handles. Which is a great price considering I see them go for £270+ else where with no lines or handles.
The smaller kites can have trouble in very low wind conditions, which is when you roll out the larger kite and save the smaller ones for windy conditions. Or just use the large kite at all times if you feel like being taken for a ride
Stunt kites are for well kite stunts, where as power / traction kites are meant for pulling or lifting power so you are doing the stunt with your body as such. I believe the lines are shorter to give quicker responses of movement to the kite and more control over a longer line.
Certain kites are listed as traction which is for pulling power, so best for kite boarding or buggying and then you got your power kites which are best for lifting power, so for jumping etc.
I think the main thing is not to under estimate the power the kite can have, especially in high winds or when using a larger kite. You can be easily caught by an unsuspecting gust and it can ping you forward, which I find is the worst thing that can happen, and it can hurt a lot on landing. Several times ive had small neck sprains and injuries now.
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- Joined
- 30 Mar 2007
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- 2,889
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- Essex
^
Thanks Grey wolf , are the 4m ones really that manageable ? From teh research I have done thay can drag people all over the place .
Seems quite breezy out today , what sort or power kite would be managable ( and i dont want to be dragged around ) on a day like today ?
Thanks Grey wolf , are the 4m ones really that manageable ? From teh research I have done thay can drag people all over the place .
Seems quite breezy out today , what sort or power kite would be managable ( and i dont want to be dragged around ) on a day like today ?
It can also depend on the kite itself. For example a flexifoil blade 4m would have more pull than a cheap generic 4m kite. So design and kite setup can play a part.
Today would be okay for a 3-4m, well around here anyway. Getting dragged or pulled up depends on your weight and how you fly the kite. Keeping the kite at the edge of the wind window keeps the pull down, then dip it into the power zone when you want the pull. Although easier said than done sometimes, especially if the wind keeps shifting.
I started with a 3m radsail, it was okay to learn on and did give a bit of pull, not enough to move me very much, well apart from when used in high wind when I did get taken for a bit of a trip. Once you get the feel for it you will soon want to move up to the bigger sizes and quality of kite. Thinking about it maybe a 3m would be the best first step.
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I'd second what grey wolf says but I'd add some information to it. My first kite as mentioned before was a 4.5m Ozone Cult which cost me £155 in the sale. Its a 4 line kite with the leading edge (generally the top) lines being the power lines and the lower lines being the brakes. With my handle bars I also have kite killers fitted which IS an essential in my opion for beginners especially if you are letting your kids fly the kite. The kite killers allow the user to let go of the kite bars completely and it will apply the brakes so that the kite just flaps in the wind causing very little/ no pulling power. They simply velcro around your wrists and are not awkward to wear at all but are a very useful safety feature.
Once you have started flying your kite for a while you will understand how it performs but make sure you always fly in a clear field or a beach away from any powerlines to roads as its quite easy to get yourself in danger very quickly. I also advise avoiding trees as I can assure you they are a pain to fetch if they get stuck.
As for power wise with my 4.5m cult I have flown a distance of about 8-10 metres (sometimes not always by choice) and I've been about 6ft up in the air with it.*Note: the reasons I have lost control of my kite has been due to gusts of wind and me not watching the kite - something I do not recommend. For the record I weight about 13st so they have a fair bit of power in fairly strong winds.
Its great fun and a surprising work out on your shoulders and arms so take it easy. A gentle breezy day is fine but there are a couple of safety features I would recommend to anyone with a power kite.
1. Kite Killers
2. A ground stake - this will help stop the kite from flying away when you are not using it.
3. Wrist guards - useful when you start learning to jump around with a kite.
Once you have started flying your kite for a while you will understand how it performs but make sure you always fly in a clear field or a beach away from any powerlines to roads as its quite easy to get yourself in danger very quickly. I also advise avoiding trees as I can assure you they are a pain to fetch if they get stuck.
As for power wise with my 4.5m cult I have flown a distance of about 8-10 metres (sometimes not always by choice
) and I've been about 6ft up in the air with it.*Note: the reasons I have lost control of my kite has been due to gusts of wind and me not watching the kite - something I do not recommend. For the record I weight about 13st so they have a fair bit of power in fairly strong winds.Its great fun and a surprising work out on your shoulders and arms so take it easy. A gentle breezy day is fine but there are a couple of safety features I would recommend to anyone with a power kite.
1. Kite Killers
2. A ground stake - this will help stop the kite from flying away when you are not using it.
3. Wrist guards - useful when you start learning to jump around with a kite.
Deleted member 66701
Deleted member 66701
Used to go all over the place mainly north west with some mates who had these and ATB boards I've been dragged all over the place when i've refused to let go
I had a Blade IV 4.9m and used to have great fun with that, until I broke my ankle with it.
It's now sold and I just have my Rage 2.5m left for some more relaxed flying - I'm getting old
Everything that needs to be said has already been said really.
Start on small kites in low wind, then increase when your ready. Dont fool mother nature, shes got a nasty bite.
If you wanna ask more questions try out these forums.
Kite crowd (formally the flexifoil forums)
Race kites
Kiteboarder
Start on small kites in low wind, then increase when your ready. Dont fool mother nature, shes got a nasty bite.
If you wanna ask more questions try out these forums.
Kite crowd (formally the flexifoil forums)
Race kites
Kiteboarder
http://powerkiteshop.com/ozone-imp-quattro-kite.htm 3.5m model
Any thoughts on this model? Really interested in starting out but dont want to get something ill want to replace quickly
Any thoughts on this model? Really interested in starting out but dont want to get something ill want to replace quickly
The imps a nice little kite
You say your worried about replacing kites - don't you can use different size kites in different winds so theres not need to replace just to add to them I would recommend getting the 3.5m though if you want one. It'll be powerful enough to give you an idea as to what the kites can do but also it will be more useable in a variety of winds (i.e. you may struggle to fly the smaller ones in a lighter wind) Might be worth registering on a forum and seeing if someone is willing to let you have a go on one of their kites just to get the feel and the grasp of it. Most kiters i've met are really nice and more than willing to teach you stuff and give you a go on their kit.
You say your worried about replacing kites - don't you can use different size kites in different winds so theres not need to replace just to add to them
I would recommend getting the 3.5m though if you want one. It'll be powerful enough to give you an idea as to what the kites can do but also it will be more useable in a variety of winds (i.e. you may struggle to fly the smaller ones in a lighter wind) Might be worth registering on a forum and seeing if someone is willing to let you have a go on one of their kites just to get the feel and the grasp of it. Most kiters i've met are really nice and more than willing to teach you stuff and give you a go on their kit.
Soldato
- Joined
- 7 Feb 2004
- Posts
- 9,539
I got my daughter a buzz lightyear kite from Tesco. £4.99 and it flew brilliantly.
Save you £35
Save you £35
Cheers for the info. I doubt there are many people round here but I'll sign up and see who's about
Good man you'll enjoy it.
Ok well just my luck, got an email from the shop saying the IMP 3.5m is out of stock for 2weeks.
They have recommended the HQ Beamer IV 3.0m ? Has anyone came across this? It seems to get decent reviews but not sure how it compares to the IMP. The 3m is £5 cheaper and the 4m is £13 more expensive
If it makes a difference, after looking at some videos I think it's safe to say I'd like to aim towards getting a landboard to go with the kite
They have recommended the HQ Beamer IV 3.0m ? Has anyone came across this? It seems to get decent reviews but not sure how it compares to the IMP. The 3m is £5 cheaper and the 4m is £13 more expensive
If it makes a difference, after looking at some videos I think it's safe to say I'd like to aim towards getting a landboard to go with the kite
The beamer 4 is a good choice of kite for landboarding and recreational flying. It's got plenty of pull in 10-15 mph winds but it's not got too much lift that it'll spank you if you get things wrong. I'd suggest you start flying in sub 10mph winds to get used to it and as you progress and get more confident try higher winds. Just remember, if you do get bitten by the kiting bug you will want a bigger kite and then an even bigger one. 
Ok well just my luck, got an email from the shop saying the IMP 3.5m is out of stock for 2weeks.
They have recommended the HQ Beamer IV 3.0m ? Has anyone came across this? It seems to get decent reviews but not sure how it compares to the IMP. The 3m is £5 cheaper and the 4m is £13 more expensive
If it makes a difference, after looking at some videos I think it's safe to say I'd like to aim towards getting a landboard to go with the kite
Get your self to kitecrowd (flexifoil forums) and ask there.
altho, it seems you already have.
http://forum.kitecrowd.com/newcomers-q/newbie-opinions-advice-please-185868.html
Cheers for the comments, I've already done the deed and bought the Beamer 4, 4m Had issues with stock but it's been promised for delivery tomorrow morning!
Not sure how to gauge wind speeds so I'll just have to wet my finger and stick it in the air, if it dries really quick I'll not take it out lol.
The guy on that forum has similar request to me but it's a different guy! I'll sign up and have a lurk, cheers for the link
Had issues with stock but it's been promised for delivery tomorrow morning!Not sure how to gauge wind speeds so I'll just have to wet my finger and stick it in the air, if it dries really quick I'll not take it out lol.
The guy on that forum has similar request to me but it's a different guy! I'll sign up and have a lurk, cheers for the link