Power Kite Forum

Apex III 5m or 7.5m?

elnica - 8-4-2011 at 08:28 PM

Hi!

So Im starting to get bored of my 3.5m 3-line trainer kite and want to get my first real kite. I weigh 180 pounds and the windspeed is usually between 5-15mph (really 8-12mph). I want something that will pull me in those conditions on a landboard, preferrably slightly underpowered since it will be my first real kite. Apex III seems like a good choice for a beginner, what size should I get?

Also... I need a harness too.. leaning towards Dakine Fusion or Sonic, but not sure how good the fusion would be for landbaording, Ive heard seat harnesses restrict your lower body although they are best for kitesurfing beginners. What about for landboarding beginners?


I know... I should take lessons.... I will in May, driving 18hrs to miami FL to do so but want to keep learning until then.

Thanks

DAKITEZ - 8-4-2011 at 08:38 PM

those lite winds and your skill level the 7.5m

AD72 - 8-4-2011 at 09:34 PM

7.5 will be used more often. I spent the most time in the buggy with that kite. Great kite.

BeamerBob - 8-4-2011 at 10:05 PM

yep, the 5m won't be enough if that's where your wind tops out at usually. Even the 7.5 has some breathing room in those winds.

John Holgate - 9-4-2011 at 04:58 AM

I run the 7.5m in the buggy from about 8 knots to 18ish knots. The 5m needs about 12-13 knots to get started and up to 22 knots before I start getting pulled sideways. Def go the 7.5m.

Mind you, if you are usually out in 8-12 mph, you could probably go the Apex 10m without scaring yourself too much.

For a comparison, the 7.5m is more forgiving and less of a handful than my 4m Beamer when the wind starts to rise.

Bladerunner - 9-4-2011 at 10:17 AM

+1 for the 7.5 !

The 5 won't deliver good power until pretty high winds leaving you disapointed. The forgiving nature of the 7.5 allows you to hold on in some pretty strong stuff.

BigMikesKites - 9-4-2011 at 11:07 AM

I have a 7.5 available that has been used for a review. Its the only time winds have been below 15 mph since January. Today they are going 25-40.

I'm going to downgrade to either a 5 or a 3...probably the 5.

Its marked to move...its not new, but short of getting the wrinkles out, it is.

snowspider - 9-4-2011 at 08:31 PM

7.5 will work well. I've got a full set of the Apex ll and love them. I train kids on the 5m and have flown the 7.5 well controlled in a 20+ mph gusty snow squall. There are some great deals on leftover ll's if you can find them.

elnica - 10-4-2011 at 01:59 PM

Thanks guys!

mike - I actually made this post with your demo kite in mind... sending you an email now.

elnica - 10-4-2011 at 02:04 PM

What harness should I get? Fusion? Im 34-35 in jeans size, the fusion says 34-36 is an L but not sure if I should get XL since I'll be wearing it over pants?

Thanks!

lives2fly - 11-4-2011 at 09:16 AM

er. if he is 180lbs and flying in 8-12 why are people telling him to get a 7.5 apex when they are telling me to get a 9m frenzy or a 10m Access for 12-20 - and i'm 30lbs lighter

I've tried the 9m frenzy but not above 15. It seems ok. Can't get used to the the size to wind speed ratio with depower foils. I've spent too long with my FB's!!

Harness wise I use the Ozone Access Snow kite harness for land boarding and snowboarding. Its perfect.

BeamerBob - 11-4-2011 at 09:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lives2fly
er. if he is 180lbs and flying in 8-12 why are people telling him to get a 7.5 apex when they are telling me to get a 9m frenzy or a 10m Access for 12-20 - and i'm 30lbs lighter

I've tried the 9m frenzy but not above 15. It seems ok. Can't get used to the the size to wind speed ratio with depower foils. I've spent too long with my FB's!!

Harness wise I use the Ozone Access Snow kite harness for land boarding and snowboarding. Its perfect.


The OP asked for our opinion between the 7.5 and 5m Apex III.