Power Kite Forum

Tensor 4.2 vs 10,12,16m C kite

jamzkurl - 7-5-2013 at 02:29 PM

So I'm going to start land boarding, power kiting, and snow kiting. I'm 170 pounds and for my budget I can get a naish x2 10m,12m,and 16m for 400 with one bar and lines, or I can get a tensor 4.2 foil kite for 250. I can get a harness and board and such easily so that's no problem. What would you recommend?Text

Bladerunner - 7-5-2013 at 03:05 PM

Avoid old C kites.
Most folks start with a trainer kite. About 3 meter is usually best .

jamzkurl - 7-5-2013 at 03:47 PM

I don't have the time or money to start with a trainer. I need a traction ASAP, and am confident that I can learn with a full size.

Sier_Pinski - 7-5-2013 at 04:49 PM

I'd agree w/ Bladerunner on this one. You really should just start small and end big. Even with a 10M depower C-kite, you'd be frequently overpowered (trust a guy with experience here). An inflatable kitesurfing kite like the one you're eying on will be very easy to pop from frequent crashing on sharp land surfaces, and being forced to replace the air bladders will cost you at least $150 and a lot of lost time. Foil kites have much higher durability and reliability, so go for those when landboarding.

Just keep searching for deals on trainer foils fron reliable brands. You can get a new 5 meter foil kite with quad handles for just $355, for example.
http://www.awindofchange.com/product/ozoneoctane.html

For starting out in the backcountry, you would best start off with a more stable "low aspect ratio" kite as opposed to a "high aspect ratio" one like a C-kite. For more information on selecting your first power kite, use this as a reference.
http://www.coastalwindsports.com/ChoosingAKite.html

Also, why are you in such a rush?

jamzkurl - 7-5-2013 at 05:02 PM

I'm super bored and this is just the next extreme sport I'm getting into. I'm getting the tensor 4.2 for 200 in perfect condition. You think that it could get 170lb me into the air?

Sier_Pinski - 7-5-2013 at 05:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by jamzkurl  
I'm super bored and this is just the next extreme sport I'm getting into. I'm getting the tensor 4.2 for 200 in perfect condition. You think that it could get 170lb me into the air?


For riding, absolutely. With my 5-meter on a landboard on grass, I am optimally powered in 10-20 MPH winds (depending on the surface resistance). You would be best powered within a very slightly higher wind speed range than mine, but it should be enough. If this is your very first power kite, just be prepared to get pulled and yanked around hard along with some injuries from crashes; you'll get used to it like me.

I haven't done any jumping on my board yet, and I strongly recommend you do not do the same if you want to avoid some potential broken bones and ugly scars.

Wouldn't recommend any intentional static jumping, either:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el6IkhaOHVA

3shot - 7-5-2013 at 05:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by jamzkurl  
I'm super bored and this is just the next extreme sport I'm getting into. I'm getting the tensor 4.2 for 200 in perfect condition. You think that it could get 170lb me into the air?


:puzzled: In my most humble opinion, I would slow down just a bit and really listen to these guys suggestions. No offense!

However, if you are hell bent on getting air, launch that puppy directly downwind in say 30 mph winds. That should do it........:wee: LOL

Sier_Pinski - 7-5-2013 at 05:23 PM

Like this? :evil:


3shot - 7-5-2013 at 05:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Sier_Pinski  
Like this? :evil:



More like this....:evil:

jamzkurl - 7-5-2013 at 10:04 PM

I'd love to be able to afford a trainer and all this, but I can't afford it. I'll just go out on light breeze days until I can handle it. Any opinions on the tensor 4.2m?

Kober - 8-5-2013 at 12:22 AM

As above ... stay away from old C kites ...
I use 3m Tensor when learning and it kick my ass many times ... and I am almost 200 lbs .... My friend have been drag by this kite for 20-30 feet ... and he is 260lbs .... so its really hard for me to advice anyone with you weight to buy 4m Tensor ...... You be fine if you learn all basics in lite winds .... but you need to know that this kite can hurt you if you dont know what you doing ... above videos are good example ...

abkayak - 8-5-2013 at 05:02 AM

im struggling w/ this post.........ahhh what the heck, what do these guys know "real men fly old c kites" welcome aboard send video...........or that Tensor might be a nice option

Sier_Pinski - 8-5-2013 at 06:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by jamzkurl  
I'd love to be able to afford a trainer and all this, but I can't afford it. I'll just go out on light breeze days until I can handle it. Any opinions on the tensor 4.2m?


I actually own the same control system used on that Tensor. It can convert from a control bar to quad handles, so you can determine which system is best for you. The Tensor series is also said to have an adjustable angle of attack setting so that you can make it less powerful and dangerous on windier days. I'd definitely recommend it, but like they said, start in light winds first.

erratic winds - 8-5-2013 at 08:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by jamzkurl  
I don't have the time or money to start with a trainer. I need a traction ASAP, and am confident that I can learn with a full size.


YOU'D BETTER HAVE GOOD HEALTH INSURANCE!


Start small, because you're gonna need a small kite too, can't fly a big one in every condition! Small is enough to get you moving and for you to find out if the kite-bug has really bit ya, and that this sport is for you. I've seen TOO MANY people go BIG at the start, and get out of the sport quickly thereafter, usually due to serious injury.

Wear AT LEAST a helmet at all times! I personally wear motorcycle armor!

Please take our advice, we're not saying go small because we don't think you're man enough to handle it, we're saying start small because Mother Nature is a bad ass #@%$#! and will #@%$#! you up!

jamzkurl - 8-5-2013 at 09:11 AM

What about like a cheap eBay kite for a trainer?

jamzkurl - 8-5-2013 at 09:32 AM

What about a cheap kite like this as a practice kite. http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=221217944789

erratic winds - 8-5-2013 at 09:38 AM

That item will make you quit kiting before you even begin.

Many many people buy such a kite, then come and ask us questions why it doesn't fly...either fly properly, or fly at all.

Honestly, your real best bet is buying a brand name kite, entry level. I would absolutely recommend Peter Lynn, PKD, Ozone. This might be just what you're looking for... great quality, great price. http://www.coastalwindsports.com/servlet/the-695/PKD-Buster-... And it'll come with something that ebay sales won't....someone who cares as the seller, who will steer you right!

We're not trying to break your wallet, or steer you away, we just don't want you to throw away even $70 on something that won't put a smile on your face from ear to ear.

Kiznosh - 8-5-2013 at 12:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by erratic winds  

Please take our advice, we're not saying go small because we don't think you're man enough to handle it, we're saying start small because Mother Nature is a bad ass #@%$#! and will #@%$#! you up!


I'll second that.

I got a Tensor 4.2 as my first power kite. The only reason I did that is because I've been flying stunt kites for years, and had some experience with power kites. If I hadn't, I would probably have been injured by now.

I've only flown in 15+mph winds with it a few times, and it can generate quite a bit of pull. If you're not careful, it will yank you off the ground and drop you on your knee/hip/shoulder/head.

Don't get me wrong, it's fun as hell. I just think it isn't the best choice for someone who doesn't have experience flying multi-line kites.

hiaguy - 8-5-2013 at 02:16 PM

jamzkurl,
as a relative newcomer to this sport, i have found the help and support from the members of this forum to be invaluable. the good folks here have nothing to gain by helping you, they just want to make sure that no-one gets hurt when they take on mother nature. those that sell their wares here are always willing to ask and answer questions to make sure that you are getting a product that will provide the experience you're looking for.

perhaps you could consider asking to meet up with someone that has a kite or two that you could actually try before you made a decision. you have not mentioned where you live, but there are experienced buggyers and boarders all over the place that care about helping newcomers and making new friends.

just my $.02 worth.

and wear a helmet. getting dropped on an arm or leg might hurt, might even snap something, but getting dropped on your head is a different story.

jamzkurl - 8-5-2013 at 02:31 PM

Thanks guys. I think I found a cheap slingshot 1.3m trainer and I will try out kites before I buy. It's just that money is a key player here. I also have to buy a mountain board.

jamzkurl - 8-5-2013 at 02:32 PM

Definitely not getting the c kites because you guys where helpful in explaining.

erratic winds - 8-5-2013 at 02:34 PM

A very basic board is only needed to get moving. Check the for Sale section, I am pretty sure there is a board for only $150, a Scrub(Make) Rush(Model) from Van.....

abkayak - 8-5-2013 at 02:47 PM

if you can get it cheap go for it..there will always be a place for a 2line trainer to hand to your friends to get them started when you move on....but IMO try to get a 3m kite.. you will always want one of these for yourself..see, I already am saving you $$$

Bladerunner - 8-5-2013 at 02:59 PM

I think you will find 1.3 to be a bit small . It will leave you wanting more kite way too soon. 3m is a good starter size.

Good move avoiding old C kites at 1st.

BeamerBob - 8-5-2013 at 03:37 PM

Nothing will waste your money better than being in a hurry or trying to skip initial steps in the natural progression of this hobby. Your smartest money would be on a used 3m 4 line kite. You will always need one and it will teach you about the power potential of the wind. Add HQ into the mix of reputable brands already mentioned.

3shot - 8-5-2013 at 03:50 PM

That snapshot 1.3 is a two line kite. Lets not confuse the word "trainer" as a little two line foil. Trainers are also smaller, 4 line, low aspect kites. You have already expressed your interest in traction, so try to kill two birds with one stone. Several good starter kites have already been suggested.
The snapshots are cool. Their bright and zippy in the air. However, about the only thing that kite will do for you is give a very basic wind window dynamic.
For saving a dollar, take this 2m kite for "example", http://www.awindofchange.com/product/hq-crossfire2.html
Doesn't scream "look I'm a noob". Not so big it will rip your arms out (within reason;)) Lets you adjust the aspect ratio. Gives you the 4 line control you WILL want for learning the wind window. 100% ready to fly. FREE SHIP :thumbup:. WILL move you on a board in the future. And, sold by a person that will help you along your journey. Or a few bucks more, and check out the 3m Ozone imp Quattro, HQ Beamers, etc. Higher resale value too if you were to ever sell. In the long run, I think you will be money ahead with using all funds on a good kite, and some safety gear first. Become a great static pilot first! Learn what the wind and your kite can, and can't do first. By then your budget will recover for that board you want, and you will already have a good kite, and not as many doctor bills.
What's "that" saying??? It's not the size of your kite, but how you fly it! :cool:
Again, in my most humble opinion.

Welcome to the addiction!

Bladerunner - 8-5-2013 at 04:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob  
Nothing will waste your money better than being in a hurry or trying to skip initial steps in the natural progression of this hobby. Your smartest money would be on a used 3m 4 line kite. You will always need one and it will teach you about the power potential of the wind. Add HQ into the mix of reputable brands already mentioned.


Bob is right on with this advice.

Take your time . I have wasted thousands of dollars buying the wrong kites for my needs + impulse buying.

If money is tight, shop second hand. Kites drop in value as soon as they leave the shop.

Be aware that you will NEED more than one kite down the road.

A small kite like the 3m gives enough power to give you huge thrills . As you get more and more used to it , it will become your high wind kite. 3m will fly very early since you can turn / fly it fast and create " apparent winds ".

Once you have flown the 3m for a while you will know what your average wind speeds are and can look for a kite that best suits them + your desires. Find the right 3m kite and you will never want to sell it.

Typically you end up with 3 kites. Low , med' and high wind kites.

Scudley - 8-5-2013 at 07:23 PM

Bladerunner lies: typically you end up with as many kites as most people have golf clubs.
S