Power Kite Forum

Newbie Advice

guysumner - 10-6-2013 at 03:08 AM

Hi all,

I am hoping for some advice, I am looking at getting into Power Kiting after seeing some people on the beach over the weekend.

I have looked at the FlexiFoil Rage 2.5m, would that be a good place to start? I am 80Kg's (176Lbs).

Also is it better to get the handles or the bar? Does it matter what lines to get?

Guy

abkayak - 10-6-2013 at 05:28 AM

Welcome....I think that’s a better 2nd kite.. you do want one of those for sure..i live by the beach and if I had it all to do over again and was buying new..I’d go HQ Hydra..good flyer to learn w/ and lets you play in the water it is summer!…your going to want to fly on handles at some point, i think it's better..but the bar kites are eaiser to grasp at first and will always be good to own…imo

lives2fly - 10-6-2013 at 07:41 AM

Hey. Welcome to the forum and hopefully to powerkiting. Where are you based?

A rage 2.5 would be a great starting place or you could go to the 3.5 (recommended if you eventually want to land board or buggy)

I started with a 3.5m Flexifoil Bullet which is the kite the rage replaced and still have it now. The 3.5m will fly in very light winds so is ideal for those first tentative sessions but is big enough to start pulling you along in a buggy or on a board when you have the skills & confidence to want to start moving. I'm about the same weight as you.

Later on it will become your high wind kite. Mine comes out at about 24mph+ these days.

The 2.5 will be fine to learn kite skills but is a bit small for traction sports. If you just want to fly a kite then the 2.5 will be perfect.

bar or handles depends what you want to do in the future. If you are working up to boarding or kitesurfing then get a bar right off. It will translate better when you move to depower kites in the future. If you are going to buggy or just enjoy flying the kite static i would get handles. You have more fine control with handles and will get a better understanding of how your kite works.

guysumner - 10-6-2013 at 07:55 AM

Thanks very much for both your help.

lives2fly - I am based in Surrey. How do you find a 3.5m for control, I would like to get a board eventually once I have built up my confidence a bit more. Just a bit conscious of a big kite and being in control of it. If that makes sense.

elfasa - 10-6-2013 at 08:49 AM

Hi guysumner.

In my opinion a 3.5 would be a better size to start with compared to a 2.5.
When you first lay it out on the floor you'll think it looks huge, and quite daunting (I know I did with my first 3m) but you will very quickly learn how to control it, and be wanting bigger and more powerful kites for days where the 3.5 isn't enough, especially if you want to board with it when you are ready. I think you'll limit yourself quite a lot with a 2.5, and it has less longevity. You'll find yourself using it less and less, compared to a 3.5 which is more versatile.

If you're a little nervous of flying a 3.5 try and hook up with someone nearby, and they will be able to help you out, and keep an eye on you as you get going !

Hope this helps,
Tim

AnnieO - 10-6-2013 at 10:40 AM

I'm of the same opinion as the others that at your size go ahead and start out with a 3.5M. Flexifoil kites are great kit, I'm a big fan myself having a Bullet, a couple Rages, a Blurr, and a Sabre 2.

A well cared for Flexifoil kite will give you many, many years of service and fun!

Start out on handles. You will become a much more skilled pilot because the handles offer so much more control and precision.

lives2fly - 10-6-2013 at 03:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by guysumner  
Thanks very much for both your help.

lives2fly - I am based in Surrey. How do you find a 3.5m for control, I would like to get a board eventually once I have built up my confidence a bit more. Just a bit conscious of a big kite and being in control of it. If that makes sense.



Yeah the 3.5 bullet and 4.7 rage are very precise and easy to control in terms of responsiveness.
In terms of controlling the power you should work up to it as even a 3.5m kite will drag you around like a rag doll in strong winds.

Fly it in 8-12mph for your first 2 or 3 sessions. in those winds you wont come to much harm even if you do accidentally loop it or send it rocketing up the middle of the window. you will be able to control it during normal power strokes for sure.

Get a helmet and some knee pads and you are good to go :)

3shot - 10-6-2013 at 05:23 PM

Welcome guysumner!

What others have said. Get some kite killers too! If all goes wrong, or nose dives to the ground just let go of the handles.

Oh yeah, say good-buy to any extra money you ever had laying around too. A dozen more kites will soon follow that first one!

You have been warned! :evil: :thumbup: