Power Kite Forum - 1st Kite Questions-

1st Kite Questions-

JP6210 - 20-6-2013 at 08:46 AM

Hey Y'all- I have been reading older threads and learning a lot. Trying to decide on a first kite. The plan is to focus on landboarding, with maybe potentially getting into kiteboarding a ways down the road.

My confusion/question is around some particulars of what I should be looking for- I am 195lbs. and am on the coast of NC so usually have some decent wind. I am thinking somewhere around a 3.5, and hopefully would end up with something that would be the start of a quiver rather than just a training kite.

Specifically I am trying to figure out whether I should get two line or 4, and handles vs. bar. Any specific kite recommendations would be appreciated, but also really trying to get an understanding of the pros and cons of the various control systems.

Thanks in advance for any education you can help with!

JP

JP6210 - 20-6-2013 at 08:57 AM

And another question- can you start with handles for the learning aspect and convert a kite to a bar for landboarding- seems like it would be good to be able to have a hand free....

RonH - 20-6-2013 at 08:58 AM

First kite is tough especially if you are planning for water later...

Normally I would say buy a quality 3 meter kite on handles for the most control.

Here is the problem as I see it. Flying a fixed bridle kite on a bar is totally different from flying a depower on a bar.

Learning all the aspects of flying a depower safely is usually too much without instruction from someone else.

Just remember to start in wind that is in the low end of the windrange of whatever kite you choose.

Ron

RonH - 20-6-2013 at 09:02 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JP6210

And another question- can you start with handles for the learning aspect and convert a kite to a bar for landboarding- seems like it would be good to be able to have a hand free....

You can put most kites on a bar. You do lose the ability to easily land and relaunch on a bar though...

thanson2001ok - 20-6-2013 at 09:23 AM

Definitely get a 4 line kite. That's an easy one.

Regarding handles or bars, there are two schools of though and neither of them are really wrong. IMO, learning on handles helps you really understand kite control and kite dynamics. It is quite easy to transition to a bar then and I believe this approach helps you really understand what the kite is doing, why, and how to manage it better on a bar.

On the other hand, starting with a 3.5m on a bar is fine. Keep in mind that this requires a harness where flying on handles can be done without a harness or with one via the use of a strop.

A good description and photo of one type of strop set up. http://www.powerkiteshop.com/flexifoil_strop_harness_line.ht... Some set ups have a roller on the spreader bar and that is typically the preferred type of spreader bar for a harness.

MeatÐriver - 20-6-2013 at 09:38 AM

You're going to get the same answers across the board around here for the most part, referring to type of control and kite. 4 line on handles. It's just a solid foundation to learn control technique, regardless of which kitesport you ultimately pursue. If you havn't ever flown a foil kite before you will want something that you're not afraid crash more than a few times while getting the hang of it. Past that, you are going to want to get your friends into it too, so it will be nice to hand your buddies a kite that you are not too worried about. First kite that comes to mind is a 3.3 pkd buster. Rock bottom value, decent size and people seem to like them.

MDK - 20-6-2013 at 09:51 AM

PKD Buster 3.3 :thumbup:

MeatÐriver - 20-6-2013 at 10:24 AM

Best advice that can be given.... Very easy 3 step system that's nearly fool proof, here goes.
1) buy an inexpensive, decent quality, decent size 4 liner w/handles (once again pkd buster 3.3 @ $180....unbeatable)
2) fly the absolute crap out of it. Til your hands are blistered and/or bleeding. Til your wife/gf start saying things like "you never spend time with me anymore." Etc.
3) now pull out your wallet, you have the experience you need to make an informed purchase.

....win.

thanson2001ok - 20-6-2013 at 10:30 AM

MeatDriver is on target. Buy an inexpensive 4 line kite, but NOT a cheap one.

Good brands off the top of my head..

Ozone
Peter Lynn
PKD
Flexifoil
HQ
Many other smaller brands.

Post up in the wanted section here and see what you find. And search the for sale section. If you find something you like, just ask us what we think about the make, model and price. Someone will help. We all love to suck newbies into the giant vortex of power kiting. :evil:

abkayak - 20-6-2013 at 11:20 AM

^^solid advice above....plus you may never leave handles...they are fine for landboarding, some of us prefer them

soliver - 20-6-2013 at 04:37 PM

^^^ agreed +1 for all of the above

Bladerunner - 20-6-2013 at 04:59 PM

Welcome to the forum. You found the right place for advice.

As you see the general rule is around 3m 4 line on handles is the most effective way to get started. The odds are you will keep this kite and use it to teach friends + use in high winds down the road. Buy a name brand kite . If you want to buy new that deal on the 3.3m Buster sounds unbeatable !

I suggest that rather than go to a bar hook in with handles. Learn to fly by brake control rather than push pull input. This will translate far better to depower than going to FB on a bar. I use both FB and depower on my board but stick to handles when riding with FB. This after spending lots of time trying to enjoy FB on a bar.

3shot - 20-6-2013 at 05:05 PM

Welcome to the PKF JP6210!
What Meatdriver said. Especially the part about the chicky sayin' "you never spend time with me anymore"! :lol:

I fly OBX a lot too. I'll be down there for a week in August. Let me know if you are around. You can check out some of my stuff. I'm sure you will be fitted and addicted by that point. But the offer stands :thumbup:

Thanks!

JP6210 - 20-6-2013 at 06:44 PM

Folks- thanks for the help and advice- I pulled the trigger and ordered a Buster 3.3- I am sure I will have a ton more questions once I get it and start flying it.

And so starts another expensive, gear heavy sport...Yay!

The great thing is, my wife is a beach girl, so now I have a reason to go with her. So I should be hearing soon, "wow honey, this new sport is great, you should get more kites. We have never spent this much time together..." :cool:

Thanks again- I am looking forward to learning a lot from you all-

JP

MeatÐriver - 20-6-2013 at 07:57 PM

Congratulations on the purchase! Same story here regarding the beachy wife, that's how I got started. Once it arrives get that thing out anywhere and everytime you can. Smooth, shifty, low, high (when you're ready) and choppy winds. Hit them all, you will need this experience under your belt. Feel free to share your progress or ask any questions that may arise. Glad to have you on board!

MDK - 20-6-2013 at 08:17 PM

Great choice! Yes its entry/intermediate level, yes its a great price, and yes it will perform! here I used the 3.3 Buster to reach 47.5 MPH in a bug http://youtu.be/_1zLq0xt0n4

3shot - 21-6-2013 at 04:25 AM

Congrats on the Buster, and welcome to the addiction :D

Post up some pics when you can.

They multiply like Gremlins though. You have been warned :lol:

.

Wifey liking the beach is a huge bargaining chip. On the days the 3.5 won't work just say "sorry honey. Can't go with you today. If I only had that 2.2m or 4.4m, I could go." :evil: :evil: :evil:
:lol:

Michael Gaylan - 21-6-2013 at 05:39 AM

Yes it is an addiction. And I will give my opinion on the matter since I am also young in the sport.

I started off learning on smaller kites. The Zebra to be precise. The best control I found was the handles, because it allowed more control, and helped me understand the kite dynamics better.

The control bar on small kites is difficult especially in higher winds, and it will be a discouragement to you as it still is to me. I simply can't get enough control out of the kite with a bar.

The Buster 3.3 should be perfect for you just starting out. Hope you get handles with it.

Luck dog with a beach lovin girl! Can't ask for anything better. LOL

So what about the 2nd one?

JP6210 - 23-6-2013 at 06:21 PM

So I am really looking forward to the Buster getting here, as well as the buggy I picked up...:o

So the next question is what 2nd kite/size should I be looking for?

MDK - 23-6-2013 at 06:47 PM

easy grasshopper! have you even flown yet?

Michael Gaylan - 23-6-2013 at 07:17 PM

Grasshopper will find his way... might be a bumpy but... he'll find it. roflmao

hopefully someone can give him a little of their personal time to help with the kite... It helped me.

Bladerunner - 23-6-2013 at 08:09 PM

What you want to do is get in tune with the conditions where you will ride. What the average winds and surface are like.

Think about what you want from your buggy experience. If you want to ride with an easy going kite . Good for learning tricks like riding backwards, two wheel etc. Or, if you want to go for speed with a more technical kite. The Buster you bought is great bang for the buck.

The good news is that Buster will be big enough to get you going with a good bit of wind . You will have a blast just with that kite and the buggy for a while. You have time to think about where you want the sport to take you ! What you personally want from your next kite.

MDK - 23-6-2013 at 08:55 PM

This is what I did,
1. purchased a 2.5 and 3.5 flew for about 3 mo.
2. purchased a 4.4 flew for about 1 mo.
3. purchased a better 2.8, 3.9, 5.3, 6.8 flew for 1 mo.
4. purchased a nice buggy, rode for one month
5. gave my kites to my son and purchased even better kites and rode for 6 months
6. gave my buggy to my son and purchased another bug a little more suitable for higher speeds.

I'm not saying you have to do it like this but it has worked well for me.
I also like BR's advice
bottom line, start small and work your way up to larger kites as you gain experience
at least wait and see if you like the Buster, and if you do they come in other sizes so you can work on a set of those. I have PKD Century's which are considered Intermediate/Pro Race kites and I still like the Busters in high wind. high wind for me is 20-30 mph, others consider high wind 30-40 mph and so on. I'm getting there. on the beach you may use bigger kites but the rule start small and work your way up still stands.
Be careful and if possible find someone in your area to help you get going.

MDK - 23-6-2013 at 09:02 PM

I left out one very important thing, purchase PPE's (personal protection equipment) for beach and grass, helmet and pads. for dry lake bed add motorcycle pants and jacket or something to protect from abrasion.

WELDNGOD - 24-6-2013 at 10:29 AM

JP, where on the coast of NC are ya? Good choice on the 3.3 Buster. My # 1 buggy kite at VA. Beach is a 2.2m Buster. But I'm always going out in Nor'easters. That is how I get my adreno fix on.... Here are a few vids of it in action.

https://vimeo.com/53914152 My Bro Chris and myself tearin up some sand @ Va.Beach

https://vimeo.com/65980936 This PKF member FlyhighWNY and myself @ Va. Beach Brian was on a 1.5m Buster I was on a 2.2m Buster

https://vimeo.com/52415203 This is the baby of the bunch 1.5m. They are NOT trainer kites,you WILL use them when it gets brutal.

Still think little kites are TRAINERS? LOL And what Mike said.... Get impact protection! And wear it! :cool:

JP6210 - 24-6-2013 at 10:41 AM

Thanks for all the responses folks- and I will definitely spend time with the Buster before looking at the next kite. I was sort of kidding about the next one, but you never know what might pop up...

I am in Beaufort, NC, on the mainland, just below Cape Lookout. Also have some wide open fields right around me, so figure fields in the summer and the beach when it is a little less crowded.

Definitely agree on the safety gear- as they say in the motorcycle world- ATTGATT- all the gear, all the time. I am 45, and old enough to realize that it takes me a lot longer to recover, as well as having a 1 year old, and wanting to be around and set a good example. I will say I look a bit goofy when I am out skating on the longboard with the helmet, etc. But less goofy than in a hospital bed, and one of the few advantages of the age is a lack of caring about how I look.

I am really looking forward to learning a lot on this site, and everyone has been really helpful.. As well as being able to spend more money than I should have so far, but really, I couldnt pass up the deal on the buggies could I???

:puzzled:

JP

abkayak - 24-6-2013 at 11:24 AM

no.......always buy buggies.

MDK - 24-6-2013 at 12:32 PM

what buggies did you get?

JP6210 - 24-6-2013 at 12:55 PM

I got the two Libre buggies that were listed on the forum- a Sprinter and a V Max.

WELDNGOD - 24-6-2013 at 02:37 PM

WOW.... Kind of going "all in" aren't we? I think you need an intervention... LOL :thumbup:

Cut up your CC now!

MDK - 24-6-2013 at 04:18 PM

I didn't see those, must have been a good deal? what are you going to do with two?

WELDNGOD - 24-6-2013 at 04:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by MDK

I didn't see those, must have been a good deal? what are you going to do with two?

Have twice as much fun! LOL

JP6210 - 24-6-2013 at 05:07 PM

Two does seem a bit excessive, on the other hand, there is a tow bar to make it a tandem rig.... One more thing to have some additional fun with.

JP

3shot - 24-6-2013 at 05:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JP6210

As well as being able to spend more money than I should have so far, but really, I couldnt pass up the deal on the buggies could I???

:puzzled:

JP

That is great :lol:

. Another fellow to sit around the burn barrel with the rest of us eating pork and beans out tha can. But heck yeah we got some kites LMAO :lol:

Quote: Originally posted by WELDNGOD

Quote: Originally posted by MDK

I didn't see those, must have been a good deal? what are you going to do with two?

Have twice as much fun! LOL

That is even funnier :thumbup:

On a last serious note: Those buggies are going to be awesome no doubt. I would however, master the basic pilot skills before even taking a ride. Learn to fly the wind window. You should be able to look away and "feel" where the kite is, and where it needs to go. You will need those skills to run up and down wind in the bugs. I flew static on the beaches and fields for almost two years. First with a 1.8, then my 3m, then a 5m. I was content until the day I sat in a buggy a few months ago and found this thing called motion. That's when the madness really started :evil: :evil: :evil:
IMHO.
You are going to love this stuff......

Bladerunner - 24-6-2013 at 05:25 PM

You made a very good move buying those buggies ! That was one of the best deals I have seen run through here in a while . You won't need to upgrade soon but if you do you have a great base to build on. Folks love riding tandem and get great video for you ! Very smart to get the setup !

Accept that you will need a second and possibly 3rd kite but you have time to think about it + pay down the card.

What you want to figure out is what your winds are like so you can get sizes to fit. You also want to decide if you want speed or stability of the kite to be your choice going forward. If you are a speed demon you will probably know it right away.

MDK - 24-6-2013 at 06:10 PM

yep get some experience before you do the tandem thing, keep in mind the more weight you pull the more likely for an OBE (out of buggy experience) tandem is fun, but needs to be done by an experienced rider.
speed is achievable with stability for most of us, especially in high winds, once you get into the 60mph range then the less stable kites are needed for a little extra speed. I've been to nearly 48 mph with my Buster and I beleive 55 mph is achievable with it. I think race kites are over rated and stable kites are underrated for us recreational type. I think race kites are primarily used for upwind performance on a set course. The new Buster has very good upwind performance. however once you gain some experience and you are looking for more speed in low wind and you have the space then you will need to get into a larger yet less stable kite, but for high wind I would stick with small and stable. are you confused yet?

I am

MDK - 24-6-2013 at 06:15 PM

what got me started on speeds? oh yeah BR's comment about speed or stability

well know this, the first time you hit 25-30 mph you will think your hair is on fire

the Busters will take you a long way. enjoy!

3shot - 24-6-2013 at 06:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by MDK

what got me started on speeds? oh yeah BR's comment about speed or stability

well know this, the first time you hit 25-30 mph you will think your hair is on fire

the Busters will take you a long way. enjoy!

Yeah no kidding! Reached what felt like 20 MPH with my Reactor this past weekend. It was a scary great feeling :evil:
Had to dump the chute though. Ran out of runway :lol:

:embarrased: