Power Kite Forum - Flexi Bullet 4.5 vs. Buster 4.4

Flexi Bullet 4.5 vs. Buster 4.4

JP6210 - 8-7-2013 at 09:14 AM

Hi Folks-

I am new to traction kiting, and have the opportunity to pick up a Buster 4.4 at a great price. The question I have is: I have a Bullet 4.5. Are there enough differences between the two kites to justify having both in the quiver? I don't have an issue with letting the Flexi sit for awhile until my skills improve if the buster is a better beginner kite. My interests lie in buggying and landboarding- Thanks-

JP

elfasa - 8-7-2013 at 09:45 AM

I'd say they are pretty similar TBH, and there would be a lot of overlap. Unless it's cheap enough to buy and have in your quiver as an extra, knowing it will be a bit of a duplicate.

The Bullet will probably be more powerful, a bit more grunty... Not much in it apart from that!
Do you know which version of the buster it is ??

And where are you based ? Jut out of interest ?

Tim

JP6210 - 8-7-2013 at 09:57 AM

It would be the newest version of the Buster, and I am based in NC, south of the Outer Banks. Cape Lookout/Morehead/Beaufort area.

JP

elfasa - 8-7-2013 at 11:54 AM

The 'Buster soulfly' yeah ? That's a good kite. I have the buster mk3 (3m) and like that one.

It might even be worth buying and keeping the buster, and selling the bullet. It's probably better, and the Flexi bullets are worth a lot more for sale than they are on the beach!

Tim

WELDNGOD - 8-7-2013 at 03:20 PM

Get the Buster "Soulfly" , way better kite!

Bladerunner - 8-7-2013 at 04:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by WELDNGOD

Get the Buster "Soulfly" , way better kite!

It would probably have been best to point out that you fly for PKD when making such a strong statement without backing it up with facts . Have you flown / seen a bullet ?

My experience only comes from the original Busters and not the soulfly but they used to be a low cost option for beginners kites ? The Bullets on the other hand were a high quality kite costing about twice as much at the time. It was designed as a low lift engine and the bullet is still a sought after model.

Bullets are a very BAD choice for jumping. They have a nasty habit of tossing you downwind and slamming you into the ground . I have seen this happen to much more experienced kiters than myself. The 4.5 and 5.5 in particular. The older Busters on the other hand jumped pretty good. 4.4 is small for jumping anyway.

I think the 2 overlap in size but behave different enough that you will like one over the other. Good news is that if you want to sell the Bullet they move pretty well and sell at a good price still.

Unless things have changed don't expect a bag like you got with the Bullet. PKD prefer to use a simple nylon bag ( and I like them ) to help keep costs down while keeping quality of kite up.

My 4.5 Bullet used to do this , side slide facing up across the window thing on occasion ??? Not an issue just weird. Turn the nose into the wind and all was normal again. Only kite I've owned other than Rev' that did that ?

3shot - 8-7-2013 at 05:32 PM

Hell! Whats wrong with having both?? LOL
Can we ever have too many kites?
I mean....really....
:evil: :thumbup:

bigkid - 8-7-2013 at 06:22 PM

I would say apples and oranges.
The buster is one of the best buggy engines, while the other one is used for jumping.
The Buster can be flown on the bar or handles, not sure about the other.
You can use the Buster as a high wind kite and I would personally keep the other one in the closet.

AnnieO - 8-7-2013 at 09:29 PM

The Bullet while an older model is a very grunty kite. Bullets are pulling machines and built like tanks. The Bullets are not as stable or beginner friendly as the Buster Soulfly line but as was mentioned earlier there is still a good secondary market for the Bullets because in the right hands they are fantastic kites.

I would say to keep your Bullet and pick up a 3M Buster Soulfly since given your location it will be a good idea to have a smaller kite for those higher wind beach days.

If some here have convinced you that you absolutely must have the Buster Soulfly in 4.4M, then make me an offer as I would be very happy to take the Bullet off your hands!

AnnieO - 8-7-2013 at 09:37 PM

Realistically though 4.4 and 4.5 are too close in size to not be redundant. Sure, if you had them both you would favor one over the other which is what this topic boils down to, preference. Each of these kites has their own merits but the Buster Soulfly is NOT a better kite than the Bullet you already have. As you can see even in this discussion better is subjective since one person will prefer certain flying characteristics over others and so forth and so on. I say find a kite in a different wind range to extend your flying opportunities.

BTW, I have flown both these kites and have a Bullet myself. I also have recommended to kite newbies on numerous occasions the Buster Soulfly for what it's worth.

Bladerunner - 9-7-2013 at 06:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bigkid

I would say apples and oranges.
The buster is one of the best buggy engines, while the other one is used for jumping.
The Buster can be flown on the bar or handles, not sure about the other.
You can use the Buster as a high wind kite and I would personally keep the other one in the closet.

This info is VERY WRONG !!!! Dangerous ?

The Blade was Flexifoil's jumping kite that year ? The bullet is the buggy engine.

I have witnessed people with good kite skills get slammed by Bullets 4.5 and 5.5 trying to jump with them . The 7m doesn't seem to have this bad habit?

Jeff says he is not sure about " the other " but seems sure it will sit in your closet.

I have owned both the Bullet and Buster from that generation. Apples and oranges maybe but they are both good kites and I can't guess what you will prefer.

DON'T USE A SMALL BULLET FOR JUMPING !

You will get away with it many times and then the kite will end up in the right / wrong angle and it will slam you with force into the ground instead of lift you. I have seen it happen many times with both sizes and skilled pilots.

Demoknight - 9-7-2013 at 08:08 AM

It has been my experience that jumping any kite smaller than 5.0 is extremely dangerous. In the right(or wrong) conditions almost any kite can lift you up, but 5.0 seems to be about the smallest kite to safely return you to the ground. Even then, I have had some hard landings with unwanted gusts and my 5.0.

soliver - 9-7-2013 at 09:29 AM

I would say keep the bullet and get the Buster just for something different. Or even pick up a different size of buster to quash overlap or redundancy. Smaller kites are always better for training and most would tell you to train on a 3m unless you are a really big guy. I also agree with the others,... while jumping kites is not something I've done much of, the consensus is and will always be that its a bad idea to jump anything smaller than a 5m... Anything smaller just won't have the float to bring you down safely.

I have flown a 7m bullet and have demoed a 4.4m Buster so I really can't compare the two, but I think the buster is definitely a good kite to train with.

bigkid - 9-7-2013 at 02:50 PM

bb is correct, dont use them for jumping. Like that has ever stopped anyone. people do what ever they want and then post about it later.

The bullet is posted as,
**Suitable For:
Recreational Activities
Kite Buggying
Kite Landboarding
Snowkiting.
Powerful yet easy to handle, the four sizes in the Bullet range are suitable for beginners and pros alike. Great for both buggying and kite landboarding, the Bullet comes ready to fly with four lines in a bar or handle option.**

The buster is an awesome buggy engine. Not great for boarding.

As this post asks, blade vs buster, I have the right to answer. I have flown both the same day, same wind, same spot, and I think thats the only way to compare kites. But thats my opinion. (I have also compared a ton of other 3-4m kites the same way. Any one ever looked in my bag of kites, or asked to try out whatever model, make?)

If the wind is blowing 25 and going out with the buggy is my desire, and I have my choice of the 2 kites, better bet the bullet is not my choice. Both kites are shaped the same and thats were they stop being the same. The bullet is quicker and a bit unstable with more lift than the buster. The buster is more powerful through the window and is more stable than the bullet.
In all fairness, if you want to jump, get the bullet. If you want power to buggy with more stability, get the buster. Or not.

Bladerunner - 9-7-2013 at 04:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bigkid

.

As this post asks, blade vs buster, I have the right to answer.

In all fairness, if you want to jump, get the bullet. If you want power to buggy with more stability, get the buster. Or not.

I am not trying to cause a fuss . Just trying to convey that I have witnessed the odd habit of the Bullet to slam you into the ground. I have seen 3 other pilots slammed and experienced it myself . Dirtslide is one that you all know. Greg and Braden also bit the dust this way. This isn't the typical lift you and then drop you like a rock that small kites do. It is with force that you get tossed downwind and into the ground. :o

Some things are unclear to me.

Where do you see somebody asking about the Blade ?

Why do you keep saying the Bullet is a kite to jump with. Even the description you quote for the Bullet avoids saying it is for jumping ? The Blade was designed for that.

I am not certain but pretty darn sure that if you put the Bullet and Buster side by side they would not look the same ? Bullet is a bit of an odd shape ?

I agree about not taking the 4.5 Bullet out in 25mph winds! I don't think I ever took mine into the 20's.

Everybody is allowed their opinion. I think they are both good kites and different enough folks will prefer 1 over the other. I have owned both but the Buster was not a Soulfly. Soulfly have MUCH nicer graphics than the plain original Buster!

P.S. When I re-read you question, why not buy a smaller 3m-ish Buster if you are finding the bullet a handful? It will allow you to fly in some pretty strong winds.

I see so many people with Bullets at events I am amazed more folks don't have an opinion on them that own one ?

WELDNGOD - 9-7-2013 at 05:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

Quote: Originally posted by WELDNGOD

Get the Buster "Soulfly" , way better kite!

It would probably have been best to point out that you fly for PKD when making such a strong statement without backing it up with facts . Have you flown / seen a bullet ?

Hey Bro, I don't fly for PKD..... I fly for BIGKIDKITES.... And yes! I have seen and flown Bullets,and I have 5 Flexifoils ,3 of them Rages. I'm tellin ya dollar for dollar,the soulfly is a better deal. Unless you need a $200 handbag to keep a kite in. LOL

Scudley - 9-7-2013 at 07:47 PM

I would not buy the buster. You have a reasonable kite to learn on, if you start in low wind and work your way up. Save your money for a good intermediate level kite in a size that fits in with the Bullet rather than having two kites the same size.
S

Bladerunner - 9-7-2013 at 08:09 PM

WG - Sorry I am not sure how I got it in my head that you rode for PKD as well as BKK now. I just thought it was a bit unfair to just say it's a " way better kite " and not give the person an explanation of why you think so.

I agree that the Buster Soulfly is a great bang for buck kite. Amazing graphics. I mentioned the difference in the bags, why and the fact I like PKD's.

I think the general answer has been to buy a kite that doesn't overlap so much. If the 4.5 Bullet is too much then I suggest going for a smaller Buster.

bigkid - 9-7-2013 at 09:09 PM

If things have moved in the direction I think they have, I would love to hear the comparison of the 2 kites in JP's own words.
My comparison was with the buster soulfly and the bullet. Now that he will have the bullet and the buster soulfly pro, the comparison will defiantly change.
Give him a week to get the new buster and see what he says. Makes no diff to me if its positive or negative. It will be his question and his answer. That makes it good enough for me.

I would like to know if he will fly the bullet on a bar or handles, or both. He has both with the Buster. I will wait for the man to share his findings. Hurry up JP and let us know. :thumbup:

(if possible a pic of the kites on top of each other would be good too.)

bigkid - 9-7-2013 at 09:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Scudley

I would not buy the buster. You have a reasonable kite to learn on, if you start in low wind and work your way up. Save your money for a good intermediate level kite in a size that fits in with the Bullet rather than having two kites the same size.
S

Always one in the crowd that likes the other side of the fence. I wont hold that against you, even if I do agree. :lol:

But each to there own, right?

AnnieO - 9-7-2013 at 09:44 PM

I"m sure he will like the Buster Soulfly, what's not to like? And hey, if he decides he wants to move on from the Bullet he knows where to find me huh.

I've been fortunate over time to build myself a nice FB quiver, but for me there is just something about the Bullets, even if they are older, well so am I right?

JP6210 - 10-7-2013 at 03:43 AM

Wow- this thread generated a lot of activity- which is great. Part of learning something new on our own is using all of the resources available to you and so far this is a great one. It is fortunate that on this end of the spectrum, the cost is not prohibitive to try out a number of different options.

Bigkid is correct, I did decide to go ahead and get the Soulfly 4.4 to compare against. The Bullet is on a bar, and I will have both options with the Buster, but if anything it gives me an ability to have a ket set up on a bar and and on handles.

I will plan on doing a comparison on the board as soon as I can compare and can definitely do a picture of one on top of the other to see. Of course that assumes that getting the kite will not immediately guarantee a no wind/too much wind for weeks to come. :puzzled:

Thanks everybody!

Scudley - 10-7-2013 at 04:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AnnieO

I"m sure he will like the Buster Soulfly, what's not to like? ...there is just something about the Bullets, even if they are older, well so am I right?

Aside, from how it flies and the incredibly heavy material? Not much.
I liked my Bullets just fine when I was flying them, but then I told people how good I thought Firebees were good, too.
S

Bladerunner - 10-7-2013 at 06:37 AM

This is cool !

I didn't clue into the fact you want to fly on a bar. Now it is a different topic.

My 4.5 Bullet was terrible on a bar. Pretty much didn't fly with my crossover bar. The best was a 2 line bar . Of all the kites I tried a bar on the 4.5 Bullet was the worst ! My 4.5 Bullet had some of the strangest habits ( back to the side slide ) but I really liked the kite.

Crazy thing is that my 7m Bullet liked the crossover bar ? I think the 4.5 is super brake sensitive ?

Please do this kite justice by judging it as 4 line on handle as it was designed. On a bar the Soulfly is likely to be the hands down winner.

If and when you do like the Buster. Consider a smaller one. It will allow you to fly in stronger winds.

JP6210 - 10-7-2013 at 07:53 AM

Bladerunner: Interesting that you say that- my initial attempts with the 4.5 and the bar have been less than satisfactory to me. I am not necessarily wanting to fly with a bar, but that is what the kite came with. It would be interesting to see what the kite is like with handles, and I would actually like to become proficient on handles before I start thinking about the bar a whole lot (the kite bar I mean... :lol:

) Maybe it is worth seeing if I can find some handles for it and try it that way....?

JP

bigkid - 10-7-2013 at 08:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Scudley

Quote: Originally posted by AnnieO

I"m sure he will like the Buster Soulfly, what's not to like? ...there is just something about the Bullets, even if they are older, well so am I right?

Aside, from how it flies and the incredibly heavy material? Not much.
I liked my Bullets just fine when I was flying them, but then I told people how good I thought Firebees were good, too.
S

I am sorry to inform you, that you are not up to date in your knowledge of the Buster Soulfly Pro. Might want to look into a little bit of research, or you can wait for the comparison when it comes out.

Scudley - 10-7-2013 at 11:38 AM

My opinion is based on the one Dirtslide got earlier this year. If it is not the most recent vintage, my apologies. He calls his "the Tent" because of the fabric. My first impression was that it would make a good awning.
Jeff, is it really worth JP6210's money, time, and effort to get a kite with a similar wind range to what he already has so he can write a review comparing a new kite with one that was discontinued five or six years ago?
I don't think so. My memories of my 7m Bullet are it was less than stellar. It pulled like a tractor; too bad it handled like one, too. I hated the mesh covering the inlets. It did not stop sand and dirt from going into the kite and snagged sticks and brambles; snow kiters said it collected snow balls; general pain in the ass. The guy I sold it to said he would trade for the kite I replaced it with any time.
The bullet will be a good kite to learn if he takes it easy on what wind he flies in until he has sometime flying. Once he has finished beating the carp out of the Bullet learning to fly, spend some money on other kites. Why use a beginner kite as your high wind kite when spending a few dollars more will a good intermediate level high wind kite. The learning curve will be a little steeper than with a beginner kite but it will keep your interest longer.
S
my advice is worth every penny you paid for it.

bigkid - 10-7-2013 at 02:02 PM

Scudley, I had nothing to do with him getting the kite, except I put the kite in a box and sent it out. didnt find out he got the kite untill after the shipment went out.
I found out a long time ago, if everyone thought the same way, I could eliminate the entire human population except me. He wanted it, and he got it.
I think I paid to much for all this advice.:D

Think I should have spent my money on something other than 47 kites of different makes, models, and types, all in the 3m range so I can listen to everyone tell me whats good and what bad? What this kite is compared to that kite and so on?

And why are you asking me anyway? ask JP.

WELDNGOD - 10-7-2013 at 02:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Scudley

Quote: Originally posted by AnnieO

I"m sure he will like the Buster Soulfly, what's not to like? ...there is just something about the Bullets, even if they are older, well so am I right?

Aside, from how it flies and the incredibly heavy material?
S

Scud , since I was the first to receive one, I'll be the one to tell ya. The NEW soulfly is not made from the same waterproof polyester. The SOULFLY PRO is made out of the same material as the Century IIs. And it is not a Cent or a Combat,so it does not fly like one. They fly just like my Flexifoil Rages do,just ALOT cheaper!
JMHO

@ BR , it's all good Bro. I didn't have much time to make that post I was getting ready to leave at the time. Usually I will get more in depth about them.

WG

JP6210 - 10-7-2013 at 02:47 PM

I have never been accused of using great sense in regards to my hobbies... kind of explains why there are 6 motorcycles in my barn...:evil:

That being said, the 4.4 came about as a really good deal and I am looking forward to comparing. I also live at the beach, and often end up supplying the entertainment stuff for the parade of visitors going in and out so, for the cost we are talking about, I don't feel too bad for having a bit of redundancy in size. I will definitely compare the two, and post my results, but I am more interested in comparing for myself. The Bullet was also a good deal, thanks to a forum member so I dont feel like I have spent too much,.....yet.

I appreciate all the replies that have been given, and the knowledge and experience of all the folks that took the time to answer. And at the end of the day I can use the Bullet for jumping... :o Just kidding-

Thanks again all!

Bladerunner - 10-7-2013 at 04:40 PM

WG , Glad we are good ! No offence intended.

JP, Sounds like you will get a set of handles with the Soulfly. I am certain you will enjoy the Bullet a whole lot more when you use them. Mine came from Real kiteboarding and was their trainer so came on a 2 line bar. It flew that way but was very powerful and kind of scared me as well. It was a much different kite on handles.

Good news is that handles are cheap. If you like it with handles Jeff can send you a second set.

I am very interested in seeing if Jeff is right and the 2 kites look almost the same . I remember the Bullet as having an almost semi circle shape with a sharp straight trailing edge. Not as elongated as other models and a bit lower aspect ratio? ( now I found a picture it's not as round as I may have thought ? )

I agree that the mesh on the Bullet is lousy. I have experienced how it makes snowballs inside. I got by with Bullets the 1st year but they are a lousy snow kite.

untitled.png - 18kB

3shot - 10-7-2013 at 05:42 PM

Man I need to try one of the new Soulfly Pro's. I must say the Rage is my favorite buggy engine so far. Second is my Bullet. WG, hearing how the new Pro's fly like a Rage is awesome. I see they are still not on the PKD USA website? :dunno:

Scudley - 11-7-2013 at 06:11 AM

Quote: Originally posted by WELDNGOD

Scud , since I was the first to receive one, I'll be the one to tell ya. The NEW soulfly is not made from the same waterproof polyester.
WG

Glad to hear they have changed the material, cause that Buster of k1's is nasty.
S

abkayak - 11-7-2013 at 09:06 AM

hey JP...I totally understand, I’m addicted to 3m kites and every time I see a good deal I want...I don’t think this will pass...and you should probably buy another bike. cant have too many of those either

dirtslide - 11-7-2013 at 09:18 AM

Hey man stop picking on my kite, I like it and even though I have a few 4m sized kites there is still a use for my Buster Soulfly 4.4

I will look forward to giving the Buster Pro a try this fall if there is one at SOBB . Have to say that I have always liked the graphics on the Soulflys . One last thing ,just wanted to thank K2 for reminding me that a 5m Bullet kicked my ass that day and turned the hook on my harness into a human plow !!!!!!

bigkid - 11-7-2013 at 09:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 3shot

I see they are still not on the PKD USA website? :dunno:

That website is my grandsons website, and they are in Las Vegas for the summer with their dad. So grandpa is a little slow in getting that back up and taken care of. But I do believe you can find them at coastal wind sports.

3shot - 11-7-2013 at 07:37 PM

Thanks for the info about his PKD site Jeff. I didn't see them from Angus either. Just the regular Soulflys as well.
I just never know when that "I must have that new kite right now" thing happens