Power Kite Forum

First power kite - good deal?

fzromen - 15-9-2014 at 09:21 PM

Hey all, long time lurker....

I've been wanted to dip my toe into power kiting for a while now....

I've flown 2 lines and quad line stunt kites (revs and mojo's) for a while now.

I was able to buy a brand new HQ Crossfire II 5 meter for 250 USD.

Was this a good deal for a "newbie" to power kiting? I'm wanting to get into landboarding down the road but wanted to make sure that power kiting was something that I REALLY wanted to do before throwing down some serious change.

Thanks in advance.

IFlyKites - 15-9-2014 at 09:34 PM

Welcome to the sport of power kiting! Careful not to get addicted, prepare your pockets to be empty as you progress :lol: Past experience is always helpful, better than no experience at all. I myself, flew stunt kites before and from experience it's a lot easier with that past kite knowledge. For the kite, it's a good deal. However, starting with a 5 meter isn't the best choice. Might be helpful if you provide some info on your weight. I would begin anywhere from the 2-4m range. Last thing you want to happen is to end up with some broken bones or injuries due to not knowing how to control your kite. Here is a helpful guide to get you started: http://www.coastalwindsports.com/101FirstFlight4LineHandles....

I would look into a Peter Lynn Hornet 2-3m, HQ Beamer, Ozone Octane. There are many posts on this forum from the past that newbies asked about "first power kite" etc.. But anyway, if you are hesitant and want to begin right away, you could go off with the 5 meter but please be responsible. Don't take it out in 15mph winds on your first day, rather try in the lower range. We really hate seeing people get injured and want everyone to be safe. Also, have a watcher with you, whether it's a family member or friend just in case something does go wrong. There are a lot more experienced people than me on here as I'm nearly where you are but I do enjoy helping new comers and hope to pass on the good advice I get from other helpful pkfers. :D

Cheers, Ari

fzromen - 15-9-2014 at 09:46 PM

I'm 6' 3" and 260 lbs on a good day... :P

I'm not planning on taking it out in winds too crazy.

The forecast for the next few days here at the beach is 5-15 mph.

But when I return home, I'm lucky if I can get to 8-10 mph on a good day.

So I figured that it was a good choice for low winds since that's what I'm facing when I return home.

Plus I was offered some extra lines for my stunt quad as a kicker for the deal. :)

shehatesmyhobbies - 16-9-2014 at 05:28 AM

Not a bad deal, there are kites better fit for beginning, but this can do. It looks as if you have some experience so getting the knack for the controls shouldn't be too bad. It will definitely be the power that you will need to be ready for. Wear a lid and definitely don't push the limit of the kite. 10mph winds with that kite will be pretty powerful.

Be safe

B-Roc - 16-9-2014 at 05:57 AM

If you can fly revs and understand the wind window then you will pick foils up no problem. They are a lot "dumber" than revs and even 2 line trick kites if you are slack line flying them. By "dumb" I mean foils are kind of "point and go" and that's it. No slack line management, no stalling no nothing - just keep them in the power zone and you're good.

I'm 145#s and flew stunt kites for 10 years before picking up my first foil (8.5 blade III). As long as you understand the crossfire is a lifty kite and give it the respect it deserves and start out in low wind, you should be fine.

abkayak - 16-9-2014 at 06:15 AM

hiya...welcome:thumbup: good deal on your first kite you should follow it up w/ a 3m and your all set for a lifetime of fun

Windy Heap - 16-9-2014 at 08:56 AM

5m is pretty big for a zero power foil experience.


or just consider it a lighter wind kite, or your tugger kite, and as mentioned above, then get a second more versatile all-around usable 3m to learn the ropes on, and then you're set for life


shameless plug here for my 3m beamer for $175 shipped:


http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=29163

fzromen - 16-9-2014 at 09:21 AM

Since the Crossfire is a lifty kite should I switch it to the more advanced or what they call the buggy settings? It says in the manual that it will give it less lift....

I know that it increases the speed of the kite, but I've heard that it also makes the kite more prone to collapsing at the edge of the window.

abkayak - 16-9-2014 at 09:51 AM

imo...dont sweat the details at this point...fly it as is before you start changing things and have a basis for making changes...10mph or less first few times out and no storms over your shoulder...be cautious but have fun...oh did i say buy a 3m yet?....you will want one

Windy Heap - 16-9-2014 at 10:28 AM

cherry


popping.




Memories I relish are my first 3.3m flight.


I was shaking for 30-40 minutes later total rush.



you don't want a lifty kite at first, something more steady, learn your down turns.............this ain't no rev.



welcome to the buzz!

fzromen - 16-9-2014 at 11:14 AM

Well I don't have the funds to purchase a second kite and honestly, the 5m crossfire was a cheaper price than anything in the 1.5-3m range.

I'm actually nervous about initially popping it into the sky to the point that I haven't even cracked the bag open to peek at it and am considering returning it altogether now. :P

The winds are around 5-8 mph with an occasional gust of 11-15. It'd be perfect but I almost wish I had nightvision. Don't want others to watch me get my butt handed to me if I'm not ready for this... :P

BeamerBob - 16-9-2014 at 11:49 AM

At 5 to 8 mph, you might be having fun/struggling to keep it flying. At 15, you will have a tiger by the tail. This kite is in it's optimal jumping range at about 17-20 and it will certainly pick up someone your size in those winds. Very powerful kite. The buggy setting on mine tended to make the nose fold over and collapse the kite. There might be more stability in the lifty setting.

abkayak - 16-9-2014 at 12:12 PM

you bought it you go fly it...yes be nervous thats the right approach...<10 first time out..this is gonna be great wish i could be there...helmet and no bare skin would pbly be a good idea and no hot launches, side of the window, you got this

riffclown - 16-9-2014 at 12:30 PM

The Crossfire (I assume Crossfire II) is an amazing kite (my personal Favorite) and that's a great price.. That being said, it's not a beginner kite. If you're careful & cautious you can learn a ton from that kite but it can overpower you easily.. You will have to be well aware of your wind window..

I have a feeling I know where you got it..


Here's Chris of HQ Kites with my 4M at Jockey's Ridge..



http://youtu.be/feJBAfaDekw


If you return it, please let me know where to and I might try to go get it since I don't have that size in a crossfire.

Also, Just in case, Contact me U2U if you'd like to discuss a trade of some sort.

Bladerunner - 16-9-2014 at 02:31 PM

I don't suggest you sell it. It sounds like you have gotten the message that this will not be an ideal beginners kite but it will actually be the right size for the stat's you supply once you have the skills.

I find that people with reasonable Rev' skills take to 4 line foils very quick. You have a good head start.

Try and " control " the kite and learn how to work the edges of the wind window 1st ! Don't fly the kite all over the place at 1st.
If you try and stay away from the power zone ( down low in front ) until you have set a bunch of reflex memories you will be OK . Also avoid sending the kite fast through zenith or you could get lifted. You will have to accept that at 1st winds much above 10mph will really send you for a ride and pack in early. Live to kite another day, we say.

A helmet, at least should be worn. Respect the potential power of the kite and you will grow into it safely.

fzromen - 16-9-2014 at 06:11 PM

Okay, so I took it out on Jockey's Ridge for a while this evening to give it a go.

Holy crap..... I didn't get my butt handed to me, but I did have it scare me a couple times with the power it was generating. Winds were around 10ish.

I think that when I get back home to more normal 5-10, it'll be perfect. Still scared to death :P

Although, I do have one small question. When I was winding the lines, the lines left black on my fingers almost like a wax or something? Is this normal?

B-Roc - 16-9-2014 at 06:24 PM

That can be normal as the outer sheen wears off or if you were flying in dirty / dusty conditions.

Fear is a good thing. It leads to respect and respect leads to safety. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone getting hurt from being underpowered.

riffclown - 16-9-2014 at 06:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fzromen  
Okay, so I took it out on Jockey's Ridge for a while this evening to give it a go.

Holy crap..... I didn't get my butt handed to me, but I did have it scare me a couple times with the power it was generating. Winds were around 10ish.

I think that when I get back home to more normal 5-10, it'll be perfect. Still scared to death :P

Although, I do have one small question. When I was winding the lines, the lines left black on my fingers almost like a wax or something? Is this normal?


Normal and the red will also do the same thing..

shehatesmyhobbies - 16-9-2014 at 06:56 PM

Glad you got out and gave it a shot. 10mph never seemed like much before today eh. Welcome to the addiction and glad to hear you have gained a little respect for Mother Nature. Listen to her and the little voice on your shoulder, they are usually right.


Keep working the kite and get used to it, eventually it will become second nature in all your movements with the kite and confidence will come.

IFlyKites - 16-9-2014 at 09:10 PM

Good to hear you enjoyed it! Eventually you will get used to it, now it's just practice and sooner or later you will be a pro :D About that wax you said that got on your fingers is normal, I get that too with my new kites. I believe it's a protective coating for the lines, (correct me if I'm wrong).

Ari

3shot - 17-9-2014 at 04:13 AM

Fzroman, where is home? There are several of us in Southeast VA.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

fzromen - 17-9-2014 at 04:55 AM

I'm in North Central West Virginia. Like 45 minutes from the Morgatown area. There are like zero people who fly there.

fzromen - 18-9-2014 at 05:51 AM

Quick question....

I found that after flying for 20-25 minutes, my arms needed a break, would a harness and strop line be a good purchase?

If so, what kind of harness can someone who's like a 41-42" waist buy? Everything I'm finding is a 40" size...

ssayre - 18-9-2014 at 06:20 AM

I'm close to that size and have a ozone sb harness. It works well but has a tendency to loosen when I use it. Also everyone really likes the Peter lynn Devine and they come in a size that fits. Not sure which size because I haven't used one.

fzromen - 18-9-2014 at 06:26 AM

The winds here on the OBX are really bumming me out... Too much wind for me to go fly the kite.... I'm sure some of you would be able to handle it but not this chicken. (Not yet anyways.)

BeamerBob - 18-9-2014 at 07:01 AM

I'm sure you could wear a Large PL Divine.

Bladerunner - 18-9-2014 at 05:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fzromen  
The winds here on the OBX are really bumming me out... Too much wind for me to go fly the kite.... I'm sure some of you would be able to handle it but not this chicken. (Not yet anyways.)


This is one of the main reasons that we all recommend about a 3m kite to learn the ropes. A whole lot of this sport is about getting time on your pilots log. 3m is just the right size to show you what power is about and it allows you to fly on those windier days. You get to control a 3m while you have to protect yourself from a 5m.

Going straight to an advanced 5m means you need to do exactly what you are doing and wait for the less strong winds. The only other real option is to buy a used 3m but I know funds are tight for you.

P.S. don't expect many of us to feel sorry for the fact you have strong ocean winds. Most of us only wish ! ;)

fzromen - 19-9-2014 at 08:27 AM

This not having wind to fly in has led me to sit and contemplate things... Which is never a good thing...

I was given the option of swapping the 5m Crossfire for a 3m Beamer V. Is this a good idea?

My winds are normally on 5 mph with lulls and gusts up to 10 on any given day. The best days it gets up to 10.
That's why the kite salesman sold me on the 5m because it would handle the lower winds and my size better.

Thoughts? Advice? I leave in two days and don't want to have to use shipping to take advantage of this offer at a later point.

BeamerBob - 19-9-2014 at 08:29 AM

If your gusts are only up to 10, you can get by on the Crossfire. The Beamer is a much more stable kite and a more friendly kite to learn on, but you might not have enough wind to fly it.

abkayak - 19-9-2014 at 09:28 AM

imo...you must have both kites, figure it out and get it done or you wont be able to live w/ yourself

Windy Heap - 19-9-2014 at 11:10 AM

A full quiver, can never be one.


One is the loneliest number