Power Kite Forum

Prism Snapshot

Mark_kitetraction - 28-10-2014 at 05:59 AM

Hi I'm Mark. I'm 13 yrs old and have been flying stunt kites for about 2 years. I would like to purchase a Prism snapshot (1.9 or 2.5) as an intro to power kiting. I weigh only 95 pounds. I want a kite that will supply me with a lot of power, but not destroy me in the process. Which of the two do you recommend?

ssayre - 28-10-2014 at 07:29 AM

Snapshots are good kites, but I would look for something that comes with handles and 4 lines. A 2m hq beamer or 2m Peter Lynn hornet would be larger than a 2.5 snapshot and you would learn 4 line control. Don't try jumping with them.

sadsack - 28-10-2014 at 07:52 AM

Hi,
I this is a cheap and good way to start out with power kites.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/power-kite-4-dual-lines-control-Spor...



$(KGrHqV,!psFCu0YULz5BSWf6ChFhg~~60_12.JPG - 21kB

vaultingbassist - 28-10-2014 at 09:00 AM

Quote:
Snapshots are good kites, but I would look for something that comes with handles and 4 lines. A 2m hq beamer or 2m Peter Lynn hornet would be larger than a 2.5 snapshot and you would learn 4 line control. Don't try jumping with them.


Actually, it looks like Prism measures the Snapshot 2.5 on area, not span (it appears to be the only one, the other Snapshots are span) Source. It also converts to 4 line and handles (but that requires buying handles and a set of lines). So the 2.5 may not be a bad option, but I would recommend a 4 line kite, and the ones ssayre mentioned would already be set up with them and not need the conversion that the Snapshot would. I'll second ssayre that you shouldn't try jumping with these kites.

Also, the best way to make sure you don't get destroyed is to get comfortable with wind ranges by starting low and go up from there. If the winds are 10 mph or less, you shouldn't have much issue with the kite. As you get used to flying it (4 line has a bit more finesse than 2 line) you'll feel more comfortable in the higher winds that the kite is capable of.

pongnut - 28-10-2014 at 09:18 AM

Welcome Mark. Best recommendations starting out are a 4-line 2-3m kite from one of these manufacturers:
Peter Lynn
HQ
PDK
Ozone
Flexifoil
Skydog

Sorry sadsack, that kite you are referencing on ebay is not a good choice. Be prepared to spend at least $100 on a small 4-line foil.

As mentioned earlier, start out in <10 mph wind and slowly work your way up into stronger wind as your skills progress. And also, as mentioned earlier, don't try jumping with these sized kites.

ssayre - 28-10-2014 at 09:31 AM

vaultingbassist, I know prism says they are measured by sq area but I have owned a 2.5 snapshot and a 3 meter beamer and the snapshot is half the size of a 3m beamer.

Here's a thread that shows them laying side by side.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=29336

vaultingbassist - 28-10-2014 at 09:39 AM

Huh, weird. Thanks for clarifying that!

skimtwashington - 28-10-2014 at 02:38 PM

13 yrs old? Good age to start power/traction kiting. The smartest thing you've done so far is to come here for advice.

Forget about the Prism SNAPSHOT. Not durable. As I have joked about before... it's called a Snapshot because the line(s) often will SNAP, and your fun is SHOT!:(

A prism Tensor 3.1m is fine,durable, however....you are safer and better to start with a 2m which they don't make.

Pick a brand from pongnut's list, and then get a model that is LOW ASPECT...ask for this or come back here and ask.

You posted in 'kite jumping' section by accident..or because you are thinking about jumping?

Well forget all about jumping. Put it way in back of your mind like that drivers license you won't be getting for a while!

The excitement being pulled eventually just along the ground, dragging your heels, perhaps later on a board, buggy or skates-if you choose- will provide plenty of excitement.

Stay in school and no jumping!

WELDNGOD - 28-10-2014 at 02:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by sadsack  
Hi,
I this is a cheap and good way to start out with power kites.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/power-kite-4-dual-lines-control-Spor...



Sorry sadsack, but those nasty Chinese knockoffs mostly are a waste of money. There are way better alternatives that won't bust the bank(and won't bust the first time it hits the deck). We generally tell people to avoid them so they don't get disillusioned that kiting sucks when it does not fly right.

WELDNGOD - 28-10-2014 at 03:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre  
vaultingbassist, I know prism says they are measured by sq area but I have owned a 2.5 snapshot and a 3 meter beamer and the snapshot is half the size of a 3m beamer.

Here's a thread that shows them laying side by side.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=29336

I think it means 2.5 sq.ft not 2.5 sq.m:lol:

sadsack - 28-10-2014 at 03:03 PM

It pull me on my skateboard and skates. It is no $500 dollars kite
but you don't pay $500, for it. If you are 13 and want to try out something new why pay big bucks when you can buy one for quarter of the big names kite and see in six months you still want to kite or date girls. When you are 13 you don't know what you want.
:frog:

WELDNGOD - 28-10-2014 at 03:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by sadsack  
It pull me on my skateboard and skates. It is no $500 dollars kite
but you don't pay $500, for it. If you are 13 and want to try out something new why pay big bucks when you can buy one for quarter of the big names kite and see in six months you still want to kite or date girls. When you are 13 you don't know what you want.
:frog:


Well that's sounds legit... NOT ! Mark, you might want to look at everyones profiles and choose for yourself who knows what they are talking about. Here is a place to get a kite ,and it DOESN'T cost $500!

http://www.pkdkitesusa.com/


I have been a member of PKF since 2006 and bought my first Traction kite in 2004. I'm pretty sure I know a wee bit more than any newbie on here. And I'm sure the other members will attest to that.

WELDNGOD - 28-10-2014 at 03:45 PM

Here is me and another PKF member kite buggying with two kites that each cost less than $160. I'd say they are flying a lot better than Chinese crap kites. :P
https://vimeo.com/65980936

shehatesmyhobbies - 28-10-2014 at 04:19 PM

I know a guy selling an HQ Beamer, 1.5m. Perfect starting size for younger kids. My son started on the 1.8m, had a blast. He weighed around 70lbs at that point. It may not pull like a 3m, but you can safely learn on this kite then use it to show your friends. Don't forget some sort of helmet and maybe some knee and elbow pads just in case. Let me know if you are interested in the Beamer, I can help get the kite to you if you are here in the states or Canada.

Save your self some time and do not buy cheap knock off kites as some have already said, they don't usually fly well and are not going to last.

ssayre - 28-10-2014 at 05:16 PM


Quote:

I think it means 2.5 sq.ft not sq.m:lol:


Snapshot 2.5 was my first foil. I flew it on vacation a couple years ago and a guy came up to me that said he kites as well and that I should get a good 3 meter kite to learn on. I couldn't figure out why he thought I needed a kite that was just .5 meter larger to learn on. When I ordered my first true power kite I finally understood what he was talking about.

3shot - 28-10-2014 at 06:37 PM

Yea. I went from an HQ Symphony 1.8 to an Ozone 3m. I said to myself "that's not much larger"......Boy was that a shock!! :lol:

flyhighWNY - 28-10-2014 at 07:16 PM


flyhighWNY - 28-10-2014 at 07:34 PM


pongnut - 29-10-2014 at 10:44 AM

You can say that again... ;)

Bladerunner - 29-10-2014 at 04:35 PM

13 year olds progress at a real fast rate. The China kite that Sadsack shows is not a true power kite and will leave you wanting more power too quickly + you won't ever have any resale value in a kite like that. It doesn't cost $500 to buy a quality kite. Check out the PKD Busters if you are buying new. You can get one ready to fly with real handles and quality lines at $200 ( 3.3m PKD ) or less ( Smaller ). Second hand is a good way to go if money is tight. Avoid Ebay until you know more about kites or clear your choice on here. It is full of sub par and very old kites.

WELDNGOD - 29-10-2014 at 04:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner  
13 year olds progress at a real fast rate. The China kite that Sadsack shows is not a true power kite and will leave you wanting more power too quickly + you won't ever have any resale value in a kite like that. It doesn't cost $500 to buy a quality kite. Check out the PKD Busters if you are buying new. You can get one ready to fly with real handles and quality lines at $200 ( 3.3m PKD ) or less ( Smaller ). Second hand is a good way to go if money is tight. Avoid Ebay until you know more about kites or clear your choice on here. It is full of sub par and very old kites.



BR, the 3.3 Buster Soulfly costs $141 and some change.

Mark_kitetraction - 29-10-2014 at 07:25 PM

Thank you WELDNGOD, that is very helpful. I was wondering if you would suggest the Buster Soulfly 2.2 or 3.3 for me?

WELDNGOD - 29-10-2014 at 08:18 PM

Mark ,the 2.2 is actually $154 ,the 1.5 and 3.3 are the same. I believe this is due to desirability of the 2.2. There is also PRO versions that are made with race kite bridles and lighter material . Which makes them faster through the window. My personal recommendation is that you get the 2.2 as you will be able to hold it down in higher winds. I weigh twice what you do and I can scud with the2.2 in high winds. When you get more skills and a little more weight, the 3.3 will be in order. Also ,where are you located and what kind of winds do you have there? That has everything to do with it. Oh, welcome to the family:). If you have any questions we are all willing to help. That is why we are here. Love of the sport:saint:

3shot - 30-10-2014 at 04:07 AM

Hey Donnie. Any word on the pros availability in the US?

Mark_kitetraction - 30-10-2014 at 09:16 AM

This is mark. I live in Red Bluff California we have pretty weak winds but occasionally they will pick up. The other place I fly is in Marin at my Grandmas but winds are't strong there either

B-Roc - 30-10-2014 at 09:32 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mark_kitetraction  
This is mark. I live in Red Bluff California we have pretty weak winds but occasionally they will pick up. The other place I fly is in Marin at my Grandmas but winds are't strong there either


In my experience, newer fliers always under estimate actual wind speed and go out in bigger winds than they should. What are you basing your assessment on? Are you flying ULs, SULs, standard framed kites when you are flying sport kites? Are you basing your assessment on actual metered readings, feel, observation? I've heard newer fliers say things like, "I think it was blowing 10-12" and the pine trees are bent over and I've heard them say "It was blowing 30+" when the flag is waving but not straight out or fluttering.

A proper 2.5m power kite is going to generate way more power than whatever framed sport kite you are flying so make sure you have an accurate assessment of the wind before you launch.

Its easier for newer pilots to learn when the kite is easier to launch and more responsive which means its easier to learn on a smaller kite in bigger winds than a big kite in small winds. Size accordingly and start underpowered.

My 12 year old has been flying since he was 6. He is totally fine most days on a 1.5m. A 2.5 can be very intimidating. He weights around 75#s I think and goes out powered but not overpowered.

WELDNGOD - 30-10-2014 at 03:02 PM

What B-roc said is spot on. But I fly PKDs ,and I'm certain you could hold down the 2.2 m buster soulfly. If your winds get up to about 15mph it's going to start developing power . For every additional 5 mph over that, I would say maybe 20 -35 % more power would be added. Jeff @ BKK could prolly tell ya better though.

WELDNGOD - 30-10-2014 at 03:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 3shot  
Hey Donnie. Any word on the pros availability in the US?


I got one don't I? Contact Jeff @ BKK . Matter of fact , I need to get the 1.5 ,2.2 and 3.3 in pro as well, to go with my 4.4 . I will get hold of Jeff and see what he can do for the Kokopelli Kiting Crew. It would look awesome if we all were flying soulflys on Virginia Beach.

3shot - 30-10-2014 at 04:37 PM

:thumbup: :cool:

I knew you had the 4.4 pro, but that was before they were even released I think.

Sorry to drift here...

Mark_kitetraction - 1-11-2014 at 06:07 PM

Thank you so much. The 2.2 Buster Soulfly sounds great to me and I think I will order it this weekend.

Mark_kitetraction - 6-11-2014 at 02:02 PM

As another option I just heard about, how well do you think the Vibe Trainer 2.3 would suit me

ssayre - 6-11-2014 at 03:11 PM

Negatory little buddy. You would learn more and have more fun with a 4 line kite as mentioned earlier. The vibe is a 2 line kite. 4 line will give relaunch capability and is infinitely more controllable.

Mark_kitetraction - 6-11-2014 at 06:06 PM

Thank you I was not sure if the vibe was four line or not. I am glad you told me.

markite - 7-11-2014 at 06:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by sadsack  
Hi,
I this is a cheap and good way to start out with power kites.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/power-kite-4-dual-lines-control-Spor...


Just to go back to address this particular kite (sorry changing topic and i know sadsack did okay with it). I spent several hours with a girl that brought one of these to a kite fest trying to help her out. The kite itself doesn't change at all in shape of profiles from middle to wingtips so it's identical cells just chopped down. The bridle was a nightmare and the line total crap stretchy twisted nylon. Making all kinds of adjustments to the bridle the best I could do was get it to fly about the same as holding a bedsheet out and hanging on to all corners and getting pull. The line had so much stretch it was kind of crazy fun trying to control it waiting for the 1-2 second delay in response. I put a good set of line on it just to get it to take off and have some sort of response but between the shape of the kite and bridle you couldn't do that much with it. She had spent the 40.00 to buy it and then if she wanted to get it to fly at all (as crap as it was) she would need to spend almost the same price to buy better line to still hold onto a bag - I saw it as 40.00 totally wasted with the frustration it gave her trying to get it to fly. So some deals aren't that good of a deal in the long run. Also there are usually many good used kites out there and quite a few trainers sold to kite surfers go for very cheap often with little use so don't overlook a a good deal on a good used kite especially if a PKF member gives you the straight up info on it.

robinsonpr - 7-11-2014 at 07:00 AM

Mark I got a Vibe 2.3 Trainer for my 6 year old kids and they mastered it and got bored with it after a few times. I then got them a very small 4 line kite on handles (Peter Lynn Pepper 1.5) and they can handle that (though I do have to hold them down when the wind picks up!)

Mark_kitetraction - 24-11-2014 at 05:01 PM

What are your thoughts on the Ozone Imp Quattro 2.5 for me

indigo_wolf - 24-11-2014 at 05:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Mark_kitetraction  
What are your thoughts on the Ozone Imp Quattro 2.5 for me


Can't go wrong with an Ozone.... you will likely see bargains as retailer's try to clear out older stock as a result of Ozone discontinuing almost all of their fixed bridle kites.

ATB,
Sam

Mark_kitetraction - 24-11-2014 at 05:26 PM

Which of the two kites the Ozone or the PKD would be better?

rtz - 24-11-2014 at 05:32 PM

What's the price on each one?

Mark_kitetraction - 24-11-2014 at 05:41 PM

The PKD is $183 The Ozone is $157

rtz - 24-11-2014 at 06:08 PM

It's really a tough choice. I personally would just buy both and sell one of them off later.

Is the $157 the total price and it's a complete kite(lines/handles) and is it a brand new kite? If so; that's a really good price.

I thought the PKD was a lot cheaper?

http://www.pkdkitesusa.com/products/Buster-Soulfly.html

Ozone recently stepped out of the land kite market for the moment.

Jeff(BigKid) is the USA PKD distributer; and he lives up near you.


If both kites are new; for the price; the Ozone is the better deal.

rtz - 24-11-2014 at 06:14 PM

I should mention I have the 3m Quattro and it's a pretty nice kite. I fly it a lot when the wind is gusty. I haven't yet had the chance to fly a PKD Buster.




http://ozonekitesusa.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ozone2012_quattro_size

Mark_kitetraction - 16-12-2014 at 09:23 PM

I just received the Buster Soulfly 2.2 today. Going to fly it saturday. Would you recommend using the control bar or handles?

abkayak - 17-12-2014 at 07:07 AM

excellent...imo fly both
pray for 8/12 mph winds start on the bar fly an hour get good and use to it switch over to the handles and put it up again
the bar will be easier to grasp but you will eventually find the handles to be the best way to go you will have better control
get pictures have fun!

Mark_kitetraction - 22-12-2014 at 11:07 AM

I am new to quad line kiting. The handles seem to be connected to each other with another line. Are they supposed to be? I am wondering what this is.

indigo_wolf - 22-12-2014 at 11:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mark_kitetraction  
I am new to quad line kiting. The handles seem to be connected to each other with another line. Are they supposed to be? I am wondering what this is.


It's called a strop. It allows you to use the handles with a harness with a hook or pulley.

If you are starting out, you should probably not worry about a harness for a bit yet.

The strop won't impede you from using the handles for normal static flying. If anything, they will minimize a common tendency among new fliers which is referred to as flailing or using waaaay more hand/arm movenment than is necessary to control the kite.

ATB,
Sam