Power Kite Forum

Peter Lynn Vortex

manitoulinkiter1 - 27-12-2008 at 08:27 PM

Hi all

I have a chance to buy a Peter Lynn Vortex 14 meter. With all the talk about them I am interested in trying them. I would like a Venom or Venom 2 for land and water, but like the post says have a chance at a Vortex.
What kind of kite is the Vortex, for land or water? Are they any good? And how come I've never heard one mentioned before?
Thanks for any input.
John

DenisLaMenace - 27-12-2008 at 08:59 PM

according to Peter Lynn website, the Vortex is a 2008 twinskin for water, good for beginners/waves/fast turning/easy ride.

dgkid78 - 27-12-2008 at 09:02 PM

I read also they are not recomended for Landboarding or in the Buggy. But are great for kite skiing. hmmm :puzzled:


"The vortex is a super-stable fun-flying foil that offers a great entry level opportunity for kiteboarding or use on land for kiteskiing. Not recommended for land boards or driving a buggy."

DenisLaMenace - 27-12-2008 at 09:08 PM

mistaken introduction year. the vortex was mad in 2006, but still available ???

their only 2008 model is the synergy.

the vortex can still be bought brand new way cheaper.search the web

dgkid78 - 27-12-2008 at 09:10 PM

I happened to be on Coastalwindsports.com when i saw the post and Angus has it for sale.

nwsurfwakeskate - 27-12-2008 at 10:51 PM

does anybody know why the vortex isn't recommended for landboarding or buggy?

the only reason I can think of is maybe it isn't a very durable kite? ie. can't handle a land crash??? I'm just guessing though. does anybody know for sure why?

acampbell - 28-12-2008 at 07:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by nwsurfwakeskate
does anybody know why the vortex isn't recommended for landboarding or buggy?

the only reason I can think of is maybe it isn't a very durable kite? ie. can't handle a land crash??? I'm just guessing though. does anybody know for sure why?


No, the reason is is that it is an entry-level water kite designed to hang back a bit from the edge of the window, making it easier for novices on the water. As such it would pull a buggy or ATB sideways too much. It would be OK on skis, as you have a lot of edge to dig in with to hold a line. You COULD buggy with it of course, but it would not be optimal. The Synergy would be better as an all-around performance kite.

The Vortex is still on the PL site as the only other ARC besides the Synergy. Curiously I just noticed it is not on the latest price list I just got from PL the other day. I'll have to ask them. Although they are getting better, the PL folks have a habit of re-arranging their product line without telling their dealers.

To their credit, they are making a lot of improvements in their organization and product line and I think 2009 will be a good year for them.

PrairieWind - 28-12-2008 at 09:17 AM

I was looking at getting an auto zenith kite for the wife, it was after talking to Rachel from www.stormboarding.com that convinced me that a venom II was the one to get. Initially I thought the Vortex would be the one, but because they hang back in the window it wasn't as good as the venoms for snowkiting. Zip off an email to rachel, she has good info on the Peter Lynns and use on the snow.

nwsurfwakeskate - 28-12-2008 at 01:58 PM

hmm, the way you describe the vortex makes it sound like a very difficult kite for going up wind.

I would think that would frustrate the hell out of a beginner!

acampbell - 28-12-2008 at 02:14 PM

It'll go up wind, just not as well as others. Instead, it will not (less) overfly the novice trying to get up on the board in the first place.

awindofchange - 29-12-2008 at 01:47 PM

The Vortex is an awesome beginners kite. It will go upwind about as good as any other beginner / lower aspect ratio kite on the market (even better than some). The beauty of the Vortex is that it has larger intake vents and is fatter through the center of the kite, making it super easy to fill and simple to relaunch if you ever do crash it. Basically the Vortex will bounce off the water and back in the air. It has a very strong auto zenith.

The Vortex doesn't have quite the wind range of the Venom due to its lower aspect ratio, it also won't point upwind nearly as far as the Venoms (and newer designs). It has a fair amount of grunt, good float and lift and is a pretty stiff feeling kite in the air, giving it fast turning and the ability to snap it around very easily. It flies a bit slower through the air and doesn't have as much performance as the higher aspect ratio kites/models.

It is plenty durable and in some areas double reinforced because it is intended for schools/beginners. This gives the kite a little more weight. The Vortex was not one of the more popular models but the people who have it are very happy with the kite. Most of the people who use the Vortex do a lot of wave riding where a super stable, snappy turning, auto zenith kite is preferred.

The Vortex could be used for land boarding or buggying just fine, it won't have near the performance that the specifically designed land kites have (Phantom, Scorpion) but it can still work with very little problems. I would think a beginner land boarder would do just fine with the Vortex. An advanced rider may want to have something with a bit more performance.

Hope that helps.

manitoulinkiter1 - 30-12-2008 at 08:23 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I am definetly a lot wiser on PL's. I passed on the Vortex and will wait for a Venom or Venom2. I'm not an expert by any means but I am past the beginner stage most of the time anyway.
So thanks again.
John