I've recently got a new fleixifoil blade vip 8.5 m. This is my 3rd kite, but my biggest before this was just 5m.I've taken it out twice and the power is unreal. Its actually just scary and not fun to ride. I'm not sure if to swop it for a 6.5 or learn to try and control it better? I admit i am abit scared of flying it as i have been dragged quite high without even trying to jump. And my mate who is 16stone got dragged about 25 foot up and had to let go. Please let me know what you think?

What kind of winds are you flying it in? I'm 14 stone and really liked my 8.5 BIII in the proper winds but ultimately sold it for a 6m Bego which I ultimately sold for a 14m depower as I feel way more comfortable on depowers than fixed bridles.

That is a powerful kite which needs respect or it will take all the fun out of flying but in its proper range (for your comfort) it should be good but it is a big step up from a 5m (I had a 5.5, 7, 8.5 combo).

I am 13 stone, and the winds are not too strong at all really! You can alter the settings on it too make it less powerful somehow but i can't understand it. I've decided to swop it anyway, there is no point having it if i don't dare fly it. Thank you for your help

That kite is meant for a pretty low wind speed. Chances are if you can feel the breeze, or see it moving grass and other things, it is too windy. Glad you got rid of it before you got yourself or anyone else hurt. It takes a lot less size on fixed bridles to get the same pull as some of the large depower kites.

There is no such thing as a "wimp" here at PKF. The main reason we fly power kites is for the fun of it. If that Blade VIP isn't fun to fly, then yes, trade her for something more fun to fly!

As I said to someone else, don't let your ego get yourself, or anyone else hurt ! I kite because I think it is fun. If I ever stopped finding it fun I would stop! Or sell / swap kites until I was enjoying it again. I think you've done the right call by swapping it out for another more manageable one ! :D

(Although just a little note, the 8.5 blade isn't supposed to be a low wind kite necessarily. It is a big kite for big jumps. It is too heavy for a light wind kite. I have been told that the 6.5 is the better light wind out of the series. And it's definitely not for the less experienced !).

Drop me a message if you're ever heading down to Norfolk by the way :D

Take care,
Tim

This was one of the most intelligent new member posts here in awhile. That is a very big and powerful fixed bridle kite. What Demo said was very accurate as well if you are flying the kite static without any wheels that you want to jump with. I had a 6.5 Blade IV (and now have a V 6.5) and it was fun and rewarding to fly in 12-14 mph winds. I could fly it in more wind but the fun went down as the wind increased beyond 15-16. The 8.5 would have a lower and narrower wind range, and would be harder to turn and hold down as the winds reached the upper end of its fun range. My opinion is you didn't choose a bad kite but maybe one size too big for your activities.

Keep it as a collector piece :D

Such a bada$$ kite!



Im a firm believer in never selling kites tho


That being said, if it means not flying or being hurt, pass on it buddy... Itd make a good down payment on an arc :D

I here you about not enjoying yourself.

When I started at this I went straight at strong winds and wanted speed + big air. A bit past 50 and a few injuries later and I don't enjoy what to me feels like " survival kiting " anymore. It's all about enjoying yourself and living to fly another day.

Here is the funny thing. I like big kites and low winds. Love my 9m Blade II and won't likely ever sell it.

There are a few things I am not clear about . What was the wind like ? Lumpy ? How strong ? Were you and your mates riding or just static flying ?

Here here for big kites and low wind!

I've been out on it today and last night again in really low winds... And to be honest i've fell in love with it, I'm going to buy a 6.5m kite for when it is too windy to handle my VIP. Like alot of you lot have, i'm going to start a little collection.

We was static flying when we took off. Was boarding ok last night though.

Thank you for all your responses guy's its much appreciated.

i love a happy ending

Great to here you have come to terms with the kite ! Big blades have a small range but when you are in it , it is sweet!

I suspect you can blame the wind / location as much as the kite for your problems the other day. Sounds like it was a bit strong and lumpy for that kite ? I am done with my 9m when the wind goes above 10mph. I suspect it was stronger ( too strong ) on the day you had issues.

Never stand around with your kite overhead. Keep it off to the side. This way if a gust hits you get sent downwind rather than up in the sky.

I have an 8.5 blade IV and it is DEFINITELY too big . I keep it under 15 mph static, though and it is beautiful. I haven't had any time with her in the buggy, yet, but I'm assuming that will widen the window a bit. Just don't zoom her around the sky like you would a beamer or you'll be kissing some clouds.