Hello everyone! I've been reading a bit on this forum and now I'm ready to purchase a kite. I'm trying to decide between the Snapshot 1.9 and 2.5.
Background: I've never flown a 2-line kite before so this will be my first. The first thing I want to do with my new power kite is some really cool jumps! (Totally kidding... ). No but really I want to learn the ins and outs of how to control these things and how they actually work. I would someday like to try some jumping, but LONG after I've perfected the art of flying it. I'd also like to someday use a kite to pull me on my snowboard. So you can use those as my long term future goals if that helps to choose a first kite. I weigh 180 lbs. Any other details that would be helpful in choosing a first kite?

The reason I can't decide is there happens to be only a $15 difference between these 2 kites. I like the idea of having a bit of extra pull from the 2.5, but I'm worried about how this will affect me actually learning to fly. Is the 1.9 perhaps better for learning with? Or is the size not much of a factor during learning? So.... what do you all recommend? I'm also open to hearing about other trainer kites that might be good in this price range.

Thanks for the help! Can't wait to get started!
~mindseye1~

If you are flying in low to moderate winds, the 2.5 should be fine.

If it is one of the newer Snapshots, the 2.5 has the advantage of being able to be converted to a quad-line kite. It will require adding brake lines (150-200lb line weight) and handles.

This will allow much more control over the kite as far as slowing down, speeding up, and sharper turns.

ATB,
Sam

I agree the 2.5m would be more appropriate. It will also allow you to fly in lesser winds, helping to reduce the chance of becoming over powered.

I tend to teach people to fly on a four line setup. Especially if they plan on moving towards land boarding, or buggying. The added feature of Kite Killers, for safety reasons, braking for slowing the kite, turning the kite and landing the kite as Sam said is also very helpful.

We carry the HQ Beamer and PL Hornet that we use to teach people to fly four line kites.

Where are you located so someone on here may be able to come show you the ropes, or let you try something out.

I did read about converting the 2.5 to a 4-line. A few people stated that it might not be worthwhile though because by the time you by the extra line, handles, etc... you could just by a real 4-line kite. It sounds like you guys think it is better to learn with 4 lines though, is that correct?

I am in the metro-detroit area, I'm not sure how popular kiting is around here. I don't see kites (or kite stores) very often, but you never know!

Probably right about the expense to convert the kite. I am for learning on a four line kite personally. I flew stunt kites on and off for the last 10 years, flying a four line kite is similar, but not quite the same. You can have a blast with the snapshots for sure. Cool thing about buying a smaller four line kite now, it will become the kite that you grab when the winds are higher once you learn how to control the kite.

I taught my 7 year old son how to fly a four line HQ Beamer 1.4m in about ten minutes. He had a blast and does still flying his 1.4.
I am not trying to put you down at all, just trying to give you an example of how easy it can be.

how much do you weigh how tall are just asking, it makes a difference.

I have a 1.4m Snapshot that is a wonderful little kite. But once you get a four line kite you may not fly your snapshot much after that. If you're heading towards snowkiting, I would suggest you go straight for a four line kite - easier to land and launch than a snapshot and would provide you with something you may not 'outgrow' (it just becomes your 'high wind' kite later on). Kites are not designed for jumping btw - ask around - how many people who regularly jump with kites are now the proud owners of Titanium body parts (OUCH!). I think you will find there's quite a few..... sometimes we get away with it...:tumble:

A quick look around yields.....

A Snapshot 2.5 runs about $140-150.

A PKD Buster Soulfly 3.3 runs about $180

An Elliot Magma 3.0 runs about $229

A Peter Lynn Hornet 3.0 runs about $240.

An HQ Beamer IV 3.0 runs about $239-$265 (This is the 2010 Model, the 2011 model is the Beamer V)

An Ozone Imp Quattro 2.5 runs about $230
An Ozone Imp Quattro 3.5 runs about $275

An Ozone Flow 3.0 runs about $299

The biggest questions are going to be how tight is your budget and what are the typical winds like in your area? If the winds are lighter you can go towards the larger kites on the list. If the winds are higher, you can stay closer to the original 2.5 size.

Similarly depending on how far you are willing to wander from the price of the Snapshot will determine which of the kites are viable for you.

There aren't any real clunkers on the list. Most of the price differences will be in terms of fit/finish, possibly collaterals like how nice the bag that comes with it is ("you don't fly the bag" is the general response to that), and a certain level of performance. The latter will only be apparent somewhere down the line when the kite transitions into your high wind kite.

At least you aren't at a loss for choices ;-)

ATB,
Sam

mindseye -- shoot me a u2u--im in toledo and we have good winds here--i also have 4 line kites i can show you how to fly......the learning curve is so much faster when you have an experienced kiter showing you, not to mention safer......

Well unfortunately due to my situation, budget is a large part of the issue. I've actually already raised the budget all the way from $60 (was originally looking at the Snapshot 1.2) to $120, the price at which I can get the Snapshot 2.5. As much as I'd love to start on a 4-line kite, perhaps the 2.5's ability to convert later is what I can bank on for learning that method. I do appreciate all the suggestions though, it's just that I'm already pretty far over my price range. And since I would like to have the kite for a vacation to the beach in April, I don't really have time to wait and save the money to purchase a higher level kite.

You have helped me eliminate the 1.9 as an option though since it sounds like everyone says it really is not that difficult to learn, and should be safe to go straight to the 2.5.

By the way, I weigh 180 lbs and am 6' tall for those wondering. I'm not exactly sure the wind in my area. I have a school behind my house with a huge field, though, that I'm expecting will be my typical flying area. How do you all usually measure wind speeds?

Thanks again, you've all been extremely helpful!

Windspeeds are measured in knots,kmh,and mph, though The beaufort scale is easyest and very common... google it.

.. as mentioned, I am one of the people who was ambitious to jump.. now have a titanium ankle.

that being said, kiting is great fun, and this site is full of great people with solid advice.

First off, the golden rule is DO NOT JUMP WITH A POWERKITE!! if you choose to try it, believe me, it will work. Landing it is the problem without getting hurt. It is just too unpredictable which is part of the thrill but when you get hurt you realize how stupid it was and it will happen so fast you wont believe it happened. Now on for the good news. Go with a 4 line kite for the added control and safety issues as well as an all around good choice. Here is a link for the new PKD Buster Soulfly for $139.00+ shipping which is right where you need to be in price. If money is an option, dont buy anything and save up the money for a good starter 4 line kite. You will get more out of it and find more use for it and will have greater resale value in the end which will save you money you didnt have in the first place. Just because it is a "trainer" or "starter" kite, that means nothing. Just a sales pitch. All powerkites are real and need to be respected or you will get hurt.

http://windstarkites.com/Power.htm#StarterPower

ask for Con. He is the best for advice.

to measure wind speeds, I use an electronic wind meter. also called an anemometer. They can usually be purchased from ebay rather cheaply. Good luck with the snapshot. Also welcome to the addiction.:singing:

Wow you guys are a tough crowd! Now look what you've all gone and made me do!?!? I have an HQ Beamer IV 3.0 on it's way to my house as we speak, and it's all your fault!

Kidding aside, the more I read, the more it sounded like the Snapshot's were more of a "play-around" kite. On top of the fact that you all mentioned that it is better to learn on 4 lines than 2. And throw in the fact that I was able to find a $100 Amazon.com gift card which brought the Beamer down to a much more manageable $166 (although this would also have made the Snapshot $20). So anyways roll that all together and I am now in the situation of owning a new quad-line power kite.

Thanks a lot internet.

Good choice You will now have a well made and versatile kite that should last you for years. Take it out in light winds for a start - you don't want it pulling you all over the place while your learning. Don't forget to practice letting go of the handles and using the kite killers. There are some good links to some great information and a few 'how to' vids around here - just check some similar threads to yours. Have a blast!

Quote:

Originally posted by mindseye1 Wow you guys are a tough crowd! Now look what you've all gone and made me do!?!? I have an HQ Beamer IV 3.0 on it's way to my house as we speak, and it's all your fault!

You have been assimilated!!! :singing:

Or......



Another one falls down the rabbit hole. :o

Or....



Congratulations, on choosing the red pill.

ATB,
Sam

I think there must be someone getting commission on here! Only joking - I too have a Beamer IV 3mtr on it's way to me!!

A Borg Emoticon! Now I've seen everything lol!

mindseye--thanks for the kind words in your u2u--glad u got the beamer--have one myself--next time youre down south, give me a shout--im getting another buggy and i'll show you how its done......

let me know what you think of your beamer... i too just bought one