Hey gang. So I've been flying an HQ Beamer 3.6 for a few years now, but not on a regular basis. I only get to break it out 3-4 times a year, for snowkiting in the winter. The inland winds are pretty gusty here in central Maine, averaging 12-18 with gusts 20-30 on a good day (today is 20 avg with gusts 45!) I'm finding that the lack of depower on the Beamer makes it pretty tough to stay in control sometimes, and I'd like to move on to a depower setup.

However, there are couple problems with that. 1) I've never flown a depower rig before, and 2) I've never seen another kiter in this entire state - so I'll have to learn on my own. So, I'm looking for recommendations on a decent depower kite that's not going to get me in trouble. My weight is 180 without gear, I'll be on flat snow-covered lakes on skis, my budget is $400-500, and I'd be happy with a used kite. Any ideas?

Oh, and I've got a Mystic Blazer harness. Not sure if depower kites need a different harness config?

Thanks!

7.5m Apex or 8m Access is going to be most comparable to the power of your 3.6 Beamer but with depower to smooth things out. Go bigger or smaller if you want more or less power. Have to shop used to get them in the price range you specify though. Winzup had a 8m Yeti that might do the trick for you too. It has a hihger A/R then the Apex or Access so it will be a bit more aggressive in bumpy winds and have better low end and less high end range.

Your harness will work fine, I noticed a couple of different versions of that harness (waist and seat) either would work, I learned on my own, as long as you take your time and build up in wind speed you'll be fine, after all thats why there are redundant safeties in place, knowing that and how to use them will make you more confident in your kiting.

BTW I have a real nice 2011 7.5m Apex III for sale which sounds like it would fit your needs and very near your budget. I'm 185-190 and that kite (with a bit of flying) will get me going in a buggy, on the beach in as little as 8 mph winds and with skill it is good for well over 20.

pm me if your interested

Chris

I average from your weight to a 190. I get similar conditions, but often in the winter hey are on the lighter side. For what you are describing, a 8m should be good. On the more lighter days, a 10-12m might be better. The apex3 or Access would be very good intro to depower. The lower aspect makes them more stable through the gusts and less likely to loft you. Although any kite can loft if in the wrong conditions. I think you are on the right track and should find the depower route very pleasing.

+1 on Apex 7.5.
Or you could go the ARC route but would need to read up or have someone local to give you pointers on launching.
Is your wind consistent or gusty. ARCs are better for gusty wind.

I vote apex. I have never flown the access, but I'm sure it's a great kite. I am in a similar situation where I live in the aspect that my gf and I are the only kiters around. I had never flown let alone seen a depower before I purchased my apex. I got a few pointers here on the forum as well as on the phone with Dino, but for the most part I taught myself how to fly depower. The Apex is very forgiving and has a good amount of depower making gusts a LOT easier to deal with. Very stable kite and offers great power for it's size.

You can not go wrong with the Apex.

Again, only speaking from my personal experience.

I flew a 10m Apex3 static in 8-10mph winds a few weeks ago. Surprisingly similar to the access. Very nice kite and for the money you can't go wrong. Mind you there are great differences from pullies and bar fancies, but you can get past that in a hurry. For the cost you could have a 10m and 7.5m for just a bit more than the cost of a 10m access.

I would also recommend the 7.5m Apex II or III. Best value depower I've seen in my neck of the woods. Very stable and easy to fly. Good in the buggy from 8 knots up towards the 20 knot mark. More forgiving in gusty conditions than my 4m Beamer. Ozone Access XT 6 or 8m would also be very nice. More technical goodies on the kite (mesh covered inlets & blow out valves) and the bar and fittings are a lot nicer imho but they are a fair bit more expensive and don't actually 'fly' any better than the HQ.....

Thanks for all the great feedback. Sounds like I'll have to keep an eye out for a 7.5 Apex when my budget allows for it!