Hi,

New to the forum and I joined specially to ask what the recommendations would be for kite to use in high winds for buggying. My smallest currently is the Peter Lynn Vapour 2.3m an excellent kite, but in Beaufort 6/7 (39-61kph) I struggle to control it, and tacking into the wind is near impossible.

So I need something with less traction given the winds of late and ideally cheap so others (complete beginners to all kiting) can use it in my buggy. Also given the cost of the Vapour I don't think its appropriate for beginners.

I was thinking maybe the Hornet 2 as Peter Lynn has been good in the past and the price is right. Also I have all the lines etc for 4 line kites.


Many thanks

With that wind range I would need my 6-9 and 12m Phantom IIs. They being depower, offer a wider wind range than fixed bridle kites and certainly more than a race kite. Is this the range you might experience in any particular session? Those would be some brutal conditions with that much variance. 24 mph is a nicely powered wind and 37 mph would be storm conditions with risk of injury if you fly in it. Many will say in these conditions you should use a lower aspect kite that offers some stability and wind range. Flexi Rage, Peter Lynn Viper, HQ Beamer come to mind. The Hornet you mention would also fit the bill.

PKD Buster Soulfly or PKD Century II

6-9m phantom 2
6-9m charger 2
5-9m lower aspect LEI like slingshot octane/key/z best waroo/taboo

BF 6/7 is about when I'm debating how much fun I'm getting out of the risky situation..headed in, most likely....then again I am on a landboard and y'all in buggies can hold down more and go much faster...

I recommend what I recommend in order for stability and gust/turbulent wind handling. True, you might not see too many people buggying with LEI, but they do work very well.

4m Ozone Access. Very nice from about 18 knots up to 30 knots which is about where I pull the pin. 3m Method has a forgiving top end - I think I've had that out in about 25 knots and felt that I was not at it's limit. 1.5m Ozone Imp is a lot of fun around the 30 knot mark.

Many thanks all for taking the time to reply.

Regarding the recommendations, I don't think I'll go for a depower kite, as I have all the kit for fixed bridles and depower kites seem to be a good bit more expensive. The Ozone imp wouldn't be good either as its only two line and I like having the break lines to get me / a beginner trying the buggy out of trouble without the kite going over the dunes for good!

In short also to add more detail, I'm buggying on the west coast of Ireland which has excellent conditions, albeit sometimes slightly wet. So the wind is usually 3-5Bf but occasionally there is a good day (dry and low tide) with strong winds, and I want to start taking advantage of those.

And I do agree with you erratic winds, going out in Bf6/7 does question how much its actually enjoyable. Espesically since recently I've been out with the Vapour and when the gusts hit it its hard to keep a good line.

I think I'll look further at the PKD Buster Soulfly and maybe something like a Flexifoil Sting 2.

I might go over to the reviews section of PKF and see if anyone has tried the Sting 2

Just for reference there is a four line Imp known as the 'Imp Quatro'.

Since you are overseas, you might just look deeper into the Flexifoil line. I only say this because there are huge deals on the Rage and Stings every day on your UK/Ireland Ebay. I can promise the 1.8 Rage will leave huge grins on your face :D. The Flexifoil AAA Bridle Adjuster is worth checking into as well. Ragardless of brand, if you find one you are eye-ballin', ask about it here. I also promise you will not be steered wrong from these guys n' gals!.

IMHO 39-61 kph is tough to fly in for "most" pilots. You are bumbing Gale Force. Those are "hurt you bad" winds.

Welcome to a great forum too!

A real small nasa wing would work and you can also fly it on short lines. My smallest one is a 0.4 meter npw5. I can fly it in 50 mph winds.

Susan (npw goddess)

One kite that really impressed me in winds so strong I would rather not ride is the 1.7m Sting.

Very well behaved for such a tiny thing. It even produced steady power instead of spurts of power like I seem to get from similar sized kites.