I just sold my Crossfire II 2.0 and I'm trying to decide which 2m kite to replace it with. I'm strictly a power kiter. No Wheels, no water. no air. I like to stand my ground and enjoy the fight. Also a bit of a control freak so speed and control response greatly outweigh pull for me.. I'm currently trying to decide between a Beamer V 2m, Beamer IV 2m, or a Toxic 2m. Anyone done a direct comparison between the these kites in this size?

I had no problems with the Crossfire, just the right offer was made and I'll still get to fly it from time to time.

I'm open to suggestions but I'm pretty partial to the HQ Brand.

Welcome to PKF. There are a few of us in your area

Well " if " you are partial to HQ:

The Beamer is all around tried and true. The Toxic is the Sports car line

If you are solely into static flying, the Beamer will be just fine, and is a few dollars cheaper.

IMHO

Does this mean I'll end up with both? I like the stability of the Beamer but I really want to see some speed out of the kite as well. My Snapshot 2.5 (Only non-HQ Kite) is a bit slow sometimes..

Quote: Originally posted by riffclown

Does this mean I'll end up with both? I like the stability of the Beamer but I really want to see some speed out of the kite as well. My Snapshot 2.5 (Only non-HQ Kite) is a bit slow sometimes..

Sadly, with fixed bridals there is usually a tradeoff for speed, lift and performance (high aspect design) vs. easy flight (low aspect design). Do you want easy to fly, or a speed demon? Sounds like both LOL. Most of us have a quiver composed of certain kites for certain flight characteristics, wind conditions, riding/flying styles.

Trust me, even a Beamer 2m will turn a happy smile into an OH SH#T in it's upper wind limits.

Again, just for static flying, the Beamer is a great choice. Others will chime in with good info too.

Just my 2 bits

I remember not too long ago when I said no wheels..... boy, can I eat those words now. And, the kites to move said wheels.....

I Think you've nailed it.. Thanks

Quote: Originally posted by riffclown

I like to stand my ground and enjoy the fight. Also a bit of a control freak so speed and control response greatly outweigh pull for me.. I'm currently trying to decide between a Beamer V 2m, Beamer IV 2m, or a Toxic 2m.

If speed & control are truly your primary deciding factors, I would bypass the Beamers, Toxic, etc.

They are at the heart of it traction engines.

It sounds like your requirements would be better served by a Spiderkites Smiti or Smithi Pro (2/3 the canopy size of the Smithi) if you are going to be flying in higher winds.



ATB,
Sam

ATB,
Sam

My son has a 2m Beamer V, it's plenty fast enough for static flying, I recently got a 1.8m Rage for one of my other sons and that is even quicker, it's also become my high wind buggy kite ;-)

Quote:

It sounds like your requirements would be better served by a Spiderkites Smiti or Smithi Pro (2/3 the canopy size of the Smithi) if you are going to be flying in higher winds.

Definitely some nice stunt performance and right up my alley. But that seems about the same size as my modified Symphony2.2.

Quote: Originally posted by riffclown

Quote: It sounds like your requirements would be better served by a Spiderkites Smiti or Smithi Pro (2/3 the canopy size of the Smithi) if you are going to be flying in higher winds. Definitely some nice stunt performance and right up my alley. But that seems about the same size as my modified Symphony2.2.

2 inches shorter, 6 inches wider.

Two kites of similar size can have wildly different flight characteristics depending on canopy details and bridling.

The Smithi interests me because of how well it can side slide and dead stop from a nose dive.

ATB,
Sam

ATB,
Sam

I'll have Beamers & Toxics at Wright Kite for demo.

Quote:

I'll have Beamers & Toxics at Wright Kite for demo.

Sounds like a great time for me to make a decision then. I look forward to meeting you. Several of the KHK folks have mentioned your name to me. I'd like for you to try out the Symphony..

Quote:

2 inches shorter, 6 inches wider. Two kites of similar size can have wildly different flight characteristics depending on canopy details and bridling. The Smithi interests me because of how well it can side slide and dead stop from a nose dive.

I'd love to try one to see if it has what I'm looking for. From the video, the flight characteristics seem VERY similar to my modified Symphony. Stops on a dime and propeller spins like nothing else I've ever flown. Please don't get me wrong, it looks like a great kite. It's just a bit too close to what I already fly.

What I'm looking for next is something bigger to replace the CrossfireII 2m

Toxic and beamer are both traction kites really. I would not get either for static flying only. I like all kitesports though so use all my kites for things they weren't designed for

Having said that I fly my 6.6 blade and 8.0 toxic static quite a lot and always have a fun time! when the wind gets over 40kts i dig out my little 2 line 1.5m Buzz which is super fast in those winds.

Out of the 3 kites you mention I would get the toxic. Best kite HQ have ever made in my opinion.

Oddly enough, my decision was made for me. The Crossfire 2.0 is mine again.. I guess that's the best option in the long run. No additional cost AND no trial and error to find a suitable replacement.