I have been researching online and there are almost as many kites as there are flavors of icecream? I have read the wind conditon, weight, and other factors to consider for a first kite. I'm 215lb and live in the northwest where it seems the wind is always blowing. I would like to use this one for land and snow to start before I get into the water side of it. I have been looking at the Prism Tensor 5.0? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. :puzzled:

Sounds like your on the right track but the 5 meter will be a lot to handle if you don't have any experience. You can get away with it as long as you start off in very low winds. If you regularly have winds 10 mph or higher than I would recommend something in the 3 meter size to get started. The PL hornet and beamer are a little cheaper and I don't think you would miss having the bar capability as these kites are all more fun to fly on handles.

Thank you I appreciate the suggestions. I will look into that pronto. Thanks again :bisou:

1st off you have to accept 2 things.

NO single kite will do it all for you.

You will need a set " quiver " of kites to handle different winds. Low , average and high wind kites at least.

The tried and true method is to purchase a good quality 3m 4 line fixed bridle foil. There are other approaches but I have never met anybody who complained about starting there. The 3m kite will serve as your high wind kite after you have learned the ropes. It is also what you will use to teach friends. VERY useful and a great investment.

Just get a 3m and fly it until you can do so without looking. At that point you will understand a whole lot more about the wind and what kind of kite you want to compliment the 3m .

If you start with a larger kite you will spend all your time protecting yourself from it and not actually progressing / controlling it. Controlling the kite is key and you need to set memory reflexes. The 3m allows you to do that + scare the pants off you when the wind picks up !

Personally I would start you off on a 2M or 3M like everyone else is saying. And yea you even up with a quiver of kites over time. Start off with a duel line kite even. The HQ Symphonys and Prism Snapshots are fun to pop up into the air for new people taking a look at the sport.

But the HQ Scout II takes a dump on the Prism Tensors in my opinion. Take your time though I dont think ive flown my kite for like 2 weeks sigh........

I highly recommend Ozone kites. They are very good quality and perform well. They hold their shape very well at the edge of the window. Of course there are other brands that make quality kites: Peter Lynn, HQ, Flexifoil. And yes, start with a 2m or 3m on quad handles.

It also depends on how fast of a learner you are.

It pays to take it a little slow in the start. (Starting at say a 3m before you move to a 5/6m)

I started on a HQ 2.5m Rush trainer (2 lines on a bar) and then went to a HQ 5m Apex II Depower for my first "real" powerkite. I thought that transition was very smooth and let me really learn how to fly the kite without being on the verge of losing control.

The faster you move up in kite size the more likely you are going to get yarded by the thing.

I for one, am not a fan of being dragged face first. Even when it happens in snow it still sucks.

Also, BUY USED! (Unless you have a swimming pool of money) You can get some great deals here on pkf and most everyone will give you solid advice as to whether or not a kite is good for your skill level. Avoid craigslist or ebay as they are generally filled with trash. You have to really know your stuff to grab a good deal on those site.

3m would be the best size to start. Something like the Peter Lynn Hornet, HQ Beamer, Ozone Quattro (that shape) is also best to start.

Of course there are options.....and plenty of options

Another vote for a 2 or 3 meter. My first kites were this size and I still have them and still use them. They are less expensive (you will crash them some) and you will learn so much more when you are not fighting for your life the whole flight!

Try to get lesson with a certifyed teacher. He'll learn you the right way, safety and sureness.
He'll let you try more than one size kite / different brand. He also tell you where the best spot are, speak about kite with passion and introduce new people, kite buddy.....
Yes you could learn by your own... but you'll learn more faster with a teacher and independant rider.

note: i'am not a teacher and no link with any.

My 2¢