Power Kite

MissBint37

Anyone own one?

I had a go on one this weekend, was pretty awesome, I have decided I NEED one!

mudsucker

Yep, got a 4m PKD and a 12m slingshot and have a Kheo kiteboard. Haven't used them for a while but yes it is great fun.

have a look on http://www.powerkiteshop.com.

Depending what you want to do with it (board, buggy or just fly) a 3 or 4m would be a good place to start. I started on a 4m PKD buster, stable, good power,easy to fly and not much lift which is what you want when you start out. And, make sure you get some kite killers!

If a kite says it is high aspect, that means it has a lot of lift and is good for jumping where as a low aspect will have little to no lift which is what you want to buggy (unless you are one of these crazy types who buggy jump :shock: )

Gazlar

I tried it once at newgale. Was great fun up until I went, to quote the technical term "ploughing" ie digging a long furrow with my face whilst being dragged by a kite

angry_bird

Got a couple of friends who have them, great fun, if i had the money i'd get one, just remember landing with your legs straight doesn't work, one of the mates managed to crush his knee into lots of tiny pieces by fecking up the landing

Lapierre t 400

I'd go for a 4m HQ beamer,so easy to fly and you can get it in the air in about 3 mins flat but don't forget kite killers

MissBint37

I suppose flying til I get used to it, then maybe onto the mountainboard.....although me + mountain board usually ends up requiring large ammounts of Dettol!

WIll check out the websites though, I was thinking about a 4m Peter Lynn Hornet.

MissBint37

http://extremekiteshop.com/kites/peter- ... p-986.html
the 4m one?

broken weeble

Had a few in my time, but gave up a few years ago due to back problems.

Started with a 2.5 Flexifoil Bullit which was a awsome bit of kit for higher winds and a 4.0 PKD Buster (decent bargain kite) and ended up with a 9m Flexifoil which i decied to use on Southport beach with my board..

The result highly amused the little old dears eating buttys who were watching, me...well i had to buy a LOT of Savlon that night

Make sure you get a 4 line, and a set of killers, these will save you a lot of hurt

broken weeble

Have a look on here also, it gives the wind range for use of eack kite as well

http://www.powerkiteshop.com/kites/index.htm

a.palmer

mudsucker wrote:

If a kite says it is high aspect, that means it has a lot of lift and is good for jumping where as a low aspect will have little to no lift which is what you want to buggy (unless you are one of these crazy types who buggy jump :shock: )

High aspect ratio isn't what determines how much lift the kite will provide. It is the aerofoil section of the wing that determines lift. Look at all the race kites, extremely high aspect ratio for high speed, but relatively low lift.
My advice would be not to get something like a Beamer because you will get bored of it very quickly, I'd recommend something like the HQ Crossfire, not quite as mad as a Flexi blade but it'll keep you entertained almost indefinitely. If you're sensible to being with then there is no reason why a beginner couldn't handle a Crossfire

mudsucker

stolen from http://www.kitesurfari.com/guide-kites.html

High Aspect Ratio Kites

High aspect ratio kites have a long narrow shape like a ribbon. High AR kites turn faster and generate more power and lift for jumps. However, they are not as stable in the air and can be more difficult to re-launch in the water. High AR kites are for experienced riders looking for speed, lift and big air.

Low and Moderate Aspect Ratio Kites

Low and moderate aspect ratio kites have a shorter wider shape. Low AR kites turn slower and provide steady constant power. Low and moderate AR kites are generally better suited for beginners because they are more forgiving and are easier to re-launch from the water.

Moderate AR kites combine features of both high and low AR kites are suited for the majority of the riders.

welshkev

my mate went to devon last week and when there wasn't any surf they got the kite out and tried to knock out their mate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvstvrIVtB8

MissBint37

I will look at the crossfire too then but depends on price etc.
Is the Peter Lynn Hornet not suitable then? After reading a couple of kite forums that was often reccomended.

a.palmer

mudsucker wrote:

stolen from http://www.kitesurfari.com/guide-kites.html

High Aspect Ratio Kites

High aspect ratio kites have a long narrow shape like a ribbon. High AR kites turn faster and generate more power and lift for jumps. However, they are not as stable in the air and can be more difficult to re-launch in the water. High AR kites are for experienced riders looking for speed, lift and big air.

Low and Moderate Aspect Ratio Kites

Low and moderate aspect ratio kites have a shorter wider shape. Low AR kites turn slower and provide steady constant power. Low and moderate AR kites are generally better suited for beginners because they are more forgiving and are easier to re-launch from the water.

Moderate AR kites combine features of both high and low AR kites are suited for the majority of the riders.

That is just a general rule, of course if a kite is faster (high aspect) it's going to be better for jumping because of the technique you use to jump (that being sending the kite the opposite to your direction of travel). As I said, look at the buggy race kites, they are just about as high AR as you will find, yet have their aerofoil section designed so they do not have high lift. If they did then the racers would be lofted out of their buggys on downturns and stuff.

a.palmer

'The lift generated by a kite is determined by its shape and inclination (angle of attack) to the wind. In flight the kite surface is forced upwards due to the pressure difference across the thickness of its surface. This pressure difference is the source of the kite's lift. The shape the surface forms, while in flight, determines is aerodynamic efficiency (lift/drag ratio). '