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Rev had the exclusive for many years but now there are several (many with previous associations with Rev) Rev has added springs to all of their kites and decided this is what everyone needs, Freilein from OSK has made strong inroads into the industry. They have better QC then Rev and I have yet to find a stray or missed stitch. Bazzer is now making the Phoenix kites. IMO the Ashes is the best of that particular line. John Barresi is close to releasing the Djinn. Still very little is public about this sail but it dies have some true innovations both in sail design AND bridle configuration. If you must buy now, I'd say find a used B-series and start there.. It's an established workhorse and will serve you well..

22 yards of Icarex on the way.. Time for some new colors using my diamonds build as the pattern. Black, White, Silver, Charcoal and Sky Blue.. More to follow as these kites take shape.

https://www.facebook.com/kiteforge/posts/391991264610739

https://www.facebook.com/kiteforge/posts/391123534697512

There is a short video clip of the Djinn bouncing around on Facebook - it’s not public and a little hard to find, but...

The foils you mention are all Sport size except for the Tensors. Those are power size meaning actual square meters. in 15-20mph winds a proper 2M foil (like a Toxic or Hornet) will be a big handful. Let me reference you to this thread which gives you a lot of information about both.. Given your stated wind, unless you plan on buggying, the 3.1 would be your better option.. it's much harder to find the right wind to fly the big foils static.

Yeah, that Barresi guy will fly his kite on your grass. Gotta watch out for him. You never know where he'll pop up next. Next thing you know you'll be flying a kite with him and having a cold one after. Run when you see him. He's the kite pusher man. (insert Steppenwolf tune here) You know I smoked a lot of kites, oh Lord I . . . and you won't believe you're on the eve of destruction. Seriously, though, yup that's the one. And he'll fly with you. It's a whole lot easier than getting a game of horse with Michael Jordan, and asking him to help you with your shooting and dribbling. Get comfy, you're family.

Wow , your THE John Barresi!! I have seen a whole bunch of your videos online. Thank you for all your expertise that you share! I am just starting out , kites are on the way, but your videos and this site have been an inspiration!!! The folks on this site have been welcoming , and I even found a local member that has offered to mentor me!! Another kite guy from an audio site decided to gift me a stunt kite if I pay shipping. Are you kidding me? These are the kinds of people I want to fly with. I’m very humbled by everyone’s generosity in this community. I can’t wait to get my new kites in the sky. Thanks for all you do for the sport!! Todd

Welcome Jake. Never flown a quad.Will be following your journey into the Dark Side with interest. Quad I seem to keep looking at is the Freilein Transeye vented. Top of it's stated wind range is 40 mph. When first starting out a lot of people advised me when above 15 mph fly a vented quad. Got a vented duel that the more I fly it the happier I get up to 25 . Top of the line kite but I don't know if I'll ever get good on it in +30 winds. Intend to have the builder make me a different vented kite to try and achieve that. Would be nice to have a speed kite, vented quad and duel that I could become comfortable with in 30+ winds. Then my mood would be the deciding factor of what I fly. Not the wind 👹. Got to hold a OSK Freilein Exodus at a shop awhile back. Don't know much yet but the build quality was very obvious. Thought it was a really nice kite.

Just my opinion here. I have all three of the Tensors. If I were to buy again I would start with the 3.1 & maybe that would be the only one I would keep. You will have plenty to deal with flying the 3.1. Also, being a smaller sail than the others, it turns more easily than the larger ones. Do not try jumping with the 3.1 as it will lift you then let you down hard. Do not park the kite at the zenith. A gust can happen at any time. Stay safe. Forget the bar, fly with the handles & use the kite killers. You will have much more control with the handles. I hot launched a big foil one time in some changing conditions. The kite went up, the wind changed directions & I was being pulled straight toward my vehicle. Kite killers saved me for sure. I think Riff covers all this stuff in his excellent post. But do enjoy whatever your choice as the big foils are great fun. SHBKF

The only thing I know about big foils is that they have planted me on my face a couple of times, so I'll let the guys with more experience fill you in on what you need to know. I just dropped in to say hi and welcome to the forum. Have fun, smile and don't forget to breathe.

It’s gotta be right, you know - although, clinic attendees like yourself have a better chance of seeing it prior to release. 👍🏻

I’m horrible at waiting. Release the darn thing already! LOL [emoji847] Sent from my iPhone using KiteLife mobile app

One leg at a time... Kites are just cool. Welcome @toddnkaya, fresh eyes and passion are always a gift to this forum. 🙏🏻

Best advice you are going to get is find a group of fliers near you and try theirs first..Decide what you want from there. We call it OPK or Other People's Kites. We are generally a friendly bunch and will gladly hand you the handles to allow you to make an informed decision.. Don't limit yourself to a brand as there are several competitors out there that ALL bring something to the mix.. Where are you located?? Someone should be close by that would love to help you get started on the right foot.

I would borrow a machine if you can before making the leap. Anyone can see with some patience, but making sure it is your brand of patience would be wise before starting a sewing collection...cause let's face it, it is not just a machine you will end up with. Machine, cutting mats, quilting rulers, rotary cutter and special scissors that will cause you to threaten anyone who uses them for other materials, a light for seeing clearly at the machine, 4 types of tape, storage tub for the sewing stuff, another for kite bits, big paper for templates, a new table when you get kicked off the kitchen counter after a week, and we haven't even started with kite parts. If looking to buy not every machine has the three step zig-zag stich programmed in, so that is something to look for. Kite making is fun, but know that the rabbit hole is deep Alice. With that said....what am I gonna build next....Xtra vent or indoor??? Sent from my [device_name] using http://KiteLife mobile app

Thinking of getting a sewing machine and start making my own [emoji4] Sent from my iPhone using KiteLife mobile app

Saw a teaser clip, THIS thing is going to be H O T ! ! Woooooooo hooooooo! Can't wait. Sent from my [device_name] using http://KiteLife mobile app

That's a good read Esinger. Fascinating kites. Spent today in winds going over 20.Yeah I'm 57 of course I'm tired and sore. Had a great time but I'm going to have to experience something like a Horvath too. Would be so very different but looks so rewarding.

Getting ready to go fly and I just needed to add a little more.Only been at this 6 months but you have got be having one of the most fortunate experiences Iv'e heard about. I would trade you my Zephyr + $50.00 and feel a little guilty for doing the deal.Till I got the kite LOL. You have scored a AWESOME kite!!! My Sky Burner Widow Maker Pro is my favorite kite for a lot of reasons.Sold 1/2 my kites to get it and as much as I miss them it was worth it. I'll be getting another Sky Burner in the future.

List updated with Advanced Way to Fly, all three Prism videos are now on YouTube. Please let me know if you find any of the other tapes/DVDs online and I’ll add them too.

I don’t sit in an office pushing kites, nor am I landlocked in a low kite activity region of the world... Between on field time, web presence, training programs and everything else, it probably wouldn’t be a real good idea for any company to copy my stuff outrightand expect to go up against it - just saying. The blur happens with the B and Eyes because Rev did originally sell them under their label, not in the case of the Djinn. Also, you’ll notice I haven’t posted a full pic of the current build - that’s so I can stay ahead of any nefarious activity by putting kites on the ground. And even if someone does copy, they still gotta deliver and keep up with my sincere, natural promotion. No slime, no bull, what I sell will always be real and field-proven. ❤️

Found / added YouTube links to some pretty good 3D trick animations by "allikabi".