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Welcome to kites! With the exception of special kite positions such as the turtle or fade (which normally require some tending and don’t generally last long) dual line kites always require constant attention, some more alert attention, others more relaxed, relatively. Often correlated to size (although not always). (As a side note, Prism used to make a kite that could be flown in either single line or dual line mode -- the Switch. Don’t know if it ever took off (so to speak) in the market however and it has been discontinued.) As far as good beginner dual line kites, of the ones you mention I know and like the Beetle but there may be more modern ones available that would fill the bill -- I am gonna defer to others here as I am a little out of touch and just getting back into kites again myself after a prolonged absence. The Quantum gets good reviews for being a well-built kite that is reportedly tough. It should be fine in the winds you mention and a lot more. It is a bigger kite so will probably provide good bang for the buck. Speaking of which, it may come down to budget as always. Do consider used as a viable option… Have fun at any rate! .

And if you're interested in multi-line kites, don't be afraid about quad line kites. You can learn to fly dual-line kites or quad-line kites as a complete beginner, you don't need to master one before learning the other. Quad line kites tend to be more expensive, starting around $200 for a ready-to-fly package or a little less if used. They are also much easier to learn with a mentor rather than figuring out from videos and tutorials. Finally, don't be afraid to ask people about flying their kites. If you can find someone near you who flies ask if you can fly with them sometime. The site has a map, look for active members near you. They likely have some kites that are a little more durable, and people generally enjoy sharing the hobby if you ask nicely.

What are you planning to do as you fly? Single line kites can be attached to an anchor and then mostly ignored. (That doesn't mean abandoned, they need to be supervised and occasionally adjusted if wind changes significantly.) Children like to run with smaller single line kites, but if you need to run or flail your arms that's usually a sign that something needs adjustment. Generally they're like a banner or pennant, put it up in the air and see it from afar; they're great for groups to mark where you are on the beach. If your goal is to sit on the beach, watch the waves, eat your picnic, and occasionally look up at the kite overhead, you want a single line kite. Large kites cost more money and also require better gear, such as sand anchors, and they're probably more money than you want to pay. Generally the most difficult part is adjusting the kite for the wind, often there are some knots on the bridle that can be adjusted based on your wind speed, but once it is up you're basically done. A multi-line kite (dual or quad) needs to be actively flown by a person. They are kites where the pilot must be in control at all times it is in the air. The only time you can eat your picnic lunch is when the kite is landed. It takes a little bit of skill, if someone helps you learn you can get the basics figured out in an hour or so, and enjoy flying as an activity. If you learn on your own it can take more time. With a bit of practice people can fly formations and patterns. With a bit more practice (more than one weekend) people can do mid-air tricks to make the kite flip, twirl, and otherwise behave in acrobatic ways. People who are comfortable with it can fly for many hours in a day, but it is time on your feet with some upper-body exercise. They're both good types of kites, but for different purposes. Many kite-laden beaches have both types of kites flying. Kite shows also tend to have a field of large single-line kites that are up from dawn to dusk, plus multi-line kites flown individually as long as the person wants. If you decide on a dual line kite, of the ones you listed the Beetle has the best reputation for being nigh-indestructible. Parts can still break, but the kite is durable. There are many other kites, some are lighter, some designed for tricks, some designed for group flying, some designed to be a workout, some designed to drag you down a beach. Try to have someone teach you how to fly. There are many varieties in the $50-$150 range. If you decide on a single line kite, anything over about 8 feet is going to need a solid anchor. Smaller kites can often be tied to a table or heavy chair. The easiest indicator is the type of kite line. If you've got cheap cotton line it's a small kite, you do what you need get it in the air and tie it off. If it has a rating like 100lb line, 250lb line, 500lb line, you better arrange to have something to anchor it off with plus some training about kite safety. Having a line snap with a few hundred pounds on it can be dangerous, and launching/landing can sever fingers if done wrong. Usually the small kites are cheap, you can find them in the store for a few dollars; the large kites quickly reach hundreds of dollars.

AHHH don''t punch holes in a E2 unless you really really know what you're doing. Sliding stand offs are cheap to make and won't damage a soon to be classic kite. For 10 to 15 most 3/4 kites will have less pull at 15 than a Widow ng will at 10 mph. My Sky Dog Black Dog has cool graphics, non fancy design, basic 6 mm carbon frame all around, tough and flies like the dickens. Pretty precise for me. I've only flown a Addiction, Jewel, Nighthawk and Cadet in the smaller kites to compare. Black Dog beats them for precision hands down. Inputs need to come more from your wrists on the smaller kites to minimize over steer. You'll trick more on a 3/4 kite too. Won't know why for awhile cause when you yank a line the kites kinda go 🦇💩. They'll hone your reflexes for sure or you won't fly them. Black Dog is the slowest of the ones I've flown. From what you're describing the Sky Dogs might give you excellent bang for the buck. Very pleased with my Sky Dog. Yesterday winds were pretty bumpy between 3 to 12. Went up on the Zephyr and just sucked. Heavy handed day and that kite doesn't do bumpy very well. Put up the Black Dog and had a blast.