Spikey
-
Posts
65 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Downloads
KL Shop
Blogs
Articles
Posts posted by Spikey
-
-
8 hours ago, Edmond Dragut said:
Still getting this
This Content Isn't Available Right NowWhen this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Go Back -
4 hours ago, cjay said:
I don't personally have that much experience or knowledge about the subject, so I compiled that info while I was learning about it and put it in a format in order for me to be able to comprehend it better.
Basically I was having difficulty understanding it, so I used that process.
Still very useful including your ' look up the post I made 10 posts up " comment. Thanks
-
Thanks dude you guys have been great
-
Easy Cjay. I missed the post where you listed the different kite brands probably as several came in at once to my email so was rolling down not all the way up. I have now looked back up the post history and seen it, Sorry I through you were referring to another thread hence asking about it. That was my mistake
Not trying having a go at you, you guys have been very helpful not trying to upset you guys.
I quoted you about the brand listing as there was some confusion when I got the email version then was looking for the posted version which had been edited, having replied in a hurry to the email version, Riff was asking about it as the reference was not in the posts history hence quoting the last part of the original post. It was trying to clear up confusion.
As said the mistake was thinking the reference to the brand kit list you mentioned was part of a different thread not 10 post up as you said, which now Ive done and thought opps.As said the comment
'More info helps with better decision making, more so good sources for said info.' was just saying basic wisdom it does help to have more info in any circumstances to make better eventual decisions whatever it is . It was not having a go at you. Likewise mentioning cross referencing, that's just common good practice and I was more referring to various people saying the BQ4 Fluxx being fine or too much for said nephew, then as you say making decsions based on the balance
I suggested the kid bit as several beginner sections I have seen across various forums seem to miss that out and it seemed a good idea to suggest as many cases the beginner is a small child and it helps those not experienced like you to ask about that . Bearing in mind many will be clueless hence coming to forums like this to get some advice from those in the know, once gained can pass it on. Safety is a big issue there its not so much about parent responsibility more like clueless parents trying to be responsible by trying to get clued up, everyone was that clueless beginner once and maybe having had a go or their kids wanting to need to get clued up. I figured if im doing this there would be many others doing the same who dont know about a safe age, they want to get the kids into int so by late teens and 20s will be flying around kite surfing and impressing others by getting them in early, but need to know how early they can do it and safely thats all
As said thanks for the help and appreciate it.
And As I get more experienced and more clued up will pay it forward as I expect said nephew to and help others
-
38 minutes ago, riffclown said:
Not sure what the crashing reference was but any soft foil crashing directly into the ground runs the risk of blowing out the baffles.. The Air pressure from impact seals the kite and inflates it like a balloon. sometimes with disastrous results. They are not bulletproof.
cjays original post emailed to me said,
'
I think if I have to provide a safety disclaimer for this guide that I will probably just delete it, as a disclaimer isn't going to give anyone common sense that doesn't have it already.
I think a HQ Symphony Pro 1.3 foil kite is a decent smaller frameless option for beginners to get going on. Gives a good feel, some similar basic turning controls, it doesn't pull too hard, and can be flown in decently stronger winds. It can be sort of fast, and when you crash the foil can sometimes turn inside out and twist the lines up so it is easier to have a second person to help re launch.
I had a whole section on kite brands by size with some details to compare. Ultimately a person has to use reasoning and information that is available here and there to choose a kite. '
-
7 hours ago, cjay said:
Most of the info to figure a lot of those things out is already in there.
I just added that the guide was for framed dual line kites, I put a section about kite line pull and kite size relative to wind. I think that is a relevant factor for kite speed and pull. Figuring out what wind speed is safe to fly in or allow someone to fly in is one of the main relevant factors for pull and is an important safety consideration for smaller, lighter, or weaker people etc.
There are virtually unlimited variable safety risks to any activity including kite flying.
I think that adult supervision for children that fly kites is the responsibility of the guardian or parents. The guardian is responsible for knowing and factoring in the safety risks and deciding if they are acceptable and then supervising and monitoring them. If they aren't capable of researching and considering the risks and applying safe flying protocols, they probably should not fly or allow their kids to fly or do anything outside of a bubble, and maybe they shouldn't be allowed to be responsible for a child either.
I think if I have to provide a safety disclaimer for this guide that I will probably just delete it, as a disclaimer isn't going to give anyone common sense that doesn't have it already.
Ultimately a person has to use reasoning and information that is available here and there to choose a kite, and will have to do their own due diligence and risk assessment on the safety aspects of kite flying.
More info helps with better decision making, more so good sources for said info.
Hence asking here then making the decisions based on that.
You mentionend
I had a whole section on kite brands by size with some details to compare.
Can we have the link to that please?
Also helps to cross reference info from different sources.
Thanks for info about the symphony kites crashing, would be good to find out about other kits and brands. Can you sdd thst link to
-
-
32 minutes ago, Edmond Dragut said:
to may see that you must to have a Facebook account, sorry
I do, logged in still dotn work
-
On 12/14/2019 at 10:12 AM, parasko said:
Hi Everyone,
My first post in this forum.
I’ve been searching for a kite to buy my two 8 year old nephews for Christmas.
I have bought them each a Prism Zenith 5 but now that I’m learning more about kites I’ve realised that I should’ve bought a dual line/stunt kite instead, as they will be bored quickly with the single line kite.
Here in Australia the Prism brand seems to be the most prominent and so I’ve narrowed the choice down to the Jazz or the Nexus. Can anyone advise on which one would be more suitable for an 8 year old boy?
I have read that the Nexus is larger and so it is easier to control. However I also read that it has more pull. What does that actually mean?
Should I be looking at the Jazz which is lighter and buy a tail for it so it slows it down a little?
As you can read I am a novice in the kite world so any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Just been doing that... See my thread
I was looking at the 1.2 m Cross Air (Wrist Loops)
The 1.3m BQ Symphony Beach 3
(Can come with Write loops or a bar (Bar about £17 more)
or
And the 1.3m BQ4 Fluxx
Comes with Bar and can Get a kite killer strap...
But look at the replies Ive been getting from those who know more than me/.
If in the UK
These are advice I got from Stores
Thnx for your email with questions.To put it simple: all the kites you mentioned are OK for an 8 year old kid.It is the size of the foil in combination with the wind that gives the kite its power and speed and really all, I repeat all, are very similar in that way.Flying with straps gives you the possibility for more precise steering, flying with a bar does not give you the same precise steering options, but it is a bit easier to handle and looks a bit more professional. Neither of these kites will pull the chap away unless he flies during a hurricane, he will need a bit of practicing during low winds for a start and ofcourse a bit of help and support from his uncle... perhaps... 😉.Kites flown with a bar are called Trainer Kites, the word says it all.Only with a Trainer Kite a safety leash or kite killer makes any sense, because it is connected with the flying bar and the pilot's wrist, it doesn't work while flying with straps...With any kite, considering his age and flying level, he needs to start in low winds and practice with some help, that will make it pure fun for him and when he is a bit handy he will fly the kite all by himself within 15 minutes and ask for a larger and more powerful kite within 7days, you will find out 😊Best regards,
Pierre Paar | Kitesurge
www.kitesurge.comHiThe Fluxx will have a higher pull due to the sail profile and carries a 14 plus rating so I would suggest either the Symphony Beach Sport 1.3(with bar) or the regular Symphony Beach 1.3 both are rated 8+.In terms of control i.e bar or straps its down to personal choice but if you want to fit a kite killer it will be easier with the barBest RegardsStephenKiteworldHiIf you look at the Cross Kites Air range, either the 1.2 or 1.5 are aimed at the 8 plus age bracket, obviously as a retailer we cannot suggest you go against a manufacturers age recommendation.These are well proven kites and perform very well.We are temporarily out of both sizes but have more on the way and these should be here around the end of this week, I have attached a link to details belowAny quad line kite would be too much for an 8 year old to handle both in terms of power and controlBest RegardsStephenKiteworldHi Chris,
Yes it is fine for his age to get into kite sports in adult supervision.
Normally I would suggest the kites similar to you selected but also the
symphony beach too as an option. You are right in the size a 1.8m
wingspan is pushing your luck for an initial kite.
The bar version like the flux can be easier to wrap up as the lines wrap
around the bar rather than a smaller line winder.
So in summary, I would suggest the cross kite 1.5m or the symphony beach
1.3m or the hq fluxx 1.3m
https://www.atbshop.co.uk/power-kites/hq-symphony-beach-power-kite
https://www.atbshop.co.uk/power-kites/cross-kites-air-rainbow-power-kite
https://www.atbshop.co.uk/power-kites/hq4-fluxx-trainer-kite
At the moment we are awaiting a restock into europe for the cross kites
range so are out of stock of them for a couple of weeks. We have the
symphony and the fluxx. If you are trying to sell the safety to the mum
then the fluxx with the wrist strap is a better option to be honest.
The kites with the bars are always a little more expensive due to the
bar cost but are great and very popular.
Hope that helps your selection? Any other questions please get in touch
again.
regards, StuHiWe have just received an update from the manufacturer of the Cross Air 1.2 and 1.5 and unfortnately delivery has been delayed and we cannot yet give an eta on these
A similar kite to consider would be the HQ Symphony Beach 1.3HiIf you look at the Cross Kites Air range, either the 1.2 or 1.5 are aimed at the 8 plus age bracket, obviously as a retailer we cannot suggest you go against a manufacturers age recommendation.These are well proven kites and perform very well.We are temporarily out of both sizes but have more on the way and these should be here around the end of this week, I have attached a link to details belowAny quad line kite would be too much for an 8 year old to handle both in terms of power and controlBest RegardsStephenKiteworldHi Chris,
Thank you for contacting us. The Sting 1.2m² is an option for your 8 years old nephew, although it might be limited in use due to the power it generates when the wind would pick up.
The Big Buzz might be a better option with a wider range of use in different types of wind and still give him the trills of feeling the power generated by the kite.
Although the Big Buzz is a 2-line kite it is still great fun and the option for self launch and relaunch with a little bit of training.
The Sting 1.2m² won’t come back into our product range, the new Sting that will be available in a few week’s time will be the 2.4m² in size so that would definitely be too powerful.
The Big Buzz is also planned to come back on stock at the same time as the Sting since we sold out our entire stock in the last few weeks.
Many thanks,
Peter Vanden Bussche
Sales Operator
Flexifoil International ltd
-
Had a look at Edit, there was no delete function
-
5 minutes ago, riffclown said:
You are 100% right on target with level of caution and the bravery that comes with youth.. Your will be pleased with what you ordered..
The only thing for the back of your mind is as area on the kite increases, the capability of power goes up quickly. So my warning is learn the difference between sport and power sizes. A Sport kite 2 size is powerful but not nearly as powerful as a 2M Power kite. It's not always easy to tell what your are looking at so learning those differences will keep you from getting more than you can handle. This is the voice of experience speaking. I went from a 2.2 sport size to power size too quickly and got very surprised. I bought a 2M and before it was even here made a deal for a 4M. Fortunately I took it easy and learned to fly in proper conditions.
Thanks is there some sort of formula or calculation to equate them, ie 1.5m sport = 1 m powerkite?
Also I tried to ask about wind socks and wind meters but it went a bit pear shaped and duplicated the,Was wording how useful these would be to start with?
Which is better and which is the priority to have?
Whats good and worth it?
What s over kill and whats kak
Whats needed and useful and bonus features, for both?
How big should a wind sock be and how high up?
And are the likes of ebay and Amazon wind socks and poles fine and more so are the like of £10-£12 Amazon/Ebay wind meters any use?
Etc
-
How do I clear duplicate posts, the last one just continued sending then made a bunch of copies, tried to delete them but cant see where
-
Are the likes of £10-£12 wind meters on Amazon/ebay any good? And which is more useful starting out, wind sock or wind meter.
Also how big should a wind sock be the be useful and how long should the pole be in height.
Any features to look for?
-
1
-
-
On 8/3/2020 at 7:18 PM, riffclown said:
There is a big difference in Sport and Power sizes. Please don't let the powerkite conversation scare you. The Sport kite you ordered is very tame and quite small. Once you get it you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. Teach your child to respect the kite and know that in certain conditions it CAN generate some power. Fly it yourself and know what you are dealing with. Then make the informed decision as a parent.
For what it's worth, it will be a very short transition time from scared to how can I get more pull. Once they feel the tug, they want to feel more of it. Remember to teach respect for the wind. That smile could eventually change to something like this.
That's Chris Shultz from HQ Kites flying one of my larger HQ Crossfire II's
^Thanks he is my nephew and I certainly want him to want more but not get cocky like someone who gets an early win at poker tthen thinks he can handle it with the bad boys or 1 did a 2 foot surf now I can join the 20 year olds on the 10 footer :-)...
Step by step learn to handle step 1 be fore 2 and 2 before 3 not 1 easy lets try 10 ... 🙂
-
1
-
-
18 hours ago, Edmond Dragut said:
check this https://www.facebook.com/alfred.leong.94/videos/3423997400943933/
how long the kite is up in the wind window seams to be ok but pay attention at the last seconds of the video when the kite start to come on the power zone
Thanks but your link appears down
-
On 8/3/2020 at 3:54 AM, Edmond Dragut said:
i suggested fist straps not wrist just for safety reasons and same is apply for bar. Let say is releasing the bar in full wind window the safety what is on the bar tided to the wrist will remain connected and for the all space covered by the kite before to collapse the person will be dragged by a single hand. that is not a good option for nobody, you lose your footing being dragged side way, you may sprinkle or worst the wrist, arm, elbow ore humerus. human reflex is not to let go the bar rather to cringe to and if that is happening you are already down.
if the kite ordered is having a bar is an easy fix but you will need some extra to buy to make some adaptations. first you will need 2 pairs of straps, second will be a 6-7 fits of line same like the lines of the kite is coming to. now will be easy to take of the bar and mount the straps instead right? good, now make another two equal lines 2-3 fits long for the second pair of straps and connect them to first pair. you see where i am going ? you will have on the lines two right and two left straps, closer to the kite will be the kid and in his back you ore another person who will test and control the pulling by weight, on the same time the kite will be controlled and take of from the kid a lot of frustration what is coming with crashes at the beginning. at any moment you may let your lines slacked and just the kid will have the control and feel the full pull of the kite.
on this way both of you will have fun, one learning and the other teaching
Sounds interesting dual control like on a driving instructor car. will look into it
-
What and the Best & Most Essential Online Lessons and Videos. What Do you Wish you watched or learned why you started. As in:
- Dos and Dont's
- How to prevent Accidents or Problems
- How to do things the Easy Way
- What Order to Do things in.
- The clear easy to follow Video
Etc
Etc
Ideally kid friendly
Now there is lots out there. Im Getting nephew a 1.3m BQ4 Flux with Bar but also interested in hand loops. If aged 8 how does safe progress differ to if 18, How to Supervise a rookie kid.
You get the idea please.... Also could be a good idea to add a Permanent Archive admins along these lines.
-
4 minutes ago, riffclown said:
That's a decision only you can make but if your comparison is between the HQ Symphony 1.3 and the HQ Fluxx 1.3 there is no difference in size between the 2. They are exact down to the cm. The real difference is pattern and control bar vs. straps. The term trainer is ambiguous. It usually just means with a bar for control. It is not indicative of size and measuring method.
From HQ Kites website The Symphony 1.3 Specs
From HQ Kites Website the Fluxx Specs
For the Fluxx https://hqkitesusa.com/proddetail.asp?prod=118021
For the Symphony https://hqkitesusa.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11769160
Thanks riff.
-
5 minutes ago, riffclown said:
The Fluxx is sport size and not Meter's Square. The Fluxx 1.3 as a wingspan of 130cm. It is NOT a power kite..
So Safe? as long as not out in outside high wind winds for the little kid
-
4 hours ago, Edmond Dragut said:
all the kites classified like "trainer" usually are just smaller dimensions and from here smaller pull but that dose mean they are not really bad for a light person. kites are not for "AGE GROUPS" are for WEIGHT and how long that weight is less then half of kite pull really bad things may happen. forget about TRAINING in kites name, find something about pull characteristics and match that to the weight. lines rating will give you an insight of that
preferably to learn first to control the kite before to feel the full rage of
personally for a 8 years old at around 60 Lbs (26 kg) i will not use ANY kite with bridle and lines rated more than 75 Lbs (35 kg)
I meet good kite-surfers at 175-200 lbs and more being pulled and face-plant down by a 3 M Beamer so..... give the kid the pleasure to fly not the pain of being pulled around. may be fun when motor skills and bones will be ready for some 10-15 fits jumps but for that first must to know how to launch and especially how to land and all this means knowledge to control the body and the tool, in this case the kite.
start small, really small and progress from there depending of the conditions
is my opinion
PS i forget to add, also on my opinion, preferably start with straps and keep them on the fists not wrapped around wrist. that will make a safety release more convenient
I wished I had got that response earlier as just ordered the 1.3 m BQ4 Fluxx 3 yesterday, having been told the only real difference in power between that and the 1.3m BQ Symphony Beach III is being lighter and better materials the BQ4 Flux would launch easier in lighter winds thus be easier to get up in the air but as the wind picked up there would be no difference in strength. (I dont think the kite has been dispatched yet so could possibly exchange it if its a safety issue.)
Over all the Flux did look better ie ,
- Bar rather than wrist loops so better for learning, avoiding tangles and wrapping up, especially if he lets go which is likely
- Lighter better material,
- Stronger
- Safety kite killing strap
I have seen the BQ Symphony in a bar version but not from this supplier and price wise it would be less than £10 difference if the wrist straps were swapped from the bar so it looked the better buy when told they would have near identical pull and I have been very clear about the weight , age and total lack of experience of the boy and parents.
The kid is 27 kilos. All 3 kite line ratings are 45 kg. and pretty much the same size. (The cross air is a little bit smaller at 1.2 rather than 1.3m.
As said this would be done in fields and parks, the ground may be less even and dried out but likely less wind.
That's 60% of the line rating.
Can anyone give more info on this... urgently as think I would need to know before they post or dispatch the kite tomorrow morning
-
2 hours ago, oapbillf said:
The Cross 1.3 would be ideal as first kite, I have flown this model and found it pretty good ! A kite killer is not really required but there again it would be good practice to get used to using one, a ground stake would also be useful !
If your nephew can get up to Dunstable Downs on a Sunday and look for any quad line flyers, they will help you and teach the basics.
Thanks for the Dunstable downs suggestion but its a bit too far need something more north London
-
Quote
The HQ symphony does not have the openings. (It's still my personal favorite foil of all the sport foils) Turning it upside down and shaking it does the job..
I'd like a few clarification points for foils. There are two different (drastically different) ways to size foils. Power Foils (like the Bullets) are usually in Square Meters. Sport Foils like the Symphony are in wingspan. A 2Meter Power foil is MUCH bigger than a 2.2 Sport Foil.
Here is a 2.2 Symphony on top of a 2M Crossfire. Either will generate a lot of pull but as you can see the Crossfire is wider and has much more surface area..
Thank you Riffclown
Both the Hq4 Flux and BQ Symphony Beach 3 are classed as trainer kites, But is one deemed a sport and the other a powerkite in terms of what you were saying about width or both the same class and measurements?
Ie is the BQ4 Fluxx 1.3m a lot bigger and powerful than the BQ Symphony Beach III 1.3m ?
or are we just talking the Fluxx comes with a bar controller with wrist kite killer, sand exit flaps, lighter materials, easier to wrap up and avoiding tangles and stronger build but similar power in terms of handing it to an 8 year old? -
Does the BQ symphony have a means to eject sand and what is this feature called? sand flap?. Any other differences between the Cross air and BQ Symphony, Ie whats missing form the sales feature summary
-
One thing you misses CJay in regards beginner kites is children. Ie in many cases the beginner is somone's kid, or in may case a nephew so would help to add in elements like minimum ages and weights for different kites (mainly to prevent accidents which may put off or hurt said kid and more importantly the over protective panicy other parent 🙂 )
So advice on what's best to start for stunt or power kiting would be good as showing a 8 year old i my case or younger or older kid videos of people dong amazing flying stunts, jumps, going airborne would appeal to kids who dont get that this takes years to get to and being a feather weight kid makes it just a tinsy wincy bit harder to control that deluxe model 3 meter kite dad thought would be cool as gets all the top reviews, and being catapulted into the air like a reverse bungie, higher than the house with no harness and not very strong arms is not quite the super hero experience you average 7 year old was imagining. 😲
So some advice on realistic sensible kits both in terms of budget incase they get bored of it, what would be good to teach so it does not have to be all unlearned to pick up new controls on the next one and what is safe would help.
Also differences between what appear to be very similar kites.
What are good features to look for, whats needed and important and what could wait till upgrading to a bigger one also helps.
And what accessories would be needed or safety gear
Help please. Advice for getting an 8 year old nephew into kite sports. Birth day is commin up looking at Corss Kite air 1.3 or 1.5 m or BQ4 Fluxx, hand loops or Bar and safety leash?
in Beginners
Posted
Agree and part of wisdom is knowing to ask for help and advice from those with more experience and wisdom, till you know enough to give it to others yourself and the deep end where the bigger surf waves are is for those who built up the skill and strength to swim out there themself not to take shortcuts