I just came back from the Outer Banks in NC. I had a great week down at the beach (except when TS Alberto came through). The first 2 days I was down there, Kitty Hawk Kites was having a Kite Festival on the sand dunes. I got down there too late on Saturday but was able to go for a couple of hours on Sunday. Boy was that more fun than I expected. The had a ton of large kites flying. There were even stunt kite (2 line) lessons being given, but every time I went by they either weren't doing it, or there was a HUGE line.
Long story short, I saw a guy off by himself flying what I think was a Rev 1.5 SLE. My wife and I stood there for probably 20 minutes watching him. I finally got up the nerve to ask him how in the world he can make the kite do that. I'd never seen a quad kite before. He showed me the basics and had me up and flying it myself in about 2 minutes. It wasn't hard at all (let's just say I didn't crash like I expected to, but it wasn't pretty).
Anyway, so now I want to get a quad kite too. My problem now is... WHICH ONE??? I first wanted to get a Rev 1.5 SLE because that's what I think he was using, and it seems pretty highly reguarded. However, would I be better off with a Rev EXP since I have all of 15 minutes of experience with ANY stunt kite? I've found an EXP for $140, and a 1.5 SLE for $220. However, I've also found a Spirit quad for $110.
Which kite would work best for me? I want one that's going to be able to withstand some crashes (onto hard ground, not sand) but not pay a ton of money. I don't really know what the wind is like around me. Some days it's pretty non-existant, but other day's it's pretty breazy.
What are your suggestions for a complete newbie? I dont want to spend $100-$200 and end up with a kite that will break on the first crash. On the other hand, I don't want to get one that is so durable, it's not that great of a flyer. I also don't have anyone around (that I know of) that would be able to teach me. I saw the Rev's come with a video, but do the Spirits?
Sorry this is so long winded!!!
Thanks!!
Kevin