Hello Everyone.

[mattiefrank]

Hello everybody.I figured that i would finally make a post and,introduce myself.

My name is ben and, i am almost 50 so i guess i could be considered a late bloomer.

So anyway my kiting journey started a few years ago at SAMS CLUB. i was there with my father who was about 75 or pretty close to it.So they have these box delta conyne kites, or whatever they are called and,my dad sees them and,says - I HAVENT FLOWN A KITE IN 50 OR 60 YEARS,IM GONNA GET OINE.

So,dad gets the kite.but we dont fly it that year.the next year my dad dies from pancreatic cancer.

Im over their house viviting my mom 1 day and,i see the kite.I ask my mom if i can have pops kite.So a few years go by and,one day it is just beautiful outside and,i see the kite in the corner

I take the kite to the park.follow the directions and,the next thing you know,ITS OVER 200 FEET IN THE AIR.

That tails are flapping and,snapping making all kinds of noise and,im grinning ear to ear and,having the time of my life.

Next thing i know,there are like 5 kids,that WANNA FLY the kite.

2 OF THOSE 5 KIDS HAVE THEIR OWN KITES NOW AND,WE MEET AT THE PARK AND,THROW EM IN THE AIR.

Since then i got a couple of wallymart kites,but they were rather difficult for me to fly.

SO, i got a 1.7, HQ symphony beach.love the kite when i can get it to fly.

Then i saw a shop on ebay,that was local and,i went and,got myself a -FLYING WINGS ALPHA+. Which i consider,my first proper stunt kite. I just love that kite.it flys beautifully to me.

HOWEVER,in my newbie zeal,i took it out on a day when the gust were reaching 48 mph.

I didnt know that until i got home and,was watching the news.

SO IM AT THE PARK AND,THE WIND IS SCREAMING AND,the alpha+ is boogeying.I mean that big sucker was moving man. ANYWAY,A PARTICULARLY STRONG GUST COMESAND,I MESSED UP.For some reason i go to THE APEX, to ride the gust out .The kite was shuddering and,then,the lower leading edge just snapped.WELL THE KITE JUST SPUN TO THE GROUND. Turns out when i got home,it wasnt the lower leading edge,IT WAS THE FERRULE.IT HAD SNAPPED IN 2. About 1/2 of it was on each part of the leading edge. boy was i relieved.I guess the alpha is made out of good stuff.

Yesterday i went back to -northcoast windpower and,i was going to get myself a - PREMIER WOLF. However when i got in my car,i was carrying a - PRISM E2.They are selling them for $118 because of the e3.

So i get it home and,put it together and,put it next to my alpha AND, TO ME,THEY LOOK REAL GOOD IN THE LIVING ROOM.

So of course,it was pretty breezy all day today.UNTIL I GET TO THE PARK.

I put the E2 together and,the wind just dies.im there for over a hour going backwards trying my limited repertoise.NOTHING. Of course,as i sit here at the computer,i look out the window and,the treetops are swaying.

SUCKS TO BE ME RIGHT NOW.

Anyway,that is how i got started and,now i am hooked.I have already decided i need to go to northcoast and,pick up a ultralight.JUST FOR LOW WIND DAYS. It seems like either the wind is non existant OR, it is blowing 30mph.

ANYWAY,goodwinds to everyone.

[Jeepster]

Ben,

Welcome to the forum ... and welcome to the curse of kites and wind. If you have an Ultra Lite, the winds will be bending large oaks. And when you have a lead sled with rebar rods, the wind will disappear. The only solution is a rather large kite bag ... and lots of practice so you're ready for any wind condition.

Cheers,

Tom

[Kyle]

Welcome! I am new also, I am excited to hear about what you think of the E2, I am a total noob and I am stuck on the Prism Hypnotist, but the E2 is selling for about the same right now.... choices choices! I just got my first kite a few days ago (prism snapshot 1.4)

This hobby is addicting, I want to get my first stunt kite so bad.... the power kite is fun so far but I want my hypnotist.....

[Baloo]

Welcome mattiefrank, what a great first post. You look like you are caught hook line and sinker. and Tom is right, the wind is often never right for your kites, or the kites right for the wind. Only answer is to have an assortment, you look like you are well on the way already.

And Kyle, I have an old hypnotist, altough I do not fly dual line much as I mainly Rev it up, the hypnotist flys well. I was suprised at how light a wind it will go down to.

Dont jump in too quickly though, best thing to do is to find a group of flyers, or go to a couple of Festivals. Try out different kites, make sude which one(s) suit you best B4 you buy. Then you will have a group of kites you fly, rather than ones that stay in your bag most of the time.

[mattiefrank]

Well,i have to say that,I HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS,BY WATCHING A DVD.

The prism dvd,which comes with the E2,is just a real treasure trove of knowledge. ITS LIKE BAKING A CAKE.JUST FOLLOW THE STEPS.I can do my landings,stalls and,side slides.

I have not tried the SNAP STALLS yet.I have to get a lot more proficient and,confident before i even try that.

I have been doing this on my FLYING WINGS ALPHA +. I HAVE TO SAY,THAT ALTHOUGH THAT KITE DOESNT GET ANY INK,IT SURE DOES GIVE GOOD FEEDBACK.

Its almost like i can feel everything thats happening to the kite, right through the lines.

I know that it feels heavier and,harder pulling than the e2.

But i am assuming,that some of that is that the E2 is more subtle and,i am not that sensitive yet.BUT i feel it coming.

I still cant believe what a great deal the E2 is for $118.I admit my experience level is low. BUT I THINK IT IS A WELL MADE KITE AND,WHAT A PACKAGE.

THE E2.

THE LINESET---SPECTRA.

THE STRAPS

THE KITE BAG.

THE PIN.

THE LESSON BOOKLET.

THE LESSON DVD.The dvd is like taking lessons from a instructor.but it isnt $25 an hour.

Now hopefully the winds will play along this weekend and, i can continue my growth.

EVERYBODY,have a great holiday and,put em up.

[Kyle]

Nice!! I just got back from the park flying my power kite. It isn't very responsive and I can't wait to get my widow. Unless I change my mind again haha. That DVD does make me think though, glad to hear there is something out there I can get to help me out. I will have to check into getting it if I decide to opt for a non prism kite. You should get a video up for us to see