elstie Posted July 24, 2013 Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 So it seems I'm ready to upgrade from my Prism Nexus which has done me well as my first stunt kite and taken all the punishment I could throw at it. Coincidentally, I received a nice size Amazon gift card for my recent-ish birthday that I've yet to use. That said, what is the highest quality/best stunt kite that Amazon carries. Any recommendations? I see they sell the Quantum Pro through some 3rd parties. Is that my best bet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadge Posted July 24, 2013 Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 The Qpro is a great kite, but it's very different to your Nexus - It was made as a competition kite and need the right sort of inputs to get the best from it - not a kite I'd go for as a first step up. If you want to go with Prism then the E3 or (if your winds are fairly light) the Zephyr would be a better kite to learn tricks on. If you want to go with something else then I see that Amazon also sell HQ kites - Good quality made in Germany. Look at the Maestro 2 - A great kite that will do all the tricks and really nice to fly - I use one all the time - also the Crackerjack is supposed to be very good but I haven't tried that one yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobB Posted July 24, 2013 Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 As far as Prism kites, the Zephyr and the QPro would be the way to go. The QPro is very durable, but requires a little more wind than the Zephyr. Both kites will stand a good amount of abuse. The E3, on the other hand, is not as well built, and it's flying characteristics are... well let's say a little unique. I have all three, and would say to pass on the E3. I also have a Maestro from HQ, and it sits in the closet next to the E3. I like the way it looks, but could never fly it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elstie Posted July 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 Thanks for all the quick advice. I think I've pretty much decided that the E3 is not for me. I'd rather have something that flies in a closer style to most other high end stunt kites. Either way, it definitely doesn't have to be a Prism kite, and it's good to know HQ is at least a trusted brand. The Kymera also looks to be available on Amazon. I know people are pretty biased around here :-), but it does seem to be right in my price point sweet spot, and it's gotten lots of good reviews on this forum when people ask for advice on where to go next. Any thoughts? P.S. It says on the product page for the Kymera to use 90-lb lines...does that mean it doesn't come with lines? The only other kite I have is the Prism which came with lines and handles. Any good places online to pick some up? Should I only use 90-lb lines of any length? (/noob questions) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadge Posted July 24, 2013 Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 The Kymera is a nice kite designed by John Barresi of this very site! http://kitelife.com/forum/topic/3969-kymera-by-barresi/ Most high end kites don't come with lines as most pilots prepared to pay high end prices have their own preferences in line make - Don't skimp on lines, get something like Spectra or Laser Pro Gold (LPG) or similar. Length of 80' to 100' is usual for trick flying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elstie Posted July 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 Very good to know about the lines. My Nexus came with 65' 90 lb lines. Are those a bit too short for the Kymera/trick flying in general? Any good online places to pick up a new set? Is it better to make my own? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Making your own lines, is a great experience. You will learn a lot, and if they are not right, there is no one to blame but yourself. Look up some info on how to make them, measure them, sleeve them, and do it. You will save a bunch (probably 50%+ $$'s), and again, you will learn much, plus, it's easy to do, just takes a bit of time and concentration............... Good Luck, and search the site for info on making your own lines................. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHBKF Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Very good to know about the lines. My Nexus came with 65' 90 lb lines. Are those a bit too short for the Kymera/trick flying in general? Any good online places to pick up a new set? Is it better to make my own?Shorter line sets can be helpful in that you are closer to the kite & can see what is going on a little better. The window is smaller & it seems like the kite is flying faster. It actually may be a little faster due to less line drag. But conditions are so variable that it doesn't really become a factor. Super short line sets can be a challenge because you are constantly running out of flying space. But if you are learning ground maneuvers short lines allow you to learn more quickly. I learned on 150's back in the 80's & did not think they were too long at the time. You will have many line sets to choose from after a bit. Many non kite flyers think I'm crazy for spending so much on "string" but quality lines are a huge advantage no doubt. Be open to flying different line lengths & weights. Your kite will let you know what it likes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Shorter line sets can be helpful in that you are closer to the kite & can see what is going on a little better. The window is smaller & it seems like the kite is flying faster. It actually may be a little faster due to less line drag. But conditions are so variable that it doesn't really become a factor. Super short line sets can be a challenge because you are constantly running out of flying space. But if you are learning ground maneuvers short lines allow you to learn more quickly. I learned on 150's back in the 80's & did not think they were too long at the time. You will have many line sets to choose from after a bit. Many non kite flyers think I'm crazy for spending so much on "string" but quality lines are a huge advantage no doubt. Be open to flying different line lengths & weights. Your kite will let you know what it likes. All great points, that Dayhiker has alluded too. So, as I mentioned earlier, learn how to make your own sets. This way, you can make them, any length you want - short - long - super long..........and they all have their place ps.......I learned on my own, and before I knew it, I was making lines for myself, and for others. Really, it's a simple process, just do it......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elstie Posted July 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 ps.......I learned on my own, and before I knew it, I was making lines for myself, and for others. Really, it's a simple process, just do it......... I think that's going to be my plan. The more I can make this a hobby for myself, the better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted July 27, 2013 Report Share Posted July 27, 2013 Go for it ! If you mess up, just get someone to help you equalize things. That's the important thing, is to make sure, in the end, that you have them all equal length (+/- 1/4"). All the other stuff is just maintenance/handy work................good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elstie Posted August 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I really wish I knew some other people around me that flew kites. Looking for groups around Los Angeles, I've only found people roughly an hour away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobB Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 An hour is well worth the time in the car. I've been flying alone for years, but the times I remember most about flying involved a long ride to meet up with the closest people to my area. (2+ hours each way...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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