andre Posted August 17, 2013 Report Share Posted August 17, 2013 Hrmm,, sitting here and I wonder...Over here in Germany, France and to a lesser extend Speedkites are a pretty big thing.Given the perceived thing for Americans for all kinds of fast and powerful, why is there nothing like that across the pond i wonder. Pretty much very kite that comes out of the USA is casual or trick these days.Is it that speedkites are perceived as boring, since they pretty much absolutely can't trick, of course some say that even getting them into the air is a trick by itself Do you guys have no sources for good honest speedkites? I think that will factor in a great deal, since most of build over here and shipping is on the expensive side.Which of course reduces the exposure to them, which reduces the desire to have one in return ... vicious circle.And in case someone is wondering, some video impressions of them in action: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadge Posted August 17, 2013 Report Share Posted August 17, 2013 Speedkites do seem to be a European thing - even here in the UK interest in Speedkites is tiny - you either fly trick/precision style deltas or powerkites (foils). This is a shame as when the wind is too strong for standard kites I would have thought a speedkite would be a fun alternative to 'vented' standards which I've found never really seem to work. I usually fly my Deltahawk ( which I know isn't a proper speedkite) and have a lot of fun with it. I think the problem in America is getting hold of them at a reasonable price - most are going to have to come from Europe which is going to be expensive. I know they can get the HQ Fazer range ( again not really a proper Speedkite) but otherwise I can't think of any they can get without privately importing. Maybe if there was an online plan for an easy build/ easy fly 'starter' Speedkite that a few could build it might get an interest started? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andre Posted August 17, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2013 Level One has the Balor which should be available in the staates as well. Granted the current Balor 270 is more for power, but smaller models are coming. But i agree, the main problematic seems to be getting a speedkite in the first place. So most people don't even know such things exist. There are several plans for easy and complex speedkites aroudn, most of them are in German or French. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHBKF Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 Wow! A whole class of kites that I was not aware of. I am sure a speedkite would be appealing to me. You have my attention. How fast are they flying? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest joel Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 im new to the forum, thank you for sharing those videos. the second one was my favorite, looks quite quick and precise. id love to get one if I could get one for a reasonable price from a third party so I dont have to deal with international shipping. I recently ordered a prism micron, small stunt kite that is supposed to be very quick in good winds. wonder if this compares with the speed kites you speak of? I also like speed foils (power kites) I recently bought a prism snapshot 2.5, its a blast! drags me around the park. thanks again for sharing I hope to learn more on this subject as I like speed as much as tricks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHBKF Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 im new to the forum, thank you for sharing those videos. the second one was my favorite, looks quite quick and precise. id love to get one if I could get one for a reasonable price from a third party so I dont have to deal with international shipping. I recently ordered a prism micron, small stunt kite that is supposed to be very quick in good winds. wonder if this compares with the speed kites you speak of? I also like speed foils (power kites) I recently bought a prism snapshot 2.5, its a blast! drags me around the park. thanks again for sharing I hope to learn more on this subject as I like speed as much as tricks.Welcome to KiteLife Joel! I too have both those Prism kites. I thought the Micron was fast & was pleased when I could successfully fly it. These speedkites appear much faster. I'll have to get my wife to aim my radar gun at some of my kites to see what speed they are attaining. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andre Posted August 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 Dayhiker, Well, to fuel your attention some more, actual speedkites fly in good winds, 4+BFT, at over 100mph with the current world record at 130mph. The problem point seems to start 110mph, getting faster then that takes considerable winds or complex designs it seems. joel, Nope a Prism Micron des not compare at all to a speedkite. It is much slower, and pulls much less. The micron only appears to be fast because of its size, its usually used short lines and its quick turning ability. But raw all out speed it does not have. Here are some more hopefully interesting videos: https://vimeo.com/40537936 https://vimeo.com/6644717 https://vimeo.com/16034620 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadge Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 There are several plans for easy and complex speedkites aroudn, most of them are in German or French. Can you put any links to some of the plans? - I had a quick search online but couldn't really find any in the usual places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHBKF Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 Dayhiker, Well, to fuel your attention some more, actual speedkites fly in good winds, 4+BFT, at over 100mph with the current world record at 130mph. The problem point seems to start 110mph, getting faster then that takes considerable winds or complex designs it seems. joel, Nope a Prism Micron des not compare at all to a speedkite. It is much slower, and pulls much less. The micron only appears to be fast because of its size, its usually used short lines and its quick turning ability. But raw all out speed it does not have. Yes, the speed is impressive & I love the sounds. I was also wondering about launching, landing & just holding on. These very helpful videos showed that, thank you. Looks like my 1980's Sky Claws can be put back to work. I will have to get at least one of these Speedkites. Perhaps a slower entry level really tough one as some landings may be more sudden than planned. In the mean time, while pondering how to acquire a speedkite, I can fly the little Micron on five meter lines in high winds for training purposes. Great music, Canned Heat & The Doors are aging but timeless. I like fast things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 Man, and I thought my new Delta Hawk was fast.............well, it is, compared to anything else I've flown, and the pull is unbelievable @Dayhiker.........while you're looking for a "proper" speed kite, you should try a Delta Hawk. I think you'll be impressed, comparatively. I know it surprised me in 25 - 30 mph winds. All I can say is "hang-on" and enjoy the ride @ Andre.......I still like that Scalpel Mini, that you built. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadge Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 Man, and I thought my new Delta Hawk was fast.............well, it is, compared to anything else I've flown, and the pull is unbelievable I know it surprised me in 25 - 30 mph winds. All I can say is "hang-on" and enjoy the ride I told you you'd like it!! not technically a speedkite but a heck of a lot of fun! Nursing a sore shoulder today after a bit too long flying mine yesterday! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andre Posted August 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 Dayhiker: You found the trick part of speedkites. The start But with some practice it is relative easy Landing, just fly to the edge of the wind window and set it down. In general for starting, there are two basic ways, gently pull the kite up untill it starts to fall forward to you, then give a sharp pull while walking backwards. As can be seen here: The second method special method is using some kind of device to hold the kite in that forward angle and then pull it sharply from it into the air. Like here: Skyclaws are the best! Seriously, speedkite should be flown on grips. You can get rid of the the fastest and you feel when your holding power gets low and you need a break. With padded loops you don't get those benefits. As for acquiring a proper speedkite, there are several ways. Build one yourself, or of course buy one If you have a particular model in mind, i can get you in touch with the maker of it most likely. Reef Runner: thanks Hadge: Plans in german from super simple to pretty complex: http://www.drachenforum.net/forum/Projekt-3-14-Bauplan-Speed-Powerkite-t70068.html http://www.drachenforum.net/forum/Bauplan-Leponex-135-Speedkite-t72329.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 I told you you'd like it!! not technically a speedkite but a heck of a lot of fun! Nursing a sore shoulder today after a bit too long flying mine yesterday! Yikes............careful there ! I do love the kite, especially the speed, but it does pull like a horse ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 As for acquiring a proper speedkite, there are several ways. Build one yourself, or of course buy one If you have a particular model in mind, i can get you in touch with the maker of it most likely. Andre, Are there a websites, that may show these speed kites? If so, could you post some of them here? I looked, but really wasn't able to find anything, other than an outdated speed kite, made by Invento HQ, but no longer available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadge Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 Hadge: Plans in german from super simple to pretty complex: http://www.drachenforum.net/forum/Projekt-3-14-Bauplan-Speed-Powerkite-t70068.html http://www.drachenforum.net/forum/Bauplan-Leponex-135-Speedkite-t72329.html Andre, Would the small version of the Project 3.14 be a fairly easy first speed kite to build and fly? I'm thinking it might be a good winter project for the dark nights! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andre Posted August 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 Reef Runner, I made a quick list of the most easy to get and common speedkites. Speedkites that are currently produced,sorta roughtly in order of difficulty to fly.All are cabable of reaching 100mph and more.Spacekites, good solid beginner entry level speedkites.http://www.spacekites.de/ProductType.aspx?name=Wilder%20Willy&man=SPACE%20KITES&cat=10http://www.spacekites.de/ProductType.aspx?name=Wilde%20Hilde&man=SPACE%20KITES&cat=10Spiderkites, mainly the lycos series of speedfoils. Very high speed foils.http://www.spiderkites-shop.de/epages/62502321.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/62502321/Categories/Power%2BSpeedLevel One, Speed and powerkites for the experianced pilot.http://shop.levelonekites.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=47Andre Eibel, easy to fly speedkites for low and medium winds.http://www.gods-inc.de/ae/scalpel.htmlMarco Stoschek, many different kites in different sizes.https://www.facebook.com/Popeye.Kites?hc_location=streamLong Doung, the gold standard, this guy is doing nothing but speedkites for over 20 years.The hardest ones to fly.http://xtremvent.blogspot.de/ Hadge: Yes it is designed to be a a starter kite building project and is also a solid flier, the s is very fast and a good entry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 So Andre, do you sell these speed kites ? Just curious ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andre Posted August 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 I do when asked. Its not a business. Well, my Scalpels. the others are obviously sold by their companies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted August 20, 2013 Report Share Posted August 20, 2013 I do when asked. Its not a business. Well, my Scalpels. the others are obviously sold by their companies. Ok, I was just curious. Didn't know if you were a regular business, or just a kite flier, with a real talent for making great kites. Those Scalpels are really something special, especially the mini. That would look really great, in all white ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted August 22, 2013 Report Share Posted August 22, 2013 Is it that speedkites are perceived as boring, since they pretty much absolutely can't trick, of course some say that even getting them into the air is a trick by itself.Do you guys have no sources for good honest speed kites? And you know, I think you may be right. The only real speed kites, that I can find here in the USA, are foils (Lycos), etc. So far as kites like you guys are flying.......NOT..........(???) For one, I think they are very, very, KOOL !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobB Posted August 23, 2013 Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 I had a Euro-Speed kite that was rated to 40mph wind. It was one of my funniest days of kiting when I decided to test that rating. The kite was flying around in a blur, loads of fun, until BOOM ! The kite just exploded mid-swoop. Blew out the sail ! I guess the gusts were a little more than the kite was rated for... I never fixed it, I just rely on my Microns and full vent 1.5 when the wind gets up there, now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Hi everyone, I'm interested in speed kiting. I build airplane-shaped kites that fly very fast: a 4 foot span kite that went 59 mph in 5-10 mph wind, or a 3 foot span kite that we got going 97, 99 & 100 mph in 15-16 mph wind, as measured by radar gun. I also fly 2 foot span kites that go 50-100 mph in 10-20 mph winds. I fly all of them on 20, 30 or 40 lb spectra line, mostly 100 feet long. I fly one-handed because I used to fly model airplanes that way. The kites are very maneuverable and fun to fly. Here are some links: http://crosswindkitesfun.blogspot.com/ http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkth2RomBN_2g3RU-j9otlA http://www.stickandtissue.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andre Posted August 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Hi David, Very nice and interesting. However one question comes to mind. Are those still kites or are those tethered model planes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 They are both. Kites are aircraft that fly on lines, so they are kites. Some of them are scale models of airplanes, and some are not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Here's a definition of a kite I found on Wikipedia: A kite is a tethered aircraft.[1] The necessary lift that makes the kite wing fly is generated when air flows over and under the kite's wing, producing low pressure above the wing and high pressure below it. This deflection also generates horizontaldrag along the direction of the wind. The resultant force vector from the lift and drag force components is opposed by the tension of the one or more lines or tethers.[2] The anchor point of the kite line may be static or moving (e.g., the towing of a kite by a running person, boat, free-falling anchors as in paragliders and fugitive parakites[3][4] or vehicle).[5][ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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