Want to get started with a quad

[emkat]

Hi all,

This is my first foray here.......

I have flown dual lines (but not for a few years) and am blown away by the choice of all the new kites. I would really love to try a quad, but am at a loss as to which one.

The Rev EXP seemed to be my first choice....but having read the forum, the 1.5 SLE seems to be a better choice, is that true?

BUT, i also really like the Spirit Quad There is just something about it that i like.

Although i like the training DVD that comes with the Revs, would the Spirit be hard to learn to fly on your own?

Any help would be most welcome, unfortunately there are no kite shops close to where i live so it will probably be an internet buy.

Thanks,

Em

edited to add : has anyone tried the Hypnotic quad ?

[windofchange]

So far your information seems to be pretty accurate. The EXP is an entry level quad that is super easy to fly, especially after viewing the training DVD. The DVD is very informative and covers everything you would ever need to know. On hand lessons is always the best way to go but the DVD is perfect if on-hand lessons are not available. The 1.5 is (IMO) an improvement over the EXP. Both kites are extremly fun to fly and I got my first start in quad line with the EXP (and still have it today). I would recommend getting the 1.5 over the EXP if you have the extra cash, if not then you will still be very happy with the EXP.

Havent really spent that much time on the other quads (spirit/hypnotic) Once I got the REV's I never really had any desire to try the others. I would of course jump at the chance to try them out if the opportunity came around.

[Dorsal]

Hi Em -

As you can see from my sig photo, I fly Spirit Quads. One by itself, and 5 others in a stack. Steve Laporte (the Spirit Quad designer) and I are the only two people that have made Spirit 5-stacks, as far as I know.

I also own and fly an EXP, Rev 2, 1.5 SLE, 1.5 SUL, Supersonic and had (but sold) a Shockwave.

In my opinion, the Spirits are far easier to learn quads than the others, for a number of reasons. First, the Spirit has "quad sticks" (aft standoffs) built into the design. These allow you to setup the kite, in a fly-away position, by yourself. It will not launch itself in any wind, unlike the Revs. The rear standoffs also mean the kite can take off from ANY position on the ground, with ease, because they allow you to slightly bow the sail. Revs are flat, and it takes time to learn how to get them into the air by yourself. I think a person learning should take the easy road.

Also, the Spirits fly more slowly, giving the flyer more time to react and control the kite before it smacks into the ground. True, the Revs are exceptionally good at side-slides, and the "speed" series can rocket from one side of the window to the other, but again, I think learning to fly a more stable kite beats the frustration of learning to fly Revs by yourself.

Thirdly, Spirit Quads are a lot cheaper than Revs, and after a person learns to enjoy the control of a quad kite, they can always get a Rev (or two or three) later.

Fourth, if you want to make your own, search the web for the plans to the "Tirips" quad kite (Spirit spelled backwards.) I think those plans are still available, somewhere.

By the way, you can delete that other post yourself. Along the lower right edge of the text area there is a "Delete" button, avaliable only to the original poster, and only until somebody else adds a post to the thread. Click on that, answer "Yes" and Voila!

[monkey]

Heh, Dorsal, you make it seem like its the worst version of the Spanish Inquisition to learn how to fly a Rev, though I do agree, the Spirit is easier to learn on initially, and if alone. If you can manage to get someone to show you the basics, you can have a Rev in the air in 15 minutes too.

And, when you get a Spirit down you can move up to a Rev...(kidding, really, i promise!)

I like them both, but, I happen to prefer Revs with Spirits being a close second.

[Penny Lingenfelter]

If you can manage to get someone to show you the basics, you can have a Rev in the air in 15 minutes too.

Aww come on 5 minutes with a 3 minute lesson.

BB Penny

[monkey]

Aww come on 5 minutes with a 3 minute lesson.

Ok, I was being really generous with the time needed...

[Dorsal]

I don't doubt a person can get a Rev into the air within minutes, but after it's landed FLAT, whether on its face or on its back, they are a disappointing lot of frustration to relaunch by oneself, until you learn the tricks.

Now, if you are offering to donate your time to meet with Em and help relaunch the kite every time it falls over - or offering to take the walks for Em to/from the kite to set it up for the next flight, I still say the Spirits are FAR easier for a person to learn to fly quads by themselves.

You see, I noticed the original post included the phrase

to learn to fly on your own

By the way Em, I had a Hypnotic Quad, and gave it away. I think the person I gave it to gave it away themselves. They are very touchy to fly, and I would definitely NOT suggest you get one to learn with, unless you want to get so frustrated you'll swear off quads forever.

[monkey]

Well, if he can pop over to Berck next week, I'd be happy to! (You'll notice I also suggested "if alone...)

[windofchange]

If your ever in Vegas you could score a couple free lessons from me as well....not to mention the ability to fly several different styles of Rev's (got a huge demo bag full of every model Rev).

It is sooo very hard to pass up an opportunity to go to the park and fly.