Stunt kite or foil?
Discussion
Hi Ari, I have a Mullins Bugbomb stunt kite and an old 4 line 5 metre flexifoil (viper).
Of the two, the stunt kite is more fun as there are more opportunities to fly it. The Flexifoil is a monster and will easily get me airborne and I'm a hefty 15st, but it will put a smile on your face. Exercise caution with the larger foils.
Flexifoil do one called a stacker that starts at 6 foot wide which should be a good start. So named because you can add on others to increase power.
If you go down the 4 line route, maybe also look into a control bar as it might be a bit less stress on the arms. Also look to fly in lower wind speeds than you would the stunt kites for obvious reasons.
Either that or a stunt kite with thicker spars. These will generate more drag.
http://www.flexifoil.com/uk/products/
Of the two, the stunt kite is more fun as there are more opportunities to fly it. The Flexifoil is a monster and will easily get me airborne and I'm a hefty 15st, but it will put a smile on your face. Exercise caution with the larger foils.
Flexifoil do one called a stacker that starts at 6 foot wide which should be a good start. So named because you can add on others to increase power.
If you go down the 4 line route, maybe also look into a control bar as it might be a bit less stress on the arms. Also look to fly in lower wind speeds than you would the stunt kites for obvious reasons.
Either that or a stunt kite with thicker spars. These will generate more drag.
http://www.flexifoil.com/uk/products/
If your into your stunt kites, why not stay with them?
I have a foil, only 3.6m, and its good fun. But I quite like the buzzing sound of stunt kites in a good wind!
If you do get a foil however, a BIIIIG open field is a must. That and somewhere with a cleaner wind rather than gusts. I used to hate getting it all under control and settled, then out of the blue a gust hits!
I have a foil, only 3.6m, and its good fun. But I quite like the buzzing sound of stunt kites in a good wind!
If you do get a foil however, a BIIIIG open field is a must. That and somewhere with a cleaner wind rather than gusts. I used to hate getting it all under control and settled, then out of the blue a gust hits!
Ive been using kites for bugying/landboarding/surfing the lot for years now. I started off on flexifoil's with the a little skytiger then the famous 'blade series' superb bits of kit, well made although vicious. Got BIG loftings off my blade 2 7.8m when I really didn't want them. Great lightwind landboarding kite.
My advice is get something about a 3.0m foil, by flexifoil or ozone ( expensive but quality), nothing too lifty, nice low aspect ratio and with 4 lines on handles. You'll become addicted and have found a new sport.
My biggest tip is avoid buying brand new, there is a huge 2nd hand kite market, almost all of my gear is second hand... kites depreciate big time... I've got 3 surf kites which rrp were all around £800 new, got them all for under £1000 (combined), I buy ex demo stuff usually.
It's a superb but very dangerous sport to get into, join a club, get some insurance and learn to read the weather like a seasoned seadog.
My advice is get something about a 3.0m foil, by flexifoil or ozone ( expensive but quality), nothing too lifty, nice low aspect ratio and with 4 lines on handles. You'll become addicted and have found a new sport.
My biggest tip is avoid buying brand new, there is a huge 2nd hand kite market, almost all of my gear is second hand... kites depreciate big time... I've got 3 surf kites which rrp were all around £800 new, got them all for under £1000 (combined), I buy ex demo stuff usually.
It's a superb but very dangerous sport to get into, join a club, get some insurance and learn to read the weather like a seasoned seadog.
I used to be big into Powerkites, I still have a Blade 2.6m and 4.9m, I want to get back into the sport as it really is full of adrenaline, I wish I didn't sell my Peter Lynn comp buggy, Need to find a 2nd hand one to replace it I think!!
You really can't beat blasting down Pendine sands back in the day at 60mph, bending wheel bolts every single run!!
You really can't beat blasting down Pendine sands back in the day at 60mph, bending wheel bolts every single run!!
itsnotarace said:
Quite fancy one of these http://www.kiteworld.co.uk/acatalog/Revolution-Kit...
+1The Revolution kites cost a bloody fortune but you'll never look back!
Jakdaw said:
+1
The Revolution kites cost a bloody fortune but you'll never look back!
Very good Kites, I have an Revolution EXP, loads of fun (you can also fly this easily by yourself due to it's design where as the foil can be a pain sometimes to get off the ground by yourself). The Revolution kites cost a bloody fortune but you'll never look back!
I also have an 8' Flexfoil for those strong windy days.
I love my foils. I have a small 3.3 meter Flexifoil that is great fun. It can produce huge amounts of power and can lift me off the ground which is saying something as I am 6ft 2inches tall and weigh over 16 stone. I managed to shoe surf along the beach last week for nearly 400 meters before my arms gave out 
Great fun
When I am feeling brave I break out the five meter beastie but this thing can catch you out if you are not careful. A recently knackered knee from a week ago in Watergate Bay in Cornwall was testament to that. Great kiting location by the way
Great funWhen I am feeling brave I break out the five meter beastie but this thing can catch you out if you are not careful. A recently knackered knee from a week ago in Watergate Bay in Cornwall was testament to that. Great kiting location by the way
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