Help with my next kite purchase?

[macktheknife]

Hi all, just returned from a weekend at the beach were I picked up a
little "Spider" beginner kite. 1st time I've flown a kite since I was
10, back in the days of paper & bulsa wood. Crash once and go home.
I'm totally addicted. These things are a real kick in the ass.
Anyway, I'd like to get a little better kite and learn something
besides loops and figure 8's.

I was looking at http://www.windpowersports.com/kites/stunt/ and
thinking that the prism 3D would be a good choice for
learning/practicing in my back yard. There are lots of trees and they
form a natural wind break, so it needs to be a low wind kite.

I also want a larger kite for taking down to the beach. There are 2
catagories "Freestyle stunt" and "Ballet Stunt" I don't have any idea
what the difference is. The Prism E2, Hypnotist, sound like 2 good
choices in the freestyle catagory, the Newtech techno and the HQ
salsa are both in my price range in the ballet catagory. I would like
to learn the stunts that they are doing in the video section.
http://www.windpowersports.com/guides/kite-video.html. Can any of you
offer up some advice and help with my choice. Pro's con's etc.

Thanks

[jelv]

Post by macktheknife
I was looking at http://www.windpowersports.com/kites/stunt/ and
thinking that the prism 3D would be a good choice for
learning/practicing in my back yard. There are lots of trees and they
form a natural wind break, so it needs to be a low wind kite.

Trees reduce the apparent strength of the wind by disrupting the air
flow and creating a lot of turbulance. The general rule is that you need
to be 10 times the height of the obstruction away. Flying closer than
that can be 'interesting'.

[Nert]

Post by jelv

I was looking at http://www.windpowersports.com/kites/stunt/and
thinking that the prism 3D would be a good choice for
learning/practicing in my back yard. There are lots of trees and they
form a natural wind break, so it needs to be a low wind kite.

Trees reduce the apparent strength of the wind by disrupting the air
flow and creating a lot of turbulance. The general rule is that you need
to be 10 times the height of the obstruction away. Flying closer than
that can be 'interesting'.
--
jelv

I'm not sure how far away from the trees you'll be flying, but based
off of my experience, the turbulance is going to be a serious problem
learning to fly tricks - you'll experience buffeting of the sail,
which in turn gives "chaotic" feedback through your kite lines. Your
best bet really is to find a nice open field to fly. I own an E2,
which I purchased about 2 months ago, and it came with an
instructional DVD showing several different tricks (I think they may
even still have this as part of the E2 package). Of course, for me,
the DVD has so many tricks that I couldn't remember any of them when I
finally took the E2 out on it's maiden flight :) Personally I don't
think the E2 is what you would call a "low wind" kite- but then again,
I'm not into these 3D flyers as much as precision and power kites.
Good luck and tight lines,

Nert

[Nert]

Post by Nert

Post by jelv

I was looking at http://www.windpowersports.com/kites/stunt/and
thinking that the prism 3D would be a good choice for
learning/practicing in my back yard. There are lots of trees and they
form a natural wind break, so it needs to be a low wind kite.

Trees reduce the apparent strength of the wind by disrupting the air
flow and creating a lot of turbulance. The general rule is that you need
to be 10 times the height of the obstruction away. Flying closer than
that can be 'interesting'.
--
jelv

I'm not sure how far away from the trees you'll be flying, but based
off of my experience, the turbulance is going to be a serious problem
learning to fly tricks - you'll experience buffeting of the sail,
which in turn gives "chaotic" feedback through your kite lines. Your
best bet really is to find a nice open field to fly. I own an E2,
which I purchased about 2 months ago, and it came with an
instructional DVD showing several different tricks (I think they may
even still have this as part of the E2 package). Of course, for me,
the DVD has so many tricks that I couldn't remember any of them when I
finally took the E2 out on it's maiden flight :) Personally I don't
think the E2 is what you would call a "low wind" kite- but then again,
I'm not into these 3D flyers as much as precision and power kites.
Good luck and tight lines,
Nert

Sorry, you would think that I actually *comprehended" what you
wrote :)

Haven't flown the Prism3D. E2 is a fine kite - but I believe it
requires somewhat steady wind (again, I'm not much into freestyle
flying).
Flying in turbulent wind is *not* fun.

[Kitekrazy]

A couple of comments if I may,
The Prism 3d is a small indoor/very light wind kite. Personally I didn't
get on with this kite, there are better available. (yes, I expect flames
for this comment!).
From the other comments you will see that being under the trees only
disrupt the wind and make it rather uneven, not very good at all for
kite flying, and added to the fact that you accept you are learning I
would not recommend this approach. May I suggest you find the local
sports field or something alike to play in. A large open area thats a
couple of acres minimum
For Freestyle read tricks, and Ballet read precision. tricks mean redial
flying doing all the things no-one expects a kite to do! great fun.
Precision is down to sharp corners and very level and straight flying,
control freak stuff. I love ballet, where you fly to music and do
graceful maneuvers and wow the crowds at festivals (show off that I am!).
I have ended up with both sorts of kites just to enjoy both sides of the
game, so expect to spend some money!!
Welcome to the fun.
Peter.

Post by macktheknife
Hi all, just returned from a weekend at the beach were I picked up a
little "Spider" beginner kite. 1st time I've flown a kite since I was
10, back in the days of paper & bulsa wood. Crash once and go home.
I'm totally addicted. These things are a real kick in the ass.
Anyway, I'd like to get a little better kite and learn something
besides loops and figure 8's.
I was looking at http://www.windpowersports.com/kites/stunt/ and
thinking that the prism 3D would be a good choice for
learning/practicing in my back yard. There are lots of trees and they
form a natural wind break, so it needs to be a low wind kite.
I also want a larger kite for taking down to the beach. There are 2
catagories "Freestyle stunt" and "Ballet Stunt" I don't have any idea
what the difference is. The Prism E2, Hypnotist, sound like 2 good
choices in the freestyle catagory, the Newtech techno and the HQ
salsa are both in my price range in the ballet catagory. I would like
to learn the stunts that they are doing in the video section.
http://www.windpowersports.com/guides/kite-video.html. Can any of you
offer up some advice and help with my choice. Pro's con's etc.
Thanks

[jelv]

Post by Kitekrazy
For Freestyle read tricks, and Ballet read precision. tricks mean redial
flying doing all the things no-one expects a kite to do! great fun.
Precision is down to sharp corners and very level and straight flying,
control freak stuff. I love ballet, where you fly to music and do
graceful maneuvers and wow the crowds at festivals (show off that I am!).

Ballet doesn't get much better than this:

[Yippee]

Post by jelv
http://youtu.be/SV6ScA9rc1E

Now *that* is pure art. Amazing.

[Wladyslaw Wojciechowski]

Post by Yippee

Post by jelv
http://youtu.be/SV6ScA9rc1E

Now *that* is pure art. Amazing.

Two years ago I thought: 'You're too old for this' (I'm 54 now). Seeing
Ray Bathell's stunts I think there's a long long way before me.
Kind regards to all kite fliers!
Steady winds!
Wlady :)

[Kitekrazy]

Post by Wladyslaw Wojciechowski

Post by Yippee

Post by jelv
http://youtu.be/SV6ScA9rc1E

Now *that* is pure art. Amazing.

Two years ago I thought: 'You're too old for this' (I'm 54 now). Seeing
Ray Bathell's stunts I think there's a long long way before me.
Kind regards to all kite fliers!
Steady winds!
Wlady :)

When you consider Ray is stone deaf he does some wonderful ballet!!

It wouldn't hurt so much if I didn't know him, an absolutely wonderful
guy, a true ambassador of the sport. I was happy to donate to his seat
on the park.

Keep up the good work Ray, you are an inspiration to wally's like me.

P.S. he uses English kites specially made for him.

P.

[macktheknife]

Post by Wladyslaw Wojciechowski

Post by Yippee

Post by jelv
http://youtu.be/SV6ScA9rc1E

Now *that* is pure art. Amazing.

Two years ago I thought: 'You're too old for this' (I'm 54 now). Seeing
Ray Bathell's stunts I think there's a long long way before me.
Kind regards to all kite fliers!
Steady winds!
Wlady :)

Hi Wlady, I'm 54 this month also. I bought my kite's for a birthday present
to myself hehe, Happy Birthday to me :).


Lets have a toast to all 54 year old kite flyer's, the long way before us,
and the pleasure we have getting there!

Tom

[Wladyslaw Wojciechowski]

Post by macktheknife

Post by Wladyslaw Wojciechowski

Post by Yippee

Post by jelv
http://youtu.be/SV6ScA9rc1E

Now *that* is pure art. Amazing.

Two years ago I thought: 'You're too old for this' (I'm 54 now). Seeing
Ray Bathell's stunts I think there's a long long way before me.
Kind regards to all kite fliers!
Steady winds!
Wlady :)

Hi Wlady, I'm 54 this month also. I bought my kite's for a birthday present
to myself hehe, Happy Birthday to me :).
Lets have a toast to all 54 year old kite flyer's, the long way before us,
and the pleasure we have getting there!
Tom

You're right! A toast to all of them!
Wlady :))

[JW]

Yep, damn good skills, 1 man 3 kites..:
Saw him it live last weekend & it was as good as ever!

J

Post by jelv
http://youtu.be/SV6ScA9rc1E

[fungus]

Post by Kitekrazy
A couple of comments if I may,
The Prism 3d is a small indoor/very light wind kite. Personally I didn't
get on with this kite, there are better available. (yes, I expect flames
for this comment!).

I've got a Prism 3D. I haven't tried it indoors(yet)
but I love it in very light winds. I also like it
being small enough to carry around without
poking people's eyes out.

What would you say was a better kite....?


--
<\___/>
/ O O \
\_____/ FTB. Remove my socks for email address.

[Kitekrazy]

Post by fungus

Post by Kitekrazy
A couple of comments if I may,
The Prism 3d is a small indoor/very light wind kite. Personally I didn't
get on with this kite, there are better available. (yes, I expect flames
for this comment!).

I've got a Prism 3D. I haven't tried it indoors(yet)
but I love it in very light winds. I also like it
being small enough to carry around without
poking people's eyes out.
What would you say was a better kite....?
--
<\___/>
/ O O \
\_____/ FTB. Remove my socks for email address.

I've flown a friends Inner Space, very nice, would like to have one of
those! but what do I know!!!
enjoy your flying, P.

[kitekrazy]

Post by fungus

Post by Kitekrazy
A couple of comments if I may,
The Prism 3d is a small indoor/very light wind kite. Personally I didn't
get on with this kite, there are better available. (yes, I expect flames
for this comment!).

I've got a Prism 3D. I haven't tried it indoors(yet)
but I love it in very light winds. I also like it
being small enough to carry around without
poking people's eyes out.
What would you say was a better kite....?

Skyburner Nik Nak

Does Prism still make the Flashlight?

The 3D is OK outdoors but not as great indoors.

[kitekrazy]

Post by Kitekrazy
A couple of comments if I may,
The Prism 3d is a small indoor/very light wind kite. Personally I didn't
get on with this kite, there are better available. (yes, I expect flames
for this comment!).

Gotta agree with you there. I don't like it at all for indoors.

Post by Kitekrazy
From the other comments you will see that being under the trees only
disrupt the wind and make it rather uneven, not very good at all for
kite flying, and added to the fact that you accept you are learning I
would not recommend this approach. May I suggest you find the local
sports field or something alike to play in. A large open area thats a
couple of acres minimum
For Freestyle read tricks, and Ballet read precision. tricks mean redial
flying doing all the things no-one expects a kite to do! great fun.
Precision is down to sharp corners and very level and straight flying,
control freak stuff. I love ballet, where you fly to music and do
graceful maneuvers and wow the crowds at festivals (show off that I am!).
I have ended up with both sorts of kites just to enjoy both sides of the
game, so expect to spend some money!!
Welcome to the fun.
Peter.

Post by macktheknife
Hi all, just returned from a weekend at the beach were I picked up a
little "Spider" beginner kite. 1st time I've flown a kite since I was
10, back in the days of paper & bulsa wood. Crash once and go home.
I'm totally addicted. These things are a real kick in the ass. Anyway,
I'd like to get a little better kite and learn something besides loops
and figure 8's.
I was looking at http://www.windpowersports.com/kites/stunt/ and
thinking that the prism 3D would be a good choice for
learning/practicing in my back yard. There are lots of trees and they
form a natural wind break, so it needs to be a low wind kite.
I also want a larger kite for taking down to the beach. There are 2
catagories "Freestyle stunt" and "Ballet Stunt" I don't have any idea
what the difference is. The Prism E2, Hypnotist, sound like 2 good
choices in the freestyle catagory, the Newtech techno and the HQ salsa
are both in my price range in the ballet catagory. I would like to
learn the stunts that they are doing in the video section.
http://www.windpowersports.com/guides/kite-video.html. Can any of you
offer up some advice and help with my choice. Pro's con's etc.
Thanks