Question about Trainer Kite? Help!

[jmatlack]

I was out in the bay in Dewey Beach Delaware watching kiteboarders all day, and now I'm hooked! Sounds like I should start out with a trainer kite and then later this summer move on to lessons.

Here's a trainer kite I'm looking to buy off of E-Bay:
"like new" 2004 Naish 1.3M Xeon 2-line trainer kite complete with kite, bar, lines, and bag. Hopefully spend about $50 on it.

I'm a 105 lb female with not a lot of upper body muscle! Is this the right kite for me?

[Optionryder420]

Any trainer from 2-3 meters is good to learn how powerful the kite will be and how to steer it.

1 meter is just good for learning how to steer the kite.

2-3 meters can still hurt.

[jmatlack]

So you think I should go up to a 2 meter (even though I weigh 105 lbs)? Any suggestions? I'm hoping to get something used or inexpensive.

[Skyway Scott]

HQ Rush 200 :D

[Optionryder420]

The one you have there looks fine... They almost all fly the same I believe...

[JoshTaylor]

i'd go for a 3 meter rather then a 2 meter, bit to fast, plus you'll have more fun with a 3 meter.

[robertovillate]

3m is much better for trainer kite size. The HQ 3.6 Beamer is my favorite.

It's a bit more expensive but worth it.

second choice BEST 2.8.

Anything smaller is a waste of money for simulating a big kite IMHO. The smaller kites are too fast and require too much wind.

be careful with any trainer kite. in gusty strong wind even a small kite can kick you butt.

good luck and be safe.

[Skyway Scott]

The beamer definitely rocks. I was basically factoring quality/price with the
HQ 200. You can get them for 100 or less, usually.

Side note about small foils ----

I buggied today for the first time on a 3m Ozone in 9 to 10 knots.
I couldn't believe how much fun it was. I will prolly soon get a 4m Blade (Flexi) and start buggying on the packed sand here. I heard we can go 2 times the windspeed on the hard sand with that kite in 11 knots. It was a blast :D
It was trickier than I thought it would be. I almost hit a truck (that would NOT have been good!!) :x

[tomstock]

Always wanted to try that. I have a best 3m trainer and it's great. Lots of pull... used it on a skateboard. Best is in FL so orders arrive next day, or you can get one locally for around $125 (email me for info).

[Skyway Scott]

I am leaving in about ten minutes to ride. If not windy enuff to waterboard, I am buggying again. Ordered my buggy yesterday (Peter Lynn). Should be cool :wink:
The most fun was when I ran over a blue crab going about 15 :lol:

[bryanleighty]

Dan's got a 4.8 cabrinah trainer.. got it about 2 years ago.. they were all over the place on ebay back then.. 50 bucks .. its more oval than C shaped. its a LOT slower than a typical 3m trainer.. does not zip around as much.. which i think makes for a better learning kite .. tho it is pretty damn big. wouldnt mind giving land boarding a try someday..

[tomstock]

Buggying in St. Augustine would be awesome... huge beaches with puddles and you can do it in on or offshore wind. Fun.

[jmatlack]

Thanks for the help. I think after hearing from you guys and talking to others I'm going to go with the Best 3 meter (2.8 really). I'm going to buy it through Kitemare (very helpful). I'm not local BTW - live in Philly, but will use it in Dewey Beach Delaware. Thanks though! Have a great summer!

[robertovillate]

OK, the BEST trainer is pretty good. It is a little less powerful than, and does not have a relaunch bridle and a few other bells & whistles like the HQ 3.6. If you are over 180 lbs you might still rethink it.

Say hello to Jeff at KITEMARE for me...and enjoy your kite

cheers

[jmatlack]

ha...I'm only 105 lbs. I don't want my arms to get ripped off. I think I'll go with the 3 meter BEST. If anyone's selling a used one, let me know. Or I'm just going to buy from Kitemare. Thanks!

[robertovillate]

ha...I'm only 105 lbs. I don't want my arms to get ripped off. I think I'll go with the 3 meter BEST. If anyone's selling a used one, let me know. Or I'm just going to buy from Kitemare. Thanks!

sounds like a good move