Question about Trainer Kite? Help!
 

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?

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.

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.

HQ Rush 200 :D

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

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.

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.

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

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).

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:

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..

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

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!

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

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