markdillon

Thanks for the advice. Ive just gone an ordered an MBS core 8, I thought the core 16 looked a bit long for my liking. What attracts me to the MBS stuff is the scope for upgrading. Although I am a bit concerned about the rust factor, im sure if I clean it properly after use it should be OK.

I'm assuming channel trucks are a better option than skate trucks, is this the case? Channel definitley look more sturdy

Im just getting into Kite Landboarding and have got £200 (give or take a bit) to spend on my first board. I dont really want to spend it on a beginners board that I will grow out of as I wont have the money to upgrade that readily. Im looking for an all round board but one that will still allow me to do jumps. Ive been looking at flexifoil flexdeck and MBS core 16, im leaning slightly towards the core 16 because ive heard that the flexdeck can be a pain to go in a straight line. Any advise would be great, am i looking at the right boards?

Good choice of kite, I've had my Blade3 4.9 for 4 weeks now and had same great times with it. It really is true what they say about it biting thogh. I hurt myself badly last week due to being over confident with it. Take care.

You can add me to the list of injured BladeIII 4.9 owners. Here's my story........ I got mine 3 weeks ago. Having flown my Bullet 2.5 to death and hearing loads of recommendations about BladeIII, I started saving my hard earned cash. I pondered on a 4.9 or 6.6 and after much deliberation and advise from this forum I decided upon a 4.9. I have now taken it out about 10 times in light to fairly strong winds. I have been getting some fairly impressive jumps and long skids with minimal incidents (just the odd falling face first whilst skidding and being lightly dragged along the beach). After 3 weeks of flying it I now considered myself a bit of a pro with this Kite (Mistake number 1) and last night got home from work and went to Sea Palling beach (Norfolk). To my delight the wind was up and coming in off the sea, "Great" i thought, "Will get some really good jumps in this evening" and I did. Not sure how high i was going but it felt like about 6 foot or so (hard to judge yourself i find). After 15 minutes or so I needed a rest so put the brakes on and brought the kite down to rest right in the middle of the wind window (Mistake number 2). Now fully rested and with my confidence at an all time high I prepared myself for launch. I eased in the brake enough to get the Kite inflated and launched the kite (3rd and final mistake). What happened next seemed to occurr in slow motion. I had prepared myself to be dragged throught the sand about 20 feet, which is what has happened every time ive launched the kite up until now. What actually happened is a blur to me, but from the impressions I left in the sand I was able to peice together the following: The Kite dragged me for 2 meters at which point I left the ground; the distance I travelled through the air looked to be about 8-10 meters, maybe more. Half way through my flight I decided to release the handles (Not sure if this worstened my fait but at this time I was fearing for my life); I then descended rapidly and landed on my left side my head hit the ground just after my shoulder. For a few seconds I thought I had really damaged myself. The wind was knocked out of me and I have a bit of a stiff neck but am otherwise fine. I had heard all the warnings about the BladeIII 4.9 biting and at first I respected its power. My over confidence was my downfall. Lesson learned.

Thanks to all, Im pretty much decided on the 4.9 from the advise posted here. I like the idea of it being a bit more responsive. Now I just need to decide wether to go for handles are bar control. I am used to handles from my Bullet 2.5 and think they are great, but I fancy a go on bar control, this way i guess i can swap and change because i will have 2 sets of control gear. Is it worth paying the extra 40 quid for the bar, will I get much out of it? I have read elsewhere that handles are better for this kite

what's the best way to acheive good air when using a blade. Not used when yet but I assume you just bring the kite low and as you come across the window turn the kite up. I am only guessing, correct me if im wrong????

over 20 Stone, Jesus!! I didnt realise a 4.9 could lift so much. I will definitley not go bigger based on what youve said. I do intend to get a landboard at some stage (when I can afford it again) so it sounds like it will be perfect, plus in higher winds I can always drop down to my 2.5 bullet thanks for the advice

william, At the moment I fly in Norfolk (Sea Palling, Gorleston, Gt Yarmouth, Kesingland). I think i'm getting about 7mph, although i dont really know how to gauge what the wind speed is (I just read it off the weather forecast). A couple of weeks back it must have been twice that though on Sea Palling beach and I was scared to bring my 2.5 Bullet into the middle of the window, its was great fun though.

I might try Kellers, see if if they'll loan me a 4.9 for a try. I think that a 4.9 will be big enough for now. I guess its's capable of lifting a 13 stone guy off the ground?

I am relatively new to this (2 months). I currently own a Bullet 2.5 and have been flying it for about 6 weeks. I now yern for something bigger that will allow me to get some good jumps. I am lucky enough to have some spare cash set asdie for a new kite and ive been looking at the Blade III 4.9 because I have read it is perfect for lift and its a great all round kite. I want to be sure that this size will be good enough but I also am reluctanat to go bigger than 4.9 because I fear any bigger will be too much for me. Can anyone who has flown a Blade III 4.9 give me some advice on this. I wish I had the luxury of trying out a few before I buy. cheers (I weigh about 13 1/2 stone by the way)