Nige I too have a Beamer 3.6 which was my first 'big' kite :-) As you did my first session was in winds that were a little too strong for my exp level, size etc: but still great fun. As you comment, it is far better to practice with any new kite in winds that are near the bottom of the range for the particular kite in question. I totally agree with with the point you make about the brake settings being key, far more so than with other kites that I have flown: get these right and you will have a lot of fun, get them wromg and major frustration will set in :-( for the money this is a good beginners kite at a sensible size: especially now that the Beamer II has supplanted it, you should be able to get one at a bargain price. Just bear in mind that at the end of the day this is a budget kite so the build quality, although good for the price, will be exceeded in other kites - 2you gets what you pay for" (in almost all cases). Hope you enjoy the CF 3.2 let us know how you get on with it.