superfly777

The 16 x 6.5 look to be just the same as the flexi ones, these are grooved. I think Flexi use Kenda rather than Deli but they are just the same anyhow having seen both. Std barrows fitted to flexi have cross pattern unlike Libre and Peter Lynn who use the ribbed tyres. The flexi tyres are more grippy on wet grass and also appear to be a bit more hardwearing?? Agree an extra wide tyre won't fit in std forks of libre or PL (apartt from XR)but note the tyre will actually come out slightly more narrow than 6.5" as its on a narrow hub, same as a Bigfoot light won't be same width as a proper bigfoot. Are you upgrading to wider tyres to use on soft sand? Just doing the rears will help to an extent but the front will still dig in the soft stuff especially when turning hard. HTH

Also is it not essential to run disks with some camber, have never seen a buggy on disks without and sure there is a reason beside looking cool ? Would have thought so and should be a consideration before you buy?

All the ones I have seen serve as a backrest rather than a roll hoop - they are far too low to do that. As you say also improve rigidity.

Urrrrm thinking about it for a second, NO...! With weight on the wheel the diameter will decrease slightly - how much will depend on tyre pressure and weight... Best method is mark a line on the tyre and do one or two revolutions sitting in it and measure the distance covered. In my opinion doesn't matter too much exactly how close it is calibrated but may as well do it as good as poss I guess. Speed is all relative - big buggy less sensation, big area the same; 25mph in a PL folder in a small field feels quickest I have ever been (top is 41mph in a flexi buggy and 2.2m Predator same field as Rob)

With the new big buggy on the way you will certainly need to go bigger especially for the Summer as it will take more power to get it moving!! If I were you I'd hunt down a 7.2 Blade I to complete your set!! I've recently got one and its excellent in light winds, bit slow to turn but I can live with that. Should be able to find one used complete with lines and handles between £200 and £250? Could also consider 6.4 or 7.8 Blade II for a bit more? If not the U-turn Oxigens do look great especially good value in the bigger sizes a 7.8 would extend your wind range a lot. The 7m Buster doesn't really cut it as a lightwind performer doesn't offer that much more low end than a 4.9 Blade. Equally firebees offer a lot of power and are good buggy kites when set up correctly and flown in good wind but the bigger sizes are a bit hampered by being made of fairly heavy fabric... Do you find a gap between the 3.3 and 4.9? Quite surprising thought when the 4.9 would be too much the 3.3 would certainly be working ok? To complete your set could look at getting a 2m Buster or similar for days like this week when the wind is howling and the 2.6 would be too much! Try and have a go with a few if you can before deciding if possible

Agree with Chris don't see how a very stable buggy designed for speed can also freestyle well, they just don't go together. Because of this all commercial buggies are a compromise to a point with bias either towards stability and speed - Libre Vmax, full race, Chameleon or towards tricking - Flexi, Peter Lynn, Parastorm Typhoon. Will be very interested to see your design.... Answers to Qs: 1. What sort of price range are you willing to pay?? Unless you are offering something very different to what is already available you will have to undercut the establised brands which may be difficult for a small outfit 2, what sort of warrenty do you want ??? ?? We would all like unlimited lifetime warranty but thats not really feasible is it? Guess 1 year is in line with everyone else? 3. Does it need to be foldable?? NO! Just able to be taken apart although if you can develop a system that works better than the PL folder may be interesting 4. how big or small do you want it. ??? Again as Chris this would depend on the buggies focus? Also must have made significant progress and a lot of understanding since your last post last month :

What do you plan to use it for; static rec flying?If so would agree to stick to the LD. Friend has recently bought a 1.5 Mirage for high wind buggying, thinking being quite square it should be more solid and a bit less twitchy than more modern kites like LD and small Buster, don't think he has flown it in big winds yet to test though. Its an old design looks similar to a Hi15 or 18 Skytiger both of which are very stable and excellent high wind buggy kites. Looked well made and flew quite quickly. Oh his came with VERY short lines, less than 15m I think so would be worth checking... As to what its worth; if complete and in good condition (bear in mind it could be pretty old although probably not had much use as its so small) they are quite expensive new £120, so £50-60? Could PM oc1rob on the forum and ask what he thinks of his and what he paid for it

Rob; are you out later to test?? Want to give it a go now I can fit in it LOL Chris; My God that is a lot of money what make tyres are they and size, 18 x 8.5 or 18 x 9.5? Did they make a mistake and put an extra 1 at the front?? Look just like the Kenda turf tyres, they are also 4 ply: http://www.flyinghigh.me.uk/Tyres.html

Info here: http://www.cobrakites.com/prospeed.html Actually more like a stacker with enclosed spar tips and made of Icarex.

Close but no cigar LOL

Current flexi buggy will take 6.5" front as will the PL XR buggy. Standard PL Comp, Folding and Race will only take std 4" barrow.

Thats true as I wrote earlier have been able to keep up with others flying the 2m when on the 1.4. I rarely keep it still when buggying as it just likes to be thrown about; but if held in one position in the window it does have quite a bit less power than the 2m.... I think there is enough difference to warrant having it though especially given the small price, the three small Busters make a good set of high wind kites.

I'd stick with the Buster for that size, I have flown all of the busters bar the 5.5 and own the 0.7, 1.4 and 2m for high wind buggying; the 1.4 is still my favourite (Had one of the first ones in the country just over a year ago). Used to be able to keep up ok with it when other people I buggy with were on 2m Busters just be working it like mad but was a lot more comfortable in the gusts! 1.4 Buster produces more power and so buggy speed than the 1.5 Bullet that a friend has but is a little bit slower through the air (useful in very high winds), Bullet in turn is a tad more power than the LD stunt. Plus the adjustable bridle is useful as you already know and if you stick with them you are closer to having the set!

I think someone on here bought that very buggy boat off Andy from Prokites, think there is only one in the country? As for water vs land, think if you're going on water may as well kitesurf, buggy boat looks a laugh to try but think it is a bit limited and would be a pain to transport

Becuase ££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££...! Plus I think ChrisB actually enjoys desiging and building them and can therefore build one to his own specification.

I thought so too but figured he had bought the old buggy off you that you had modded!! Did it work ok on a std buggy? Guess its not very expensive to make and looks pretty good too.....

Hey Joe, Anything less than retail would be a bonus!! If I could get switchgrips and nice lines included for the kite only price I would buy new - is that a little optimistic?! The one I saw used was £150 complete.

If you could keep your peepers peeled for me and if you see one come up or know of a friend for some reason no longer wants one they have drop me a PM or message here that would be great. Will start looking properly at the end of the month when I have been paid, if a bargain showed up could probably scrape by Thanks chaps

I know its like the Holy Grail but where is the cheapest place to buy an Airbow? Is there such a thing as a cheaper one or should I just accept to pay full whack? Only seen one used one ever and Oc1rob on the forum got that one! Any advice appreciated, looking for one complete with lines and switchgrip handles if anyone has one spare

Sounds like pilot error to me LOL

It was fast!! Imagine my surprise to be cruising across the field not working the kite to see Rob bearing down on me in the bike Wind on Saturday was average 15mph gusting 26 according to xcweather which is usually pretty good and only a few miles from our field. Think that most of the photos were taken when we were both using 2.8 Predators, Robs a mk3 mine a 2. When the wind was lower during the lulls and so we were less powered up and on the same tack it seemed Rob had a little more speed at times be it the kite, less resistance in the bike or skill?? However when it picked up I think the buggy was a lot quicker, although in time that may become closer... Later changed up to 3.4 Pred 3 for Rob and 4m Blade for me.

Yes flexi 2002 will take a wide wheel with std forks.

His website is here: http://www.flyinghigh.me.uk/ If thats any help

Urrrm, there is no washer at all?? Fork goes inside bushes and comes level with the top of the downtube, then a big stainless steel washer the full diameter of the stem and then bolt through - is it like that? I guess it must be or there is nothing to tighten it up to? If you do have that just tighten it up well and check the bushes as others have said.

Lol never seen a delta or Rev in a rucksack - this is the sports kite forum!! Agree with Duck, the bag with earlier flexi kites are rubbish - Stranger also comes in a crappy blue bag that just has a tied top - easy to lose bits out of if it comes undone.