sam_darke
-
Posts
13 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Blogs
Events
Getting Started
Bug Tracker
Records
MadWayTracker
Links Directory
Reviews
Store
Downloads
Everything posted by sam_darke
-
I bought the Blade III 4.9 recently and have flown it; or rather it has flown me in winds ranging from 8-18mph. NICE RUCKSACK! And thankfully the kite is pretty awesome aswell! The quality of the whole package is just FLEXIFOIL: perfect, even the rucksack is better than most, a bit of a sqeeze sometimes but other than being slightly too small for all your stuff, it's a nice touch. I've only used the 4.9 recreationally so far, chosing to get used to it first over the course of a month or so until attempting Landboards... will post further review when purshased board. First flight was hairy to say the least... Launched right up the center of the window in about 15mph and was pulled into air quite swiftly, once landed; which was surprisingly controlled for me, I had been pulled, dragged, lifted, etc a good 30+ meters (I'm 11 stone). I was weak at the knees, I have never until then flown a power kite so powerful! Once I had recovered from the initial flight.. which took a while, I began learning just what makes the blade tick. This is a work of flying ART, a traction REFERENCE! I can see/feel why the Blades are so acclaimed, Flexifoil have really made something special. The Blade III 4.9 is surprisingly controllable, it feeds you info, it is easy to interact with the kite and understand it. Explosive, Up-rooting power is well on tap when required, and handling is agile, almost crisp but always smooth and predictable in a traction kite way, if that makes sense! Even so there is a large area for improvement on MY BEHALF and many years of awesome power kiting adrenaliine, fear and learning with me and the 4.9 are to follow! I want that Board now!......... By : Sam Darke
-
I agree with the 5+ recommendation. I can't fly mine in any less, however even in 7-10 I've never had trouble with luffing, and especially not in higher winds. It's 18mph today in Norfolk so I'm off this afternoon for some quality time with my B3 4.9! Happy flying!
-
Jumping definately, you can scud with a bin liner plus it gets a bit boring, jumping is awesome, but my landings are not!
-
Says it all really! Blades Rule!
-
I was going to get a viper a while ago but was advised against it for jumping as it does not have much upward lift. I'm sure you could still jump with your V5.0 but you just won't get as much height. I agree that the art of jumping comes with practise and experimentation. There are many ways to set your kite up in relation to the wind window for jumping so just experiment. I find that taking the kite along the bottom of the window(if you can hold it!) whilst scudding/slipping/pi--ing over) and then pulling it up through the center of the window to the top works well for me and my blades. GIve a little jump off the ground and if you've got the angle (kite close to the top of the window) and the timing right; you'll just fly off up into the air,....... with a huge smile on your face(mixed with a concerened "how do I land this one" look!) Good luck for your first jump!
-
I've got a massive field with three local schools situated around it, hence it is huge but also slightly flood lit in the dark as there's always light coming from the schools. I use an LED headtorch to set up and then I'm away, but flying in a full moon is still near essential. SO....I bought a lunarama callender aswell!(Shows moon size throughout the year) Having said that night flight is always risky, especially on your first flight..............so go for it!
-
I like wind aswell! GO to http://www.xcweather.co.uk a UK wind map!
-
I've read many reviews aswell and it sounds to me like the B2 was a bit of a classic!?! I certainly didn't read any bad reviews on the B2. And it also sounds like the blade 3 is virtually an all round improvement. I've never flown a B2 but I have two Blade 3s and I KNOW they are an awesome kite. They do turn fast (the 10.5 does better than most 3/4 it's size!) you just need to practise flying them, get to know them, buy one!FLY ONE .
-
Is it true that boards with channel trucks are often faster than boards with skate trucks? My retailer said they are more stable than skate trucks but do they really contribute extra speed???
-
I'm planning to make/assemble one aswell! Boards are quite expensive and I want to see, out of interest, if I can assemble parts that are better quality than my scrubs for a lot less. I suppose you save a bit from assembly and transporting (an assembled board) costs, but most of it will be saved from not paying for a "Name", or the Decors, Advertising, etc on a Commercially purchased board.
-
I've got a B3 4.9 and it's fantastic, I was going to get a 4m but the 4.9........well it's bigger! I love it, so much I bought an even bigger one for really light winds, the 4.9 is great for 10mph upwards, otherwise the 10.5 is awesome for anything lower.
-
I'd like to read some power/traction kite mags, but can not find them anywhere! Where do you get this type of mag from? Smiths, Jarrolds, I've looked in all the good mag shops and nothing! Also what sort of titles should I be looking for? What are the good ones? I'm particularly interested in recreational, fooling around with Blades and Landboarding.
-
I've used my B3 4.9 with a guys landboard at my local flying field, It was my first time with a board and it was awesome! Speed was great and I certainly wasn't expecting such acceleration, plant it in the center of the window and it's like having an afterburner, only pulling you. Awesome! I've bought my own board since then........I love it.
