HQ Beamer 3.6M

(Fresh kite to soggy lettuce in 18 months)

I've had a Beamer 3.6 for about 18 months now and would like to share some of my judgements about it particularly as it has been one of the most flown kites in the bag.

For the purposes of this review I am going to concentrate on the traction ability of the Beamer. Why?, well frankly, for me the Beamer is not an exciting kite to static fly. Let me explain. This judgement is with the consideration of the other kites in my bag (Firebees and Blades). Sure, the Beamer pulls and can be moved around the window and remains very stable, BUT there is no significant increase in power when the kite is moving, there is no useable lift, it does not turn particularly quickly on the brakes and it's not going to break any speed records. If I'm going to static fly, I want dynamic pull, responsive turning, fast speeds and power surges (Firebee) or obscene amounts of lift (Blade), I don't want something that just... well... pulls.

Landboarding.
I landboard inland and are prone to sporadic wind (I think it's because I eat too much bread, although it might be an age thing), the weather conditions where I fly are also gusty and changeable. Landboarding with a Firebee is treacherous, landboarding with a Blade is... adrenaline inducing... fast and furious and not entirely on the land (more airboarding really). Landboarding with the Beamer is a predictable, low stress ride, it's chilled out cruising. You feel you could almost use it as an alternative mode of transport if the roads were a bit wider. For this reason it is perfect for honing your basic landboard skills. A steady wind in the 10 to 15mph range is ideal for learning to board in both directions for example.

With the Blade, once you start moving on the board, there is a surge of power as the turbo (apparent wind) kicks in and the kite becomes more stable. With the Beamer, it's a bit like a speed restricted moped, there is no turbo. There is no real difference in the kite's behaviour whether you're bombing along or stationary. One thing to be aware of though is if the wind is varying by more than 10mph. On the Blade, the apparent wind can lessen the effects of the lulls. On the Beamer, when the wind lulls, the kite falters immediately, just like a misfiring cylinder or running out of petrol. When you are going at 20mph and the kite falters, you overtake it in an instant and it is behind you. It's usually in this compromising position that the wind picks up again.

So, in summary, a great kite for a cheap introduction to traction and good for when you want to take it easy and build your confidence again after the injury sustained the previous week. It's predictable in that its static and dynamic behaviour are almost identical (but beware of very gusty wind). This predictability is good but it's also why you will need to get something else for when you want to progress onwards and... upwards.

How is the kite wearing after 18 months use?
All crispiness has gone (think lettuce left at the bottom of the fridge for a week) and the trailing edge is fraying in places. Although this is probably due to countless walks of shame in the early days, dragging the kite behind. Bridle and lines are still fine. The kite still flies the same as it ever did. The bag has not faired so well. I've re-stitched the shoulder straps several times and threads are hanging from it in various places but it comfortably holds the now soggy lettuce of a kite. (Apparently the Beamer II bag is better).

Would I buy another one when this one is completely knackered? For land traction, most certainly.

By : Cappaqyck