Rhombus Firebee

I received my first kite (the Bee) after looking at other reviews on this site. Not knowing any different I was quite happy with the quality of the kite for the price I paid. Being new to kiteing and having no other flyers to ask advise from I thought the quality in relation to vaue was ok. After all, all I wanted was a cheap kite to give me a taster into the world of traction kiteing.

I felt the instructions were a litlle weak but just enough to go on. My first day out I had an absoloute nightmare and a lot of my initial experiences come down to the fact that I had no one to point me on the right path.

Winds were a bit light but after sorting my flying lines out I managed to launch the kite with the aid of a very uninterested wife and children.

Second foray was a little better, higher winds and loads of drag or as I now know it, scudding. A few major spins and crashes which after some major help using hand signals the wife finnaly sorted out. Eventually I got the hang of the Bee and I now agree with a few comments on various forums that I think the Bee is a good first kite.

As a complete novice it is unforgiving and I found that after digging in there and experimenting you will eventualy become the boss. I have recently bought myself a landboard and I have foud that even in moderate winds the kite can easily cope with my 95kg.

The kite has loads of pulling power and is easily capable of stinging you if you arent careful. I found that my (Rhombus) supplied lines stretched a great deal after a while and for a couple of sesssions I had a hard time keeping it in the air. After shortning the flying linesba bit it flew better than ever.

The bee dosent like gusty winds. It can be unpedictable at best. However, I think my education on the Bee has stood me in good stead to progress onto bigger more powerful kites ( and unfortnately more expensive) and I would recommend it as an intro to traction kiteing to anyone on a limited bidget or those who arent sure about getting into kiteing.

By : James Lyons