Sky Kites Predator 3

When I started Buggying about 8 years ago, I looked around to see what was winning 'what' on the Buggy scene. I realised that Predator stood out from all the others as the winning kites.

After trying a few out and convincing myself that they were right for me, I took myself off to Sky Kites and ordered a complete set, seven kites in all ranging from 2 to 8 metres.

For 4 to 5 years I used & enjoyed them, learning all the skills needed for Buggying & showing off on the beach ...........

You know the kind of thing ............. 2 wheels, no hands, backwards, 360's & upwind turns, if you've ever been round a race course 'upwind turns' are a must.

Then the mk 2 came along, they were more powerful & had a new shape; cut back at an angle on the ends. Better upwind but were only made up to 4 metres, so I stayed with the mk 1 range.

About a year later the mk 3's arrived, with their new elliptical shape they were quicker through the air with a lot more power & even better upwind than the mk 2's but still maintained build quality.

Feeling ready for a change I ordered a set of mk 3's, this time there were ten kites to the set but they were comprised of a much better size range for the racing circuit.

In my eyes the Predator mk 3 is an out & out racing kite in experienced hands, in inexperienced hands they can fly off the edge of the window causing them to collapse, but the design that allows this is what gives them their superior upwind power. They can be unstable in high winds when trying to land them (but what isn't?).

Remember: - the faster the wind, the faster you walk forward while pulling the brakes in to land.

To get the best out of a Predator you have to 'work it', once you're up to speed (30 - 40 mph), just trim it on the brakes ....... IT WORKS FOR ME.

My top speed to date is 59 mph; watching on were some fellow Buggiers as the intention was to break 60 mph .......... sadly this was not to be.

Wind: - a gusty 28 - 34 South Easterly

Kite: - Predator mk 3 1.6 mtr

Beach: - Camber as flat & hard as I've ever seen it.

Buggy: - Libre full race

PREDATOR HAVE THE POWER; LIBRE BUGGIES HAVE THE STABILITY ............. and I'm not about to change.

Graham P ....... K234

N.B. Sky Kites no longer trade but there is a thriving second hand market out there.

By : graham