?? Blade 3 ??

[B-Roc1599968665]

Can I get some opinions on the Blade 3. I weigh about 68kg and the winds here are normally in the 6-16 kph range.

 

I have been dual line kiting for 10+ years but just started kite skiing this year. The lesson I took was on a 10m Frenzy and I found that very manageable.

 

I'm now considering a Frenzy or a 8.5m Blade III. I am viewing it as good in between kite as opposed to obtaining both a 7m and 10m kite this year.

 

I have been told the Blade series has considerably more lift then the frenzy and being that the world of traction is new to me, this is a concern.

 

Given my weight and wind conditions, is the 8.5m a good choice? Any other thoughts? I would like to use whatever kite I wind up with first to kiteboard as well on grass in the summer.

 

Thanks!

[Tonster]

First thing to say is that a 10m Frenzy and 8.5m Blade III are completely different beasts.

 

The Frenzy is depowerable and as such is more comparable to a 4m to 6.6m Blade III. The 8.5m Blade is a low wind kite and as such you probably wouldn't get as much use out of it.

 

I have owned a 4.9m Blade III and a 9.5m 03 Frenzy and my personal preference would be to go towards the Frenzy as they are much more user friendly. You can relax a little more with them and due to the depowerability the Frenzy covers a much larger wind range. The new Frenzy is reported to be one of the best kites on the market at the moment as they have ironed out a lot of the problems found with the earlier models.

I would say that if you got on well with the 10m Frenzy then go with that as if you get a Blade of that size you will spend a lot of time with the kite in the bag.

 

Also if you get the Frenzy first then later on if you find you need a kite for those lower wind days then you could consider getting an 8.5m Blade III to cover this. But the Frenzy should fly in anything above 6 or 7mph.

[Neptune]

Blade3 8.5 is a good snow kite. I am just back today from a full session on a frozen lake here in Finland. (Hi to everyone who was at Lahti today for the KiteSki 2005 - especially Joe and Adele!)

 

For the winds that you state it is the perfect size. I weigh 70kg and was using my 8.5 today in the same winds as you report. You do get a lot of lift from a Blade3, which is great for jumping. As was said though, the Frenzy is depowerable, which gives it a wider wind range and more user friendly habits. I think it is a little more expensive than the Blade. If you can, try both out and see which one suits you more.

 

PM me if you want to know anything specific.

 

Best of luck and good winds to all.

 

Mark

[Joe Cool]

Hi Brian O,

 

Both kites are great, as Neptune said 'you'll be rocking on the 8.5'!!! Perfect for your body weight. The Frenzy is very pricy compared to the Blade 111's.

 

Cheers

Joe

[kahis]

Blade3 8.5 is a good snow kite. I am just back today from a full session on a frozen lake here in Finland. (Hi to everyone who was at Lahti today for the KiteSki 2005 - especially Joe and Adele!)

 

KiteSki -05 was my first kite meet, and it was great fun!

 

Are you the person who still cruised at dusk with a large Blade3, long after most kiters left for the sauna? If so, I am the guy who glided back and forth under a large Viokite (mostly white foil). During the day, when the winds was stronger, I used a red Frenzy -05.

 

About 40 km in 4 hours, maximum speed 38.8 km/h. I can still feel it in my not-so-very-old bones:o

[Neptune]

Yes, that was me. Once I have started it is hard for me to quit! Haha

 

It was a great day - shame the wind was a little gusty and not form the ideal location for the lake but hey, can't have everything.

 

Glad you enjoyed your first meet.

[Frakke1599968664]

Hi Brian O, My vote goes with Tonster and Jo Cool. I dont have a Frenzy but do have 6.6m B3. Tried buggying in 16mph recently and spent more time airborne or doing footpeg stands than buggying ( I weigh close to 90 Kg). At the same time Spooky was out with this years 10m FRENZY on a board and had no worries and as he explained it was due to the depower capability. I finished up with a poxy 4.0m and he was still with his frenzy. Wish I had the money to start over I think I would have chosen differently with hind sight. Still the B3 has mega lift for static jumping. I will try it next month in Norway (I hope) other wise I will be renting a Frenzy or similar from the local shop in Trysil.

regards Frakke

[Neptune]

Buggying you don't want lift. BUt for kite skiing you want lift if you want to jump! That is why Blade3s are good for the sport!