What is a good first all around kite

quenyaistar · Since 21 Oct 2011 416 Posts Cougar, WA Obsessed

I am a newby to the sport. I have ordered a HQ Hydra 3.5 trainer kite to practice my kite handling and share with friends. For my first real kite I want it to be able to handle land, water, and snow. HQ has two kites that do this, Matrix, and Neo; what are your opinions on these kites? Do you have a better suggestion?

Thanks!

MikeD

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Wats HQ? I would recommend getting a kite that one of your local shops sells that way you can go to them for advice when your stuff breaks. That being said, Slingshot RPM all the way!

wylieflyote · Sun Oct 23, 11 10:50 am

Agreed. Do not purchase an obscure brand of kite. Know the major labels like Ford, Chevy, & Toyota. My first kite was some POS that nobody on the beach had any idea of what I was struggling with. Local shop support is a must.

mystery curd · Since 14 Jun 2010 98 Posts Floating

Their trainer is fine but, buy a major popular brand for your first set of kites and lei's only. Just go to a shop and talk it over. Also, search this forum for a cajillion discussions on this topic.

quenyaistar · Since 21 Oct 2011 416 Posts Cougar, WA Obsessed

Is Gorge Performance a good shop to deal with.....any others in the Portland area worth my time?

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

I think SS probably has better beginner kites than the RPM no?

Put Naish Bolt on your list to check out. Super stable, no bad habits.

I'll leave this here..a vid of the Bolt Wink

http://player.vimeo.com/video/28814223?TB_iframe=true&height=500&width=768

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

Ocean Rodeo makes some pretty simple not twitchy easy to use
products you can return if you don't like them

jack · Since 12 Mar 2006 214 Posts Stoked

gorpge performance is great to deal with. not sure of any other shops in portland.
2nd wind in HR also good to deal with.