No wind kites

I want to buy a zero wind kite and would like some comments on following ones:

HQ kites : Hot pepper Buena Vista : PI Prism : 3D

The fact for choosing these kites is the lower budget required.

Thanks,

I've flown the PI and the 3D, not the pepper. Between the PI and the 3D I'd definitely say get the PI. The 3D is an interesting kite, but the PI flies easier and more gracefully in ultra light wind situations, it's more responsive and less likely to fall out of the sky should you do anything incorrectly. It also tricks nicer. The PI in my mind is the absolute coolest small wing micro kite out there(smaller than 5 foot), regardless of cost, based on what I've flown.

The 3D is an ok little kite, but it's a bit squirrelly, the biggest reason I'd get the PI before the 3D outside of the fact that I really adore the PI is the construction on the 3D. Others will say good things about it, so take those things into consideration as well, but my experience with the 3D hasn't been good. The Mylar around the spine tore within the first week and the leading edge spars poked out the bottom of the leading edge about the same time. That said I'm sure my experiences with the kite haven't been as good as someone who has a fully functional version if it. I just wrote it off to, 'that's what I get for buying a $40 kite!' and 'well, it was a Prism, oh well...' I also lost one of the stand off receptacles early on, something I've never done on any other kite I've ever owned. I probably could have sent it back for repair, but I didn't. In my mind, if it works it works, if it doesn't, I don't really care for it.

Pi Definitely! The 3D is a nice kite but I prefer to use it outdoors in very light winds on 20' or 30' lines. I also have the Pi's predecessor, the X4i and find it better indoors also.

See you in the sky, Dan

Mike, First thing you really need to decide with 'zero wind' kites are they for indoor only or are you going to take them out and play in 'low wind' too. If your going outside you need a stronger kite which may be 'less zero wind' capable. I don't like zero wind flying I'd rather have 2-3 outdoors. I have a few 3-D's and yes squirrely is a good description, fast twitchy (especially on short line) but a very capable kite. I personally do not like the standoff connections ( all do respect to Mark though). I like the kite and fly them often. The PI, sold mine last summer along with a Select one. Nice kite nothing memorable wrong just wanted something different. Feather is a nice indoor kite (I've flown a few) Nik Nak is another nice indoor kite. Both the Feather and NicNak don't like to come out of fades but will fly in the lowest whispers. Another kite you may want to look at is the Easy Lite (Level One) This was the kite in the AKA Learn to Fly kit we used at the Cleveland Fest. I liked this kites 'feel' I just saw them at www.kiteconnection.com (level one clearance) for $49... This is a bargain for that kite! Its the bigger than the others was not twitchy, stable and was ok in light wind (it needed some bridle adjusting that we didn't have time to do). Its a well built kite. Never flew a Hot Pepper so no comment. Good luck, there is a lot of good gear available. Joseph Ludwig

www.kiteconnection.com

Mike,

I too own a 3D and an HQ Feather. If you are looking for a good kite on the cheap, the Feather may be out of your range (You can get it on sale for $120 or so, but I think it lists for close to $200).

I never flew a PI. When I bought my 3D I was considering the PI. Based on the responses, I think I will need to get one. Pros of the 3D - it is cheap (<$79). It flies best in low wind (1-2mph). Can handle gusts (I've flown it in 12mph wind but don't recommend it). It is very trickable (multiple axels, floats, fades, 540s, 360s, slot machines, lazy susans, etc). For a light wind kite, I think the only limitiation on its trick range is reflective of pilot ability. I have had no construction problems, but have heard that earlier versions of the kite did not have a reinforced nose or tips (that could be why Jamey had the problems he did??). If you do pick one up, you'll want to add a patch (insignia tape) where the top spreader crosses the spine - even a UL will where through the sail after a while)

Cons: if you are learning on it, it is tricky. low/no wind you are going to need to walk and pump the arms a lot until you get the hang of it. The standoffs can be lost, but they allow you to tune the kite for different conditions. I fly the kite on short lines (15-25 feet) and love it. Depending on the season, it gets more use than any other kite in the bag.

From the sounds of things, I don't think you can go wrong with either the PI or the 3D. Try one, and if you get hooked and can swing the finances get another in time. Just don't get frustrated at first. small ULs on short lines in low wind take some getting used to.

Good luck!

If you suggest the Easy Lite (by Level One) than the Amazing (by Level One) is even better for indoors and lite wind out doors. The Easy lite is for lite wind and not indoor flying. I own a Amazing and it's a full sized kite.

Me my self would like a Wren seeing I own the Pro Wren. But as the poster to this thread said that a lite price was in the budget.

I also loved the HQ Feather. I guess they stopped making them so maybe mikEe could find a vender with one on closeout.

Don, I suggested the Easy Light primarily because of the sale I stumbled on. I also enjoyed flying it. You can't go wrong there for $50. The Pro Wren Is way too $ for budget fliers. Great kite though. Joe Ludwig

The Feather and the Pi are still listed on the HQ site as current products.

At www.kiteshop.com they have the PI for $49 in their specials section. Also, the Feather for $119. I know someone mentioned a price, I don't remember if it was better than that or not.

Thanks every body for your comments. That help me for sure.

MikEe