Having decided to get a simple sports kite "for the kids," I stumbled across this forum and hoped I could pick your collective brains.
I'm almost completely new to flying kites - I used to mess around with a stunt kite 10 years ago, but nothing fancy - and after some looking around I settled on an HQ Limbo. I couldn't find much opinion on it, but it seemed sporty (if not tricky) enough to have a play with (and crash countless times) before shelling out £80+ on something like a Jive II if I get into things, and which either way will keep the missus entertained.
I took it out for the first time today in what might not have been the best conditions - it was slightly breezy, from 7mph+. When the wind picked up it flew great but at lower speeds it was hard work keeping it in the air - even around the powerband it just dropped out of the sky. Equally getting it back up was a pain, having to wait for a gust to get it flying. Yet other kites didn't seem to be having the same issue (I think a pair nearby were HQ Mojo's if that gives any indication?) So I wondered if it could be anything I was doing wrong?
Secondly, when the wind picked up the Limbo got a fair turn of speed and despite surviving minor bumps a good paced nose dive into the ground cracked the central vertical strut, ending play for the day. (Missus flying incidentally - not my handiwork.) I may try gorilla taping it into shape - the fibreglass stayed attached but sort of exploded outwards - but I'm not optimistic. The missus thinks I should make an issue of it with HQ as it was during the first use, whereas I'm more inclined to say that it took a good hit and should just pay to replace it myself. Thoughts?
Leading onto if going with the latter, are carbon struts actually stronger than fibreglass and worth the extra money?
Had a great time despite the abrupt ending, definitely planning to get back out there as soon as possible and hoping for some nice windy days to make the most.
Oh, one more question I forgot to put on - the Limbo comes with 2 x 20mm dyneema. Is it worthwhile looking at something longer?