****Update**** I've owned this kite for a year now, and I've probably flown it 30 times. It's still as great as day 1. I eventually bought a bigger 3.5 m kite (HQ Rush V Pro 350). That kite is awesome up to 20-25 mph clean wind, but not gusty winds: too dangerous. This 1.8 is incredible in really high winds (20+ mph, clean or gusty). It flies great in the teens too, but it's exponentially more fun in the 20's. Great beach kite. It's super durable too. It will handle crashes, or a seagull flying into your line (yes, that happened to me... hilarious). It gives some decent pull in strong winds, but it's very manageable. After a year, no regrets! Well worth the money. I've flown some cheaper kites in the same size range (In the Breeze and CX: $20-$25). They are not even close to being as good of a kite as this. Don't skimp; get an HQ. I'm a huge fan of them now. The only problem is you'll get so addicted, like me, that you'll want to go bigger, and get a trainer power kite, like the 350 (love that one too.) ****Original Review**** I had the chance to take this out in some mild wind for its maiden voyage today. The wind was about 5-7 mph, gusting to about 12 mph. What a blast! I've owned cheap stunt kites before (rigid), but this is both my first foil kite, and my first decent kite. I was able to easily pop it up in the air by myself in fairly calm wind and perform lots of tricks and maneuvers. When the wind gusts came, it became a LOT of fun! That's when it starts to pull you a little. I'm about 185, and I had no problem managing it in 12 mph gusts, but did find myself leaning back a little bit. One flight so far, and I'm loving it. I would consider myself to be a moderate skill level when it comes to flying stunt kites (not a novice at all, but neither a pro, by any means). I had no problems flying it. My first flight was full of loops, figure 8's, and other tricks. It probably lasted for about 15 full minutes before I accidentally clipped the ground on a figure 8. It's pretty easy to keep in the air. However, the foil kite is very forgiving with ground strikes, as opposed to a rigid kite. Next week, I'm going to the Oregon coast, and I'll take it in some proper wind, where I guess it will be even more fun. If my opinion of the kite changes, I'll adjust my review. After my first flight, I can see myself wanting an even bigger foil, but I may change my mind after a trip to the beach. Pros: High quality kite and line materials Very light, so it's easy to launch in slower winds Loop on trailing edge of kite, where you can attach your bridles for storage Removable lines for storage (includes instructions on the lark's head knot, if you're not familiar with it) Pretty easy to control Forgiving with minor crashes (haven't had a major crash yet) Small and light. I can take it on an airplane, no problem. And may even take it on one of my backpacking/hiking trips. Cons: I hoped Amazon would sell it in more colors schemes than the standard rainbow, but this was the only color available when I bought it. I thought the lines would be a little longer, but longer lines may make it more difficult to fly. Your family members may be mad at you on your next beach vacation, after you spend hours flying it. Overall, I'm very pleased with my purchase. It was about 5x the cost of some of the cheap stunt kites I've purchased in the past, but it's easily 5x as fun, and will last at least 5x as long (I hope).
