Trainer Kites , "Traction - Trainers",
and
larger Traction Kites
(Updated: May 13th , 2008)
"Kitemare.com" is Webs #1 site for
those seeking straight forward information on how to
begin kite-sports: Kiteboarding, Kite-landboarding, and SnowKiting
Great Info, Great Kites, Great Prices, Free Shipping,
****
Kite Safety leashe included with ALL Kites,
Instructional DVD included with Many
trainer Kites,
and... Kitemare.com Exclusive "Stoke Guarantee!"
Foil Design Trainers
for... Kiteboarding Practice, LandBoarding (KGB) SnowKiting, & Skate Kiting. Ideal for land
based sports. Kites by New Tech, HQ, and
Best
Want the lowest price possible? See our
Sale / Specials
page
New to Kiting? : We recommend you
begin on the "Start Here" page,continue to the "FAQ's" page and then return here to learn about "Trainer kites".
DO I
REALLY ... "NEED" A TRAINER KITE?
Think about it... would you teach a friend to drive a
5-speed on the hilly streets of San
Francisco in 5:30 rush hour traffic???" No
Way!
Wouldn't
it be safer and smarter to "Learn how to drive a 5-speed
Transmission in a parking lot, Early on Sunday
morning "before" you venture out into hills and heavy
traffic?"
If you
are seriously considering the purchase of Kite-Boarding, Land-Boarding, or Snow-kiting equipment...
You'll FIRST need (and
want) to gain kite experience by using a 2 to 3.6m trainer kite.
Once I learn to fly a full size kite than I will no
longer use a trainer kite... Right?"
If you are like most people then have
responsibilities , things to do other than playing, like a job, a family, school ,etc.
There will be many days when
you just won't have a free 2 or more hours to use
your big kite. ( drive, set-up, riding, changing clothes, shower, etc) but you will have a free 30 minutes or so to log in
practice time with your trainer kite in your
street clothes.
As a
person new to kiting, you'll want to practice every chance you get. Its also great to own a kite small enough that you
can share with friends. You'll NEVER want to loan
your big kite to anyone.
For intermediate riders, New skills like down-loops,
kite-loops, and handle passes are easier, and
safer to learn with a 2-3m trainer kite before trying the same skill on a 9-13m Kite! Think about
it. Trainer kites are a smart investment.
It still amazes me that of
all the 1,000's of trainer kites that are sold each year, its so difficult to find used one for sale.
People just like to keep them!
What exactly should I be
practicing with the Trainer Kite?
Its all here on Kitemare.com's
"How-To" page! A good
instructional DVD is very helpful.
On this page:
Find the right kite for your needs. It's all
here! .... Brands, Models,
Sizes, Details, Specs, photos, Prices
Foil kites (Ideal for all land
based kite-sports) Choosing a
size, and category "Trainer Kites", "Traction
Kites", and "Traction-Trainer" Kites 2 line vs. 4 line kite
design, Aspect-Ratio:
High > long and narrow, or Low > short and wide. Kites for Training: Getting
prepped to learn Kiteboarding (as watersport) Kites for LandBoarding and
SnowKiting.
HQ Rush 300 Ideal Traction Trainer for Average size
people (2-line)
HQ Rush 300-PRO
New! Same as
the Rush 300, but with 3-lines "reverse-relaunching"
Scout 3m
New!
Recommend Top Pick Largest, most durable (4-line)
Trainer-Traction
New
Tech Ballistic
3.6
Excellent value! Largest (4-line) Traction-Trainer with the smallest
price.
In
2006: the Best 3m was our most popular kite. In
2007, the Rush 300, and Beamer TSR 3.6 were our 2 top most requested
kites. In 2008, We think the new Rush 300-PRO, and
Scout 3m will take the title.
All of our kites are good Kites or we wouldn't sell
them. The most important thing is to select the
kite thats best for YOU! Review this page, and if you're not
sure Contact Us and we'll be
happy to assist you.
Please refer to the "Recommended Top Pick" directly
above to make it super easy to select the right
kite for your needs, or after reviewing this page, place your order directly via this website or Contact
Usand we'll personally answer all of your
questions.
Learn How to fly a foil Kite
The "How-to" page has instruction on set-up and launching of
Foil kites.
Foil design
Trainer and traction Kites by: New Tech, HQ, and Best.
Choosing the appropriate Size Kite for your
needs.
Click the size links, or scroll down and read it all.
TRAINER Kites:Size Range: 1.5 to up to 3.6m (square
meters)
A small "foil"
kite designed to allow the student to safely learn the basics of kite flying. Durable for learning, able to
handle impacts with the ground. Can still
fly well with small holes or small tears.
Small enough to learn with. Excellent for the 1st
time flyer,Families, Kids, and light weight people.
TRACTION Kites": Size Range: Generally 3m and Larger.
A kite large enough to
produce sufficient power to pull you to your feet. from a seated position, and enough to power you
on a MountainBoard, or Snowboard. A Kite
with good low end torque. (pull).
TRACTION-TRAINER" Kites A size that Overlaps both
categories. 2.5m to 3.6m
Versatile, Ideal
Preparation for learning to ride on the water. Ideal for 1st time Kite-Landboarder and
Snow-Kiters.
Small
enough for learning AND... big enough to pull! Approximate Size Range 2.8 to 3.6 Our
biggest in this category is 3.6 Will give you a
genuine feel for the handling of large kites.
High
aspect (High AR) has a shape that's
long and thin, Extremely
efficient but requires more skill to fly, designed for advanced riders. Low aspect has a shape that's short and wide, super user
friendly, very stable, and easy to fly.
Moderate aspect is right in the middle, in my view, the perfect
blend of performance and
ease!
Brands
Best, HQ, New Tech
There are many excellent
Kite Brands on the market. At Kitemare, We
only sell kites we enjoy flying ourselves, offer
great value, and have good manufacturer support.
Our selection is based on
seeking out the best kites for our customers based
on overall Value, Quality, Handling, Price, Durability, Warrantee, along with Kite Instructor and customer feedback.
Size Comparison Photos
(Click photo to
enlarge) Notice the size difference between the 3 kites shown. ( Left to right: New Tech 3.6, Best
2.8, New Tech 2.2) (Click to
enlarge) Far Left: Best
3m, Far right: Best 2m
What
size is right for me?
3m = 3.0 =
300 All of these are ways to write "3 meter"
1.5 to 2.5m Trainer
Kite: Least expensive way to get started, great for learning
kite flying basics, the minimal pull of
a small trainer makes it a fun kite for the whole family. If
the budget is squeezed, a small kite
will do the job.Non-Intimidating Great for
most ladies and kids
3m to 3.6m "Trainer-Traction" kites are an ideal
cross over size. For Versatility, you can get a kite that is on the
upper end of the trainer range and at the
lower end of the Traction size. Still small enough to learn
with, yet provides significant pull
when flown through the "power zone", provides a
great work-out, powerful enough to pull
you on a boogie board, mountain board, or snow board in
moderate winds. All of the Foil
kites are built for years of enjoyment.
If it seems like we have a
preference for the larger 2.5-3.6 meter kites... You're
right! We LOVE flying them and really love
the sound of countless happy customers saying "THANK YOU KITEMARE" for suggesting the larger
trainer / Traction kite."
"Jeff, wanted
to let you know how much fun my wife and I are having with our
Best 2.8 trainer. You were right about purchasing the bigger
one. We are having
a ball flying it on the beach in Long Beach, CA.
We are recommending your site to everyone that inquires about the
kite.
Thanks for all of your help and advice". - Vic
Rains
4m ,
5m , and Larger. Powerful Traction Kites! ( These are
NOT trainers ) For those of you that have kite
experience and are ready for a full-onLargeTraction Kite designed for powered up
riding and jumping on the snow or sand. Scroll Down, or use the Blue link here
>>> Larger Traction kites 4m
and Larger
Still not sure?, We're always happy to
answers your questions. Contact Us
Choosing 2, 3, or 4 line
models: General guidelines:
With Trainers
kites, its a toss up, both 2 and 4 liners with work great. A 2-lineis less expensive, and super easy to set
up (Less chance of a tangle) Super easy,
and lowest cost.
If you
are new to kiting, tend to get frustrated easily, or just demand absolute simplicity, A 2-line Trainer Kite may
be a good place for you to begin.
3-lines: The
"reverse" relaunching of a 4-line kite, at a mid price. More $ than a 2-line, but less $ than a 4-line.
If you're main purpose for buying a trainer is to practice
for kiteboarding on the water , Your want a
kite that will prepare you for handling power! All of our kites
(2, 3, 4 lines designs) will do the job.
If you plan to use the kite
with a mountain board or snowboard, a 2-line is ok, but you'll be much happier with a 3, or 4-line model 3-line, 4-lineTrainer Kite Benefits:
- Easy self re-launching of the kite in Reverse
after a crash. (Pulling
the backlines allows a kites to fly off the
ground in reverse / backwards)
- For SnowKiters , Having
4-lines allows you to relaunch your kite while remaining in your
bindings.
- Very
efficient, tangle free, easy self-landing, Just release the bar >
front lines go slack > your safety leash
will evenly pull your back lines > Trailing edge of the kite with
fold in > Kite instantly depowers >
and back-stalls gently to the ground.
4-lineTrainer Kite possible down-side.
- 2 extra lines to connect. - Lines can get tangled if you don't pack or
unpack your kite properly. - More dollars. (
quality kite lines are not cheap ). - People
who get frustrated, and throw tantrums easily, should avoid 4-line kites,
and maybe the sport. : )
2-line Trainer Kites Benefits
- Super simple quick
set-up the1st time - Lowest price trainer kites
2-line Trainer Kites possible
down-side
-
Lack of reverse re-launching after a crash. -
2-line safety systems tend to cause the kite to spin on the way down and
twist the lines. ( also easy to un-twist
)
On smaller kites in the 1-3
meter range, 2-lines work well. On larger
traction kites, of approx 3.5 meters and larger, we always recommend a
4-line.
If your
thinking... "Inflatable kites have 4-5 lines, so I should
get a 4 line trainer kite,
right?"
Answer: "Not
necessarily" 2-lines are still good for many
people due to the price and simplicity. Interesting: 4-line foil design kites are not
normally rigged up the same as 4-line inflatable kites. Even with this difference, foil kites are still the
way to go when choosing a trainer.
Confused?
NO worries! : ) We're always
happy to answer your questions! :) Contact Us Today!
Calls.... Everyone loves it
when their call gets answered by a real person right away.
But.... If we're out
riding, teaching, testing new gear, or speaking with another
valuable, we can't always attend to your call.
So... Please, ALWAYS
LEAVE A MESSAGE. You're call is very important to us, and we will call you back, as soon
as... the wind
lightens up!!!! : )
Fast order
processing, FREE shipping, (within the USA)
Plus our Stoke
Guarantee.
All recommendations are
madefroman
instructors point of view, with a focus on
helping you to learn fast, kite
safe, find a great kite at a great price, and keep you
stoked.
If you spend any time reading this website, it
will become 100% obvious to you that Our focus is on You! You'll find Kitemare
to be very different than other sites. Many
websites and shops carry too many different models with a focus only on
profit margins. At Kitemare we only list and sell
the kites we like and concentrate on helping you find the right kite from an instructors point of view. If you're new to kiting get a trainer kite. A Trainer kite is essential, regardless of where you
choose to buy it!
Due to the amazing
growth of kite sports, many of the kite manufacturers have difficulty keeping sufficient supply to meet the
demand. When we're back-ordered (out of
stock) is almost always due to the manufacturer not having the
kites available.
OK, time to check out the
different Trainer and Traction models. Here they are:
BEST 2m Trainer Kite + DVD "Kiteboard 101*" + FREE
Shipping. $144.00
If you think the Best 2m is a
good deal, there are even better one below! Best
(Brand name) 3m is a MUCH better kite than the Best 2m. (very
different design and quality) Note:
"kiteboarding 101 DVD" is more appropriate for intermediate kiters , but
not the beginners. "The Way to Fly" DVD is
currently the best option for beginners instructional dvd's and the one we ship with our trainer kites. (until we
find a better one!)
Young Stephanie
flying the 2.2m ; : NT shoulder pack :
Photo here is a 3.6, the 2.2 looks the same only
smaller.
NOTE: 2.2's are
currently only available with the same graphics as the 3.6 (black with red and yellow flames as shown above.
New Tech Ballistic 2.2
m. Color: Blue with Red and Yellow Phoenix graphic. Only $105.
Complete, Delivered to your door. Price
includes: Kite, Bar, Line, Shoulder carry pack,
andFREE Shipping. The New Tech 2.2 is an excellent trainer kite
perfect for use by the whole family. The kite arrives as a 4-line, but can be set-up
as a 2-line set-up for
simplicity. New Tech pre-rigs
their kites so there is no need to connect any lines. Its ready to fly straight
out of the bag! We "previously" sold the Slingshot Wasp 1 as
our recommended low end trainer which is a
1.5 meter kite. This 2.2 flys even better, with more power, making it our current pick for "Small" Trainer kites. Choose this kite
if... *you have small kids, * live in an area of consistently
strong winds, *desire a very small
kite to learn with, *want a kite "only" to learn the basics, or
* the budget is a bit
tight. This is currently the lowest priced trainer kite
we sell. There are less expensive kites
out there, but the quality of the others was too low to meet our standards. We don't sell any of the throw away
"toy" kites.
Measurements: 77 in (196cm) X 30 in
(76cm)
This 2.2m New Tech produces a solid, sturdy,
user-friendly power, and the high quality construction techniques means long lasting
durability while providing stability, super resistance to luffing and overall performance. Its
larger front openings allow the kite to inflate quickly to ensure a quick steady launch without collapsing.
This design also give the kite an incredible low wind range and makes it fly steady at the
edge of the wind window. The wingtip cells (openings) on the foil are closed to produce a
faster turning kite and to prevent "scooping" of sand and dirt into the kite.
New Tech 2.2 m Trainer. OUR
PRICE Total: $119. complete.
Includes: Kite,
Bar, 4-line, safety leash, carry duffel +
Color:
All 2008 HQ Rush-2, 250 models are Red with Black and white trim as
shown. Lines Rated at 320 lbs
The 2008 HQ Rush-2
, 250 (Approx equal power to the Best 3m, and more powerful than the New Tech 2.2m
Ideal for lighter weight
people who weigh around 100-125 lbs and don't want too much power. Most People of 130 lbs + , would prefer
the slightly larger Rush 300. (also 2-line)
If you're looking for your 1st kite, and low
entry level price, and the quality of an HQ kite this is an excellent choice.
This size kite is small
enough for easy learning of the basic kite skills, yet large enough to
produce so good low end power on breezy
days. In windier conditions, its enough to power your snowboard or Landboard (mountainboard) although if you
weigh 170 lbs+, and consider yourself athletic, and want the most powerful Traction-Trainer,
and maximum durability, consider the HQ "TSR" 3.6m
The HQ Rush 250 Simple to
use. 2-line set-up reduces line tangles, and makes it easy for new
kiters. Because its made by HQ Kites, you can
expect a high quality kite. Totally complete and
ready to Fly! Includes: Kite,
Bar, Lines, Shoulder Sling Carry Pack, and Kite Safety Leash.
. HQ sells the Rush kites safety leash as an optional
add-on for $10. At Kitemare we Include the Safety
Leash with EVERY kite we sell. We love HQ but feel
that selling kite "without a leash is simply stupid" , Its like selling a new car without Brakes.
****** ALL Trainer Kites sold at
Kitemare.com include a safety leash *******
Length Tip to Tip Inch (cm)
Width Front to Back Inch (cm)
Lines: Pound /
Length
Wind range
90" (230 cm)
33.5" (85 cm)
Dyneema 320 lb / 65 ft on control bar,
incl.
2-6 Bft.
Our Price:
Only
$132. "Delivered" With... Safety Leash Included
( Never fly a Kite without a safety leash! ) Free Shipping! 100% complete and ready
to Fly. Kite, Bar, lines, leash, bag, shipping
Add a DVD for only $20. (
Reg DVD Price $25-30.) $152. includes Instructional DVD. Price
complete and Delivered !
Kite Color:
All 2008 Rush-2, "300" models are Blue with Black
and white trim as shown. Lines Rated at 385 lbs
The New HQ 2007 Rush-2, is now available, and
comes in 3 sizes: 200, 250, and 300.
The number accurately represents the kites wingspan in Centimeters (cm) 2-line Simplicity 100%
complete an ready to fly. Kite safety leash IS included. Most
shops will not include the leash, or charge you
$5-$10 more to get one.
Photos: HQ Rush-2, 300; HQ Velcro wrist
cuff ( part of the kites safety leash ). Rush 300
Wing Span: 18" Longer than the "3m by Best" ( much
bigger ) Rush 250 Wing
Span: 1" Short than the "3m by Best" (
almost the exact same length ) When you compare
the size, quality components, and price, its easy to see why we love this
new HQ
High Quality
Shoulder-Sling back pack with 2 zipper compartments Most other brands come with a paper thin nylon
bag. As you can see in the photo
above, HQ does it right !
HQ Quality: Notice the built in line-holder,
and the thickness of the control bar and bar-end line winder.
Our Price: only
$156. includes *Safety Kite Leash & *Free Shipping! .
or $176. w/ Instructional DVD - "The way
to Fly"
YouTube Video ( Directly Below ) See the New Rush 300 in Action. The kiter demonstrates: Self Launching, Steering, Kite-Loops,
Safety System, Reverse Relaunching, and
Self-Landing.
Kite Color:
All 2008 HQ Rush-2, 300-PRO's are
Green with Black and white
trim as shown. Lines Rated at 385 lbs
The New
Rush 300-PRO is essentially the same designed as the Reg 300 model but with the addition of a rear Bridal and a 3rd
line. The result is a simple set-up, with the
reverse relaunch features of a 4-line kite but with a price very close to a 2-line kite!. We've been waiting years for someone to finally
release a trainer kite with 3-lines!
Aside from the green color, rear bridal, and 3rd
line, the other features are the same as the Reg
Rush 300. including ..... The Kite design,
Bar, lines, Safety Leash, Backpack, and field card.
Price $189.00 includes
everything and the kite is ready to fly!
You can buy this 3M kite direct from the
manufacturers (best) website and pay $149.99
+
shipping ($8-$12)
or...
you can get it hereand pay $149. with
Free shipping
(See also: HQ Rush 250, HQ Rush 300, New Tech
3.6, HQ Scout 3m
Dimensions
Length Tip to Tip: Inch / cm
Width Front to Back: Inch /
cm
100" / 254cm
36" / 91.5
cm
Manufacturers Description:
Best has developed a trainer kite that will allow anyone to get
their foot in the door. Unlike other trainer kites, the Best Trainer
Kite has a little more size to it, giving a pull much more similar
to the pull of the larger inflatable kites you'll be using once
you're ready to get into the water. Whether your goal is
kiteboarding, land boarding, or snowkiting, the Best trainer kite is
great for learning the basics of kite control, and is a fun
inexpensive way to decide whether kiteboarding is the sport for you.
You can't go wrong with a trainer as your first purchase there's no
substitute for time spent just flying the kite; plus, you'll still
have it later when you're ready to teach your friends! The Best
Trainer Kite comes complete with bar and lines. Instruction manual can be downloaded from the
website.
Can
a little kite really produce power?
"Jeff, thought you
would get a kick out of this. Some guy came up to me while flying the kite
and I let him fly it. I turned my head for a minute and when I looked back his face was in the sand and his sandals were about
6 feet behind him. The kite literally pulled him out of his sandals. It
was really hard not to
laugh. He was still very interested in a
kite so I gave him your website
address." - Vic
(Best 3m)
"I was very impressed by the speed,
maneuverability and power of the Best 2.8m... I
wish they would make bigger foil kites". -
Pierre Couture/ Canada
NOTE: This company "Best" has 2
different trainer kites: a 2m and a 3m. The 3m shown here is recommended because its a good
value. However, The Best 2m is "Not"
recommended In our view the Best 2m is over priced
relative to its quality, but the 3m is great!
The
Kitemare web price of $149.00 includes everything! Kite, bar, lines, leash, carry bag, Complete and ready to Fly!
$149. Best "3m" Trainer Kite complete +
Free Shipping
Color
available: "Flame Pattern" ( Vortex red
/ black Shown ) COMPLETE and READY TO FLY!
The New Tech 3.6 Kite
Package includes: Kite, Control Bar, 4-lines (
300 lb Front and 200 lb Back ) Safety Wrist
Leash, Shoulder Sling Pack, FREE Instructional DVD, and
FREE Shipping
Only $219.The Best New Tech Package price on the Web!
Shop around if you'd like, Nobody completes.
Watch out for someone trying
to sell you this Kite with "Handles" rather than
the needed "Control Bar".
Hi Jeff,
"I
just got my new kite in the mail today. The wind was blowing a steady 15
Mph, so it was perfect day to try it out. I have just two words for
it: "AMA-ZZZZING"!!! I'm glad you had me get
the bigger 3.6 meter kite. I know its going to meet all my needs for
now."
"Thanks again for your help and I I'll be sure
to contact you in future for any kites I get."
Dan
Kingston
ON. Canada
Photo (L to R) Size comparison: NewTech 3.6 ,
Best 3, & New Tech 2.2
The 3.6
measures 122 in (310cm) x 45 in (114cm) is only
$219. At 3.6 m, This kite is at the upper
end of the Trainer kite size range, and
at the lower end of the Traction kite range. In other
words, extreme versatility! Fly it slow and it feels powerful, fly it fast
and "hang on!". The 3.6 is able to turn fast, and thus generate power quickly. It comes rigged as a 4-line out of the
box. The 4-line adds the convenience of
"reverse launching" after a "nose-first" crash, which is very nice to have if your locked into snowboard or
ski bindings. This 3.6 New Tech, along with our
other kites in this range are all excellent
choices. You'll be stoked with any
of them.
1: 2:
1.. The cross ventilation hole has been reinforced
with a Dacron circle and a Dacron strip to prevent tearing. 2. Additional Dacron strips have been added in the
cell for added strength.
Kite sold complete with Bar, Lines, shoulder Carry
Pack, and safety leash. Pre-rigged and ready to fly right out of the
bag.
New Tech 3.6(4-line) Complete. $219. Includes FREE
Shipping! Excellent value for a
4-line kite, great for a 1st snow kite
The
SlingShot Wasp-2, sells for $199 to $209 on the internet.
Although its a decent trainer kite, its also
over-priced as thus does not meet the overall criteria for value, here at Kitemare.com The Wasp 2 is a small 1.5m kite. than the
the "BEST-3 (2.8)" which sells here (shipping incl) for $148.95. The wasp has $50 to $60
higher price tag, and nothing to show for it. Bottom line: The Wasp-2 is NOT recommended due
to it high price / low value. Scroll up for the NT
2.2, Best 3 (2.8), New-Tech 3.6,
4m+ kites are
for experienced flyers only! If you're a
beginner, a 4m or larger is too large, for
beginners stay in the 2 .5 to 3.6m range
If you are already
experienced and comfortable flying kites and are ready to move up to A
more powerful kite for SnowKiting, Landboarding,
or Buggying, this is the section for you!
Our 4m, 5m, and up to
7.0 Kites are the most popular size for intermediate level
Snow-Kiting and Kite-Landboarding (aka
KGB) Beginners should limit the 1st kite to a 3.6 or
Smaller.
Price comparison chart for every kite on this
page. In order by size. "m" (square meters)
All Kites are sold complete: Kite-Leash,
Kite, Bar, Lines, Carry Duffel / or Back-pack All
prices are shown in US Dollars and include FREE SHIPPING within the
USA Many of our Trainer Kites include a Free
or Optional Instructional DVD (see chart below) Full details on each kite model is located above. Intermediate and Advanced flyers: (Snow-Kiters /
Kite- Landboarders) See also: Sheet-able
Foils
NT shoulder pack : 
Photo here is a 3.6, the 2.2 looks the same only
smaller.
