Trainer Kite Buyer's Guide
How to select the Best Trainer Kite for Kiteboarding
It's All here!
Everything you need to know.
Updated: July 9th, 2010
This Page:
Do I really need a trainer kite? Why?
What is the Best trainer kite or What are the Top 3 Trainers?
How does a trainer compare to a Full size kite?
What specifically should I practice with my trainer and How do I learn how to fly it?
Once I learn fly and then buy a full size kite will I ever use the trainer again?
Used / Pre-owned Trainers... Where can I buy one?
Where can I fly my Trainer?
Can I use a Trainer Kite in the Water?
How Much Wind do I need to fly?
How many people are needed to fly a trainer kite? Can I fly it by myself?
Control Bar or Handles, which should I use?
What Size trainer is best for me?
What is the True Size as compared to the name? 3m vs 300 vs 3.0, All the same size?
Size Catagories: Small Trainer vs Traction-Trainer vs Traction Kite
How Many lines? 2-lines , 3-lines, or 4?
2-line Trainer Kites
3-line Trainer Kites
3-line Amphibious Trainers Kites
4-line Trainer Kites
Quick Pick Trainer Kite Comparison Guide
Where to Buy and how to get the lowest price?
Note:
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This Video Shows a beginner practicing and learning the basic while flying a 3.5m .
HQ Rush-III 350 PRO, Trainer sizes range up to 3.5m, so this 350 is the largest / most powerful within what's considered the trainer catagory.
IF... the above video and handling a powerful trainer looks like FUN, go for it!
IF... it looks intimidating, now worries,
that's why there are smaller trainers in the 2 to 3m.
You can get one that's the same design, the same 3-lines, but small with less power.
Example: Rush PRO 250 , 300
Do I really need a trainer kite? Why?
YES,
Think about it...
Would you teach a friend to drive a car with a 5-speed on steep hills in heavy traffic?"
No Way!
Wouldn't it be safer and smarter to "Learn how to drive a 5-speed in a parking lot, early on
a Sunday morning "before" venturing out into more demanding conditions?
"Heck yeah"
Do you like to save money?
From a Financially prospective, a trainer is a smart
investment.
They help you to learn and progress faster,
safer, and yes.. more economically!
If you log in only 10 or 20 hours of practice, and consider that the average instructor charges $75 per hour. My calculator shows: 10 hours x $75 = $750. How about yours? : )
For our website visitors, and for our close friends, our recommendation is the same:
If you're planning it to learn Kite-Boarding, Land-Boarding,or Snow-kiting...
"
You'll FIRST need, and want, to gain kite experience by using a Trainer Kite."
What's the Best Trainer Kite, or which are the top 3?
There is kite named the "Best 3m Trainer". In this case, "best" refers
to the name of the manufacturer. "Best kiteboarding". and the "3m" is only is the name.
The True size is 2.4m
As far as which trainer is the "best of the best", there is no 1 perfect kite for everyone.
We suggest
asking a better question...
Which is the best trainer kite FOR ME? Now that 's an excellent question!,
Reading over this page, learn about various models and options, and you'll then find it
easy to select the best kite for YOUR needs.
Top 3 Trainer Kites?
The current best selling trainer kite is the Rush III 300 PRO 3 line model.
Definately
in the top 3! But keep reading, there are some important considerations to follow.
How does a trainer kite compare to a full size kite?
Example of a Full Size Kite / Best Waroo 14m
3 square meters ( 3m ) is the most popular size trainer kite.
11 square meters (11m) is a popular size inflatable kite used on the water. ( 7m -17m )
3m vs 11m kite. That's a HUGE difference in power!
The average FULL size kite is over 3 times larger than the average trainer kite.
As you can imagine, the consequenses of making error on a small trainer is much less than the same errors on a larger more powerful kite.
Once I learn to fly a full size kite will I still want to use my trainer?
Free Time
If you're like most people, then you have responsibilities: a job, a family, school ,etc. Consider this:
2.5 Hours:
Average time needed to to enjoy 1 hour of kiting on the water.
driving, changing clothes, rigging, >> Riding, >> then derigging,
driving, showering.
If you can't get atleast 1 hour in the water, most people will skip it that day.
40 Minutes:
Average time needed to have fun with your trainer kite while logging in valuable
practice time and sharpening your kite skills.
Leave the Trainer in your car. When you pass by a wide open area and it's windy.
Go FOR IT! No need to change clothes,
and only 5 mintes to set up the kite.
The Point...
Due to time constraints You'll be using the trainer kite more often than you may think.
There will be many days when you WILL HAVE a Free 30-45 minutes, but
Wont have a Free 2 to 3 hours to use your Full size kite in the water.
As someone just beginning, you'll want to practice your kite skills every chance you get!
Its also really nice to have a small kite that you can share with friends.
For intermediate riders, New skills like down-loops, kite-loops, and handle passes are easier, and safer to learn with a 3m trainer kite before trying the same skill on a much larger 7-13m Kite! Its True! It always
Demo / Used / Pre-owned Trainers
1,000's of trainer kites that are sold each year...
Have you wondered WHY its so difficult to find a used one for sale?
The reason is that people want to keep them!
Low Cost, High Value, Sharpens Skills, Sharing the Sport with friends, HUGE FUN!
What exactly should I be practicing with my Trainer Kite?
"How do I...." and " What do I .... " are Always good questions!
So good actually, we created an entire "How-To" page to answer it.
Instructional DVD
A good DVD is also really nice to have when you're starting out.
The Average Price for an Instructional DVD is $24 to $30.
Some places only give you a discount on a DVD with the purchase of a Trainer.
You may have seen other websites advertising " Add a DVD for only $24, Regular $29.99"
Lucky You are Here, and not there.
When you Buy a Trainer Kite here at Kitemare, the price for your Instructional DVD will be $0, FREE!
FREE Instructional DVD , included with ALL HQ Rush Standard, Rush PRO, Hydra, and Scout Trainer Kites. We currently include the Instructional DVD entitled "The Way to Fly"
because it does an excellent job of explaining how to fly your trainer kite.
Where can I fly my Trainer?
Any open are that allows the wind to flow mostly unobstructed. The less obstacles the wind needs the pass, the "cleaner" ( smoother ) it will be. When wind is forced to go over or around tall buildings or other obstables or Land feature that block the wind, the wind becomes
dirty, Turbulent, shifty, and gusty, which make it much more challenging for kite flying.
Neighborhood Parks, Football, baseball, and soccer fields "can" be good options.
Be sure to stay far away from dangerous powerlines or Kite-eating trees.
It's true, trees really
enjoy eating kites!
For sure, the ideal spot would be a wide sandy beach, followed by a large grassy field. We have one customer that learned in a straw field with 2 foot high scrubs. Ideal? No. Do-able? you bet!
Can I use my Trainer Kite in the Water?
The fast, simple answer is NO.
Almost all trainer kites (1.5m to 3.5m) are designed for practicing your kite skills on land.
Any kite large enough for "kiteboarding" on the water is too much power to use as a trainer.
Almost all trainer kites are a "open ram air foil design". Once they contact the water, they
stay in the water.
The Other answer is YES, only IF you have a Hydra Amphibious Water Relaunchable Foil.
The Hydra is the Only water-relaunchable trainer on the market. Use the Hydra on land or use it
in the water,
that's why we call it amphibious! More details on the Hydra Page
How Much Wind do I need to fly a trainer kite?
Short Answer: 10-15 mph. ( 8 to 13 knots )
As a beginner the 10-15 wind range is a good place to start.
You "can" fly your kite is less wind, but lighter winds require more skills since you'll
need to "generate" the extra power by the way you move the kite across the sky.
Stonger winds of 15-20
are fun AFTER you gain confidence flying in lighter 10-15 winds.
In the begining, better to choose the 10-15 mph days if possible. IF your kite has
difficulty flying, or staying in the air, its most like due to insufficient winds.
Can I fly the trainer kite on my own or do I need an assistant?
Only person is needed. Just you. That said, having another person to assist is a definate bonus and makes learning more fun, and easier. The 3-line kites do allow you to reverse re-launch your kite easily by yourself while remaining at the control bar.
Control Bar or Handles?
If you goal is simplicity, safety, fun, and have the intention of progressive to kite board sports
like: Kite-Boarding, Kite-landboarding, Snow-Kiting, Kite-Skimming, etc, than chose a kite that is pre configured and sold with a "Control Bar".
Note: Kitemare.com is a specialist in Kite Board sports
and thus we mainly sell kites that are set-up with
control bars.
If you're shopping here, we've got you covered.
Trainer Kite Terminology:
Meter "m" Example 3m, 11m, The "m" is used to denote Square meters. But most people just
say "meter", when they are actually referring to square meters.
Trainer Kite: a kite used to help you to learn and master basic kite skills.
A catagory with Sizes ranging from 1.5m to 3.5m, Can be a 2, 3, or 4 line set-up. Flown using a "control Bar"
True Size or just a name?
When comparing Kites, use the "True Size" rather than the Model "name".
Many times the Name of the kite is Not the same as the size.
Examples: "Best 3m" , "Rush 300", "Scout 3m"
At first glance you would think that all three of the above trainer kites would
be the same size and have about the same amount of power, right?
Careful, All three of these But by to the kites "True Sizes" the picture changes.
Best 3m True Size is (2.4m) The "3m" is only its name.
Rush 300: True Size is (2.8m) "300" refers to the wingspan in cm's.
Scout 3m True Size is (3.0m) No confusion here, the True size is the same as its name.
What Size Trainer for me?
Before deciding on a size,
consider these catagories.
Trainer Kites: 1.5m to 3.5m Small enough to use for learning
Traction Kites 2.5m to larger Powerful enough to provide a strong pull (Power / Traction)
Traction-Trainer 2.5m to 3.5m A size that Spans both Trainer and Traction Catagories
How Many lines?
2-line Trainer kites
2-line Trainers like the "Rush-III Standard Series" (200, 250, and 300) have the simplist design and also are the lowest in price.
If you're budget is tight
and you just want a basic trainer, a 2-line will do the job.
Small trainers of 2m or less are almost always only 2-lines.
(Pros) Lowest Price, Simple intuitive set-up with 1 line Left, and 1 line Right, perfect for kids!
(Cons)
No "reverse relaunch"
4-line Traction-Trainer kites
4-line Trainers like the "Scout 3m" were Not designed to be trainers. There were designed as durable traction kites for land based kite sports like Kite-Landboarding, and snow kiting. The Larger Scouts like the 4m, and 5m are too large to be used as "trainers", but the small 3m Scout falls perfectly within both the Traction kite AND the Trainer kite catagory.
(Pros)
Super easy self Reverse-relaunching, Responsiveness, Durability, Versatility
(Cons)
Higher Price, Complexity of Scouts x-over Bar.
3-line Traction-Trainer kites
3-line kites like "Rush-III Pro Series" and "Hydra Water-Relaunchable- Trainers",
as you may have already guessed, fall right in the middle of the pack in between the
2-line and 4-line Trainers with an excellent balance of features, characterisics and price.
The 3-line set-up offers the advantagious reverse relaunching of a 4-line, but at a lower price. The 3-line kites are also simple and easy to use.
For the majority of people buying a trainer, the 3-line makes the most sense.
(Pros) Most popular Trainers, Great price,
Simple to use, Easy Self reverse relaunching.
(Cons) Not as quick to turn as a kite like the Scout with its complex cross-over bar
system.
We simply love the 3-line set-up for smaller kites less than 4m. If you look closely at the green Hydra photo directly below you can see the white 3rd line "V" shaped bridal hanging down from the "trailing edge" ( back ) of the kite.
.jpg)
When flying a 3-line kite, the "3rd line" remains mostly slack during flight. Steering the kite is just as simple as steering a kite with 2-lines. Simply pull right , or pull left on your control bar.
The main benefits of having the additional 3rd line can easily be seen in the Videos on the both the "Rush-III Pro" and "Hydra" Pages
4-line Traction Kites 4m and Larger
If you are shopping for your very first kite to use as a "Trainer", Kite sizes of 4m, 5m or larger
are too big and fall outside of the trainer kite size catagory. Yes, like everything there "can" be exceptions to the rule.
Important points:
The 4-line configuration on a "Standard 4-line Foil Kite" ( including the 4-line trainers )
is a different configuration than is found on a 4-line inflatable kite, or a 4-line foil "Sheet-able" foil kite. The Sheetable kites ( foils and inflatables ) are much more expensive and also require the use
of a "harness".
4-line Standard Foils , 3-line trainers, and 2-lines trainers are all "standard foils"
All are NON-sheetable, which is exactly what you want for your trainer / first kite.
Land-Boarding and Snow-Kiting:
If you are planning to use your trainer to begin learing either of these sports, better to get a 3 or 4 line trainer, rather then a 2 line. Having the 3rd line will make it much easier to relaunch your kite while remaining locked into your boards bindings.
As a Kiter and Kite instructor for over 9 Years, you can be sure that our recommendations
are all about YOU in an effort to help you Learn as quickly, safely, and as economically as possible.
If at any point, if you would prefer speak with us.. it's never a bother, and there are No dumb questions. Really.. we're here to help in any way we can.
Quick Pick Trainer Kite Comparison / Selection Guide
| HQ Rush-III Standard 2-line Trainer Kites (more info ) |
|||
| Model number | True Size | Brief Description | Complete Package |
| 200 | 1.4m | Perfect for the Kids | $129.99 |
| 250 | 2.0m | Same size as the 250 pro, but w/ only 2-line |
$151.99 |
| 300 |
2.8m | Same size as the 300 pro, but w/ only 2-line |
$180.49 |
| HQ Rush-III PRO 3-line Trainer Kites (more info ) |
|||
| 250 |
2.0m | Ideal trainer kite for lightweights, Ladies, Families | $180.49 |
| 300 | 2.8m | Our Most Popular Trainer 3-line, Quick and Easy "Reverse Relaunching" |
$218.49 |
| 350 | 3.5m | Great entry for Landboarding or Snowkiting Our Largest ,most Powerful, Traction-Trainer Kite 3-line simplicity Big Power, Low price! |
$246.99 |
| HQ Hydra Amphibious Water Re-launchable 3-line Trainer Kites (more info ) |
|||
| 300 |
2.6m | "Water Re-launchable" Version of the Rush-300-pro | $265.99 |
| 350 | 3.5m | "Water Re-launchable" Version of the Rush-350-pro | $322.99 |
| HQ Scout 4-line Trainer Kites (more info ) |
|||
| 3m |
3.0m | Trainer Kite and Entry Level Snow-kite / Landboarding Kite | $351.49 |
| 4m | 4.0m | NOT a Trainer but great for Land based kite sports | $389.49 |
| 5m | 5.0m | NOT a Trainer but great for Land based kite sports | $427.49 |
Not sure which kite to choose?
Begin by reading over this page.
Follow the links to read about the Rush, Hydra, and Scout Trainer and Traction Kites
All of our kites are "good" Kites or we wouldn't sell them.
The most important thing is to select the right kite for YOU.
After reviewing this page, and if you're not sure which kite to begin with , no worries,
write down your questions and then Contact Us and we'll be happy to assist you.
Where to Buy your Trainer?
Honestly can't think of a better place than Right Here at KITEMARE.com
Fast order processing,
Low everyday prices
FREE shipping, (within the USA)
FREE Instructional DVD
Outstanding Customer Service
and our Stoke Guarantee.
Best Price / Lowest Price
If you happen to find a lower legitimate price, we'll match it or beat it!
" How Much!? ... Yeah.. we can beat that! " ™
All recommendations are made from an instructors point
of view, with a focus on helping YOU to
learn fast, kite safe, and to find a great kite at a great price to keep you
stoked.
After a a little time on this site, it will be 100% obvious
that Our focus is on YOU!
Related links
Trainer Kites (Overview of all Trainers / Buyers Guide) You're Here.
Best kites 3m 2-line Trainer
HQ Rush III Standard 2-line Kite Package
HQ Rush PRO 3 line Kite Package
HQ Hydra Water Relaunchable / Amphibious 3-line Kite Package
HQ Scout 4-line Kite Package
Beginners Start Here ( 4 steps to getting started )
FAQ's ( common questions about kite sports )
About Us
Comments and Testimonials ( read comments from others or share yours )
Purchase Gear
Contact Us ( email, phone, or Skype )
If you're New to Kiting:
Begin on the "beginners start Here" page, Makes sense doesn't it? : )
Afterwards continue to the Kiteboarding General "FAQ's" page,
and finally return here to figure out which of the Trainer kites is right for you.
Be sure to write down any questions, and Contact Us for quick answers.
We're always happy to help when we can. About-Us
If you already have kite skills,
and are ready for more power:
Traction kites and Sheetable Foils (for Landboarding or Snowkiting)
Inflatable Kites: Kahoona and Waroo ( for Kiteboarding on the Water )
