After having had mixed experiences with the chinese kites, and a son that was not too happy about going kiting with dad, I decided to get a brand name kite in a smaller size, such that I had something that would fly good, and not pull him across the field.
Some research on the Internet kept showing the HQ Symphony series as good beginners kites, and the Beach series was considered very good value for money. I knew that a 2m was way too big, so the 1.8m was out of the question, and I went for the 1.3m thinking it might be a bit on the smallish side, mostly for low wind capabilities. Went for the Mango colors. Price is around $25.
The kite is listed with a range of 6-21 mph = 10-49 km/h aka 2.7 - 13.6 m/s, and age 8+. It comes with 100 lbs polyester lines, but they work fine. It is in a flat pack bag, and comes with hand straps that are already mounted on the lines on the winder. So it is easy to unpack, attach lines, and move backwards until all line has been wound off, and then start flying, with one person launching the kite.
On my first flight with my son, we had the usual unstable wind. 3 m/s gusting to 6 m/s, and occasionally dropping to about 2 m/s. So on the light side for this kite. We had no trouble launching the kite, but it was moving maybe a bit too fast for my sons almost first-time experience.
So I added a 10m x 8 cm tail from eBay (<$3), which slowed the kite enough that my son felt more confident. On top of that, it adds lots to the experience and the fun to have a tail that shows where you have just been. Those $3 are well worth it with any stunt kite that can carry a tail. The HQ Symphony kites do have a loop on the center back meant for a tail.
On some launches, the kite would hover with the tail just off the ground. Not enough wind for more.So we did some slower moves. When the kite picked up speed, we knew we had better wind, and could have the kite fly higher. And when we had it higher, I started to introduce the faster maneuvers, and loops even double loops, and unwinding the lines moving back. All the time with my son holding the lines, and me guiding his arms.
Sometimes the kite just lost air in the weaker winds, and fell slowly to the ground, but at the specified 6 mph, it was doing OK.
But all in all the kite flies at way lower wind than the 2m Flame Foil, it flies faster, makes tigther turns, and is very good fun with the tail. Great kite with little pull. Good value for the money. Highly recommended.
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