PKD Buster

What a great kite!!!

I nearly bought a 3m Firebee but was talked out of it by the guy at the shop who seemed to know his stuff.

Basically it looks like a D shape in the air and flys very well. It stays inflated in even extremely low winds, so low I have had to keep walking backwards to get it to launch. It generates plenty of pull when you get it moving. I haven't had it out in a strong wind yet but in a nice clean 10mph plus it launched well and flew perfectly.

The only thing that I have had a problem with is the bridle adjustment - not great instructions in the bag. Fortunately, there is information about Angle of attack on the web so I figured out what to do. I have been flying it using only the most forward knot (i.e. closes to the leading edge) and the brake lines as long as possible.

This allows the canopy to fly fairly horizontally and produces the least power but launches and flys the best. When there is a little more wind, I'll move the lines back towards the trailing edge and see how much more power is generated.

The Busters all come ready to fly with 20m twisted lines and handles. People have complained about the lines but they seem OK for now if a little short. I fly on a beach so the wind is clean low down but the sand can cut up lines etc... I 'll change them when they snap.

I have tried some higher aspect kites such as the Firebee, Radsail pro, Century and Rebble and although the Rebble is similarly well behaved, I prefer the Buster as the others produce that bit more power unexpectedly. People have told me the Buster is a better buggy kite than a landboard kite (due to the lack of lift) but I think that is the opinion of someone who has gone past the learning stages where a better behaved (i.e less peaky) kite is a bit more forgiving and prefered.

Personally, I am so impressed (including the price) I am trying out a 5.5m for lower wind days. Great for beginers and good value for money.

By : Gavin Crompton