Trainer Kites
, "Traction - Trainers",
and larger Traction Kites
Page Updated: June 17th , 2009
"Kitemare.com" is the Webs #1 site for
those seeking straight forward information on how to
begin KiteBoarding, Snow-Kiting,
&
Kite-Landboarding
Great Info, Great Kites, The Lowest inclusive
"Delivered" Prices, Free
Shipping, (within the US )
**** Kite Safety leashes included with ALL Kites,
Free
Instructional DVD included
with many of our trainer Kites, The absolute BEST Customer Service
and Support in the Industry. and...
Kitemare.com 's Exclusive "Stoke Guarantee!"
It's all here at Kitemare.com
Foil Design Trainers for... KiteBoarding Practice, LandBoarding
(KGB)
Snowkiting, & Skate Kiting. Ideal for land based sports.
We recommend you begin on the "Start
Here" page,Makes sense doesn't it? : )
after the "start-here" page , continue to the "FAQ's"
page
and then return here to figure out which "Trainer kite" 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.
This page:
Find the right Trainer Kite for your needs.
Overview,
Brands, Models, Sizes, Details, Specs,
photos, Prices, and recommendations.
Foil kites (Ideal for all land based kite-sports and for
Practicing your skills.
Choosing a size /category "Trainer Kites", "Traction Kites",
and "Traction-Trainer" Kites
2 line, 3, and . 4 line kite designs.
Aspect-Ratio: High Aspect > (long and thin) or Low Aspect (short
and fat )
Kites for Training: Getting prepped to learn Kiteboarding (as
watersport)
Kites for LandBoarding and SnowKiting.
How does a trainer kite compare to a full size
kite?
The most popular size trainer
kites are around 3 square meters ( 3m ) The most popular full size
kites on the water are 9 square meters ( 9m ) or larger!
You may want to re-read the above line. Trainers are for "training" /
practice to learn, and refine your kite skills. A small mistake on a
trainer kite is VERY different than a small mistake on a kite 3 times
larger.
Do I really need a trainer kite?
YES, unless... you have a good friendwho's willing to loan
you their trainer
Think about it... would you teach
a friend to drive a car with a 5-speed on the hilly streets
in 5:30 rush hour 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 hills and
heavy traffic?" Heck yeah.
For our website
visitors, and for our close friends, our recommendation is the
same: "Begin with a Trainer Kite"
If you are ready to learn Kite-Boarding,
Land-Boarding,or Snow-kiting...
You'll FIRST need, and want, to gain kite experience by using a Trainer
Kite.
Once I learn to fly a full size kite will I still have use my
trainer kite?
If you're like most people, you have responsibilities: a job, a family, school ,etc.
Due to time constraints
You'll be using the trainer kite more often than you may think.
There will be many many days when you just won't have the needed 2 or
more hours of free to use your full size kite. ( drive, set-up, riding, changing clothes, shower,
etc)
There will be many more days when you have a free 30 minutes or so
which is enough to log-in practice time with
your trainer kite.
As a person new to kiting, 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.
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 3m trainer kite before
trying the same
skill on a much larger 7-13m Kite!
Its True! It always amazing to me that of the 1,000's of trainer kites that are
sold each year, its so difficult to find used one for sale.
People just keep them!
Yep... Trainer kites are a very smart investment.
What exactly should I be practicing with my Trainer Kite?
Good question! So good actually, we created an entire webpage to answer it.
Have look at Kitemare.com's "How-To"
Page.
A good Instructional DVD is also recommended. Average Price $28.00
MANY of our trainer kites ( not all) INCLUDE a FREE DVD.
HQ Rush-III 300-Reg (2.8) Ideal
Traction Trainer for Avg size people. New Lower aspect '09 design. HQ Rush-III 300-PRO(2.8) Our
Most Popular Trainer: 3-line Kite, easy "Reverse-Relaunching"
HQ Hydra 300 (2.6)
An amphibious (water re-launchable) version of the Rush-300-PRO
HQ Beamer TSR The Beamer TSR has been Redesigned and Renamed: " HQ Scout "
HQ Scout 3m(3.0) Recommend Top Pick, most durable (4-line) Trainer-Traction Kite
,
for people 150
lbs or heavier, Great entry for Landboarding or Snowkiting
HQ Rush-III 350-PRO(3.5) NEW: Our Largest ,most Powerful, Traction-Trainer Kite 3-line simplicity
Big Power, Low price!
Amazing Value
HQ Hydra 350 (3.5)
An amphibious (water re-launchable) version of the Rush-350-PRO
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, It was the Rush 300-PRO, and
Scout 3m ....2009..Likely the New Rush-III
300 & 350-PRO, Scouts and Hydras
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
Review this page, and if you're not sure which kite to begin with , no
worries, Contact Us
and we'll be happy to assist you. Our Customer Service is
not just good, its' OUTSTANDING.
"Quick Picks"
(above) make it easy to select the right kite for your needs.
Continue reading or scroll down to see complete details all of our
Trainer Kites.
After reviewing this page,
you can place your
order via our "Purchase Gear Page"
or
Contact Usand
we'll personally answer all of your questions.
Learn How-to fly a foil Kite
See our "How-to"
page for set-up instructions and practice exercises.
Which is the correct size Trainer for me?
The Name of the kite ( for example
"3" or 300 ) is Not necessarily the Actual
or True Size. In many cases companies put "3m" on a kite and its
Not 3 square meters!
For this reason... we now include the kites Model name and its
True Size within parentheses " ( ) "
TRAINER KITES: Size
Range: Approx1.5 to 3.5 ( a true
size of 2.5 to 3.0 is the most popular)
A Small Trainer (foil design ) 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 even a rip in the cloth. Small enough to learn with. Excellent for the1st time
flyer, Families, Kids, and light weight people.
TRACTION KITES Size Range: Approx
true size of 2.5m 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 Mountain-Board, or
Snowboard.
A Kite with good low end torque. (pull).
"TRACTION -TRAINER"
Kites
Approx: 2.5m - 3.5m
Traction-Trainer Referring to a
size that Overlaps both Catagories Trainer Kite category
and the Traction Kite category
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 2.5 to 3.5
A Traction-Trainer is the ideal way to prepare for the handling of large
kites used for kite sports
High aspect
(High AR) has a shape that's long ( from wing-tip to wing-tip)
and
thin ( from Leading edge to Trailing edge )
Extremely efficient but requires more skill to fly, designed for
advanced kiters
Low aspect
has a shape that's short ( wing-tip to wing-tip ) and wide, super user friendly, very stable,
and easy to fly. Many of the new 09 Trainers are Low to Moderate
Aspect.
Moderate aspect: Not Excessively high or low, but
somewhere in the middle
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.
What size is right for me? In many cases the Kite
companies name a kite based on its wing-span rather than its actual or True size.
When comparing kites, use the "True Size" to estimate the kites power.
Sizes and Names can be confusing.
3 , 300, 3m ... are
they the same?
"3m Trainer" by Best kites has a True size of ( 2.3 )
m2 The HQ Rush III 300-PRO has a true size of (2.8)
The HQ "Scout 3" has a true size of (3.0 )
The Scout is a larger and more powerful since its a full 3.0 m
but as you can now see, the
Names of the kites would lead you to believe the same size and power.
Crazy huh?
No worries. We've updated this page to now include the Name and the
True Size! : ) and we're here if you have questions.
Contact Us
1.5 to 2.0m 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
2.5m to 3.5m "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 - 3.5 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."
The Larger trainers are more versitile.
"Jeff, wanted to let you know how much fun
my wife and I are having with our ..
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 are NOT Trainer Kites.
but considered full-on Traction Kites!
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, Grass, Dirt, 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
How Many Kite LINES ... 2, 3, or 4 ?
General guidelines:
With Trainers kites, its a toss up, both 2, 3, 4 liners work great.
A 2-lineis less expensive, and super easy to set up
(Less chance of a tangle)
If you are the kind of person that gets frustrated easily, or just
demands absolute simplicity,
A 2-line Trainer Kite may be a good place to begin.
3-line Trainers are currently the most popular with their added "Reverse"
relaunching Ability.
4-lines are the Standard on Large Kites.
3-lines offer most of
the traditional 4-line advantages with a simpler and lower cost design.
If you're main purpose for buying a trainer is to learn learn
kiting basics.
a 2-line with suffice.
If you want the ability to easily self
re-launch the kite after crash, or...
If you plan to use the kite with a mountain board or snowboard,
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.
3 and 4 Line Foil Kite safety Systems work
in the same way.
Just release the bar > front lines go slack >
your safety leash pulls on your back line(s) >
The Back edge of the kite folds in >
The Kite instantly depowers
back-Stalls and gently falls to the ground.
4-lineTrainer Kite possible disadvantages
- 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 disadvantages.
- 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.
( easy to un-twist )
3-lines
Benefits of the 4-lines, with Cost and simplicity falling right
in-between the 2, and 4 line designs.
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!
Color: 2009 HQ
Rush-3, 250 - Reg. Orange, with yellow and white as shown.
Lines Rated at 320 lbs
The 2009 HQ Rush-3 , 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 $151. 99
"Delivered" With...
Safety Leash Included
( NEVER fly a Kite without a safety leash! )
FREE Shipping! FREE Instructional DVD
100% complete and ready to Fly. Kite, Bar, lines, leash, bag,
shipping
$151.99 . includes Instructional DVD.! Price complete and Delivered
!
Kite Color: 2009 HQ
Rush-3, 250 -PRO's are 2 tone Green with grey Lines Rated at 385 lbs
The New Rush 250-PRO is essentially the same
designed as the Reg 250 regular (2-line) 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 250. including .....
The Kite design, Bar, lines, Safety Leash, and Backpack.
Most versatile sizes Small enough to learn with, and
big enough to pull !
Best 3m ( 2-line ) HQ Rush 300 ( 2-line) HQ Rush 300-PRO (3-line)
HQ Scout 3.0 (4-line )
________________________________________________________________
Color: ,
"300" models are green, with more green. Lines Rated at 385 lbs
The New HQ 2009 Rush-3, is available 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 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.
only $180.49
includes
*Safety Kite Leash, *Free Shipping! .
*FREE Instructional DVD - title: "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 2009 HQ
Rush-3, 300-PRO's are 2 tone Green with white 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.
You can buy The
"Best 3m" kite ( True size 2.3 )
direct from the manufacturers (best) website
and pay $199. +
shipping ($8-$12)
or...
you can get it hereand pay the same $199. with FREE Shipping
and twice the customer service!
(See also: HQ Rush 250, HQ Rush 300, Scout 3m)
Best 3m fly's great, easy to learn with only 2-lines, and
built well.
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.
Kitemare's Description:
The BEST 3m (2.3) is small enough to learn with, and will generate
enough traction (power)
to pull most people to their feet from a seated position and give your
arms a nice work-out.
Its also powerful enough to pull you on a mountain-board or snowboard
although Best says
this trainer is not waranteed for Landboarding or snow-kiting.
A Ton more power than the smaller Best 2m, Wasp-1, or New Tech 2.2,
but less powerful
than the HQ 300-PRO, or Scout 3m
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 3m...
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 nice.
However, The Best 2m is "not" recommended In our view the Best 2m
is over priced relative to its true size / quality.
The Kitemare web price of $199.00 includes everything! Kite, bar, lines, leash, carry bag, and DVD , and Free Shipping. Complete and ready to Fly!
Price
comparison chart In order by size. m2 (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
Instructional DVD Optional or Free
(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
5m
shown here 
Backpack
3m
Color scheme
