The first time I flew this kite, I started laughing. It was so much fun! The pull was surprisingly strong. It felt like the kite was twice its size. Since then this kite has become our company choice to teach new flyers. Smaller, inexpensive kites are often too quick for easy learning, and the pull too indefinite for new folks. The 7-foot wingspan of the Quantum makes it easy to make deliberate turns without over reacting. The strong pull gives definite feel to the wind window. Yet it has enough speed and serious pull in winds above the teens to keep even the advanced flyer intrigued. The bridle has a labeled wind adjustment for strong to light wind. The cons are: the pull is too much for children. And some smaller adults might not enjoy the constant pull. It can rock even me (over 200 pounds) on my feet in winds above 20 miles per hour. But for most these are plusses that add to the excitement of flying.
But the best part for the novice is the Kinetic Dissipator (shock absorber) which takes up the jolt from nose first crashes. I have taught people to fly with this kite, and had them repeatedly and brutally slam it nose first into the ground. The Kinetic Dissipator did its job. That and the sturdy frame make this kite one that should be in every multiple kite bag.
And it will do basic tricks for those who want to go further. Some folks like it as well as the Hypnotist (formerly Mirage) for tricks. I prefer to use the Quantum as a traditional stunt kite.
When I started fly fishing, someone told me to buy the best, most expensive fly rod I could afford. I did not. I bought one after another of less expensive rods until I had a half dozen. Then I bought an excellent fly rod twice as expensive as any of the others. I could feel the difference. Kites are the same way. If you are a novice, save your $40 on beginner kites and resist owning all the colors and designs of less expensive stunt kites. Put out the $90 for a Quantum. You won’t be sorry.
Mike Hale
kiteguy@kitestoo.com
- Prism Quantum
- Skill Level: Novice to Advanced
- Wing Span: 84”
- Wind Range: 3-25 mph (practical is 5 mph plus)
- Speed: Moderate to Fast
- Pull: Medium to Strong (actually very strong in 15 plus wind)
- Frame: Carbon
- Sail: Nylon, Mylar laminates
- Flying lines: 85’ X 150# Spectra, straps and winder
- Case size: 38” (This is my choice for carry on airplanes)
- Parts: Available from Prism on-line or retailers
- List Price: $89.99
