I have one of each and find they both excel in different circumstances and sometimes I use both at the same time (one for the chicken loop and the other for the flagging line). The KITEBUDDY seems beefier and though harder to screw in really is a beast when screwed all the way down. I have not been able to screw it in in some locations due to hard stony sand and the Buddy's diameter. Or it is really hard to screw in and you can get fatigued doing it...

The KITEANCHOR is easier to screw down and works better in harder sand. It does not seem as beefy since it's diameter is much skinnier. So it can move a bit but I think it would stay under a hard tug. The BUDDY wouldn't budge I believe at all. If I could only get one it would be the KA because of the hard sand issue. However I'm glad I have both...

Cool, thanks everyone for your feedback. Very helpful. If I end up buying one (still not sure), I'll be sure to post a review.

I use one of these

http://www.rapidanchor.com/

Not sure on their availability in other areas of the world though. Thing I like about them is they are designed to hold 500Kg's of pull so if anything goes wrong while its attached to the anchor, it'll probably break a line before it rips it out and sends it at someone's head. You can always attach a second line to your leash so if the chicken loop breaks, it leashes your kite immediately and kills the power.

Even cheaper.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HEAVY-DUTY-GARDEN ... 0375199390

In my school I use the kite anchor. I can put two kites on the anchors at one time. I've had students even attach their boats to them instead of using anchors. All the ideas out there seem like they would work but for hard to soft sand I know the kite anchor will work with no problems. Plus it is the only one with the patented orange to yellow technology. Screw it down to where the Orange becomes Yellow and you're set to go.

Post subject: Blue screw review
PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 1:44 pm
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Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:16 pm
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Blue Screw Sand and Soil Stakes - Item #2753
The Bluescrew is more than just a tent stake. This innovative ground anchor is a must have for beach goers and campers everywhere. Bluescrew's unique twist mechanism provides incredible resistance in turf and firm soils, and are simply screwed in and out by hand. Made from durable lightweight reinforced ...


Ive used this stake for kitesurfing an it rocks on sand.
It hold my SLE without any hassles. ive put a leash on the hole of the screw .
Good price for 2 stakes i use one for the leash and the second one for extra double safety.
used it in 25 knots winds on a 9 meter bullaroo.
I use the longer ones.
Simple good product.
If there is any kite company hearing it would be nice to include one of these in your kite bag.
Found them at www.nrsweb.com

sorry forgot to post pic.

I recently purchased the Kite Anchor, and that thing HOLDS. I couldn't pull it out of the sand, I had to "unscrew" it. I had previously made my own out of an umbrella holder similar to the Kite Buddy, but I could pull it straight up and out of the sand. In my opinion the Kite Anchor has a more secure hold.

I have a heavy duty dog stake made for big dogs. It works just fine for under 20 dollars at that. Sorry those are just overpriced plus I have post I can use at my usual spot or I can use my trailer hitch. I'm usually too lazy to do either of those so I just self launch off the grass or sand like a water relaunch. It is great to live in Texas where we have so much room to kite!

....................................NEITHER...................................ANYMORE........

Been there done that for launching (and landing kite)

Fastest easiest way whether at beach or park (grass) without having to slide leading edge around

Make yourself filled sandbag (30lbs) that you keep in the car at all times for park launching
Bring to the beach an "empty' sand bag that you will fill (30lbs) on location and spill out leaving

You will be able to launch a kite in any wind strength
No need to fold wingtip
Drape filled bag with the 10/20 method
10 lbs on top of leading edge about 2ft from end of wingtip
20 lbs off the kite resting on land /beach

Have fun and like an other reader said learn to safely land kite by yourself without any gizmos
There will be time when you cannot return to your launching site and need to land kite in a hurry