Looking at changing my quiver, currently own 8, 10 and 12 unions. Ride foil and strappless surfboard.

Was eyeing off a chrono 13m for light winds

And possibly a 9m and 6m inflatable. Not to sure if a wave kite or single strut kite would be a better option.

My usual kite i ride is the 8m.

My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

+1 for bigtones advice, minimal strut kites work great on foils without the hassle of a foil kite. You need a lot of drift when foiling especially during transitions and running downwind. Heavier multistrut kites tend to fall in the water a lot more as the foil easily out run them downwind. Yes, you can overcome this, but it will start pissing you off as you progress..

Even when fully powered in 15-20 knots of wind, heading downwind at 15 knots you only have 5 knots of wind to keep your kite in the air so on a heavier kite you need to angle up wind more to maintain more apparent wind. This just limits what you can do on the foil.

Select to expand quote

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

I currently use an 8m reo for both the surf and on my foil, I love it on the foil because of the massive power from the bar and it's drift for when I catch up to the kite.

Select to expand quote

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

Select to expand quote

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

I can understand the hesitation with foil kites, but I recently bit the bullet and purchased a second hand Chrono v2 (the ultra light version) 13M and I would never go back to an LEI for light winds. It flies comfortably in anything over 5 knots and relaunches far more consistently in light stuff than any LEI I have ever owned. It's surprising how well the kite can recover from rolling around in a bundle on top of the water.

I now feel way more secure about heading out in light winds, and am much less concerned about having to swim in. It is still a possibility of course, and there will be a period of adjustment to the foil kite (when I first used the kite and wasn't familiar with the relaunch I ended up having to swim in with a sleeping bag full of water which wasn't fun).

Also, not having to pump your kite up is awesome.

Select to expand quote

ridgeydidge123 said..
I can understand the hesitation with foil kites, but I recently bit the bullet and purchased a second hand Chrono v2 (the ultra light version) 13M and I would never go back to an LEI for light winds. It flies comfortably in anything over 5 knots and relaunches far more consistently in light stuff than any LEI I have ever owned. It's surprising how well the kite can recover from rolling around in a bundle on top of the water.

I now feel way more secure about heading out in light winds, and am much less concerned about having to swim in. It is still a possibility of course, and there will be a period of adjustment to the foil kite (when I first used the kite and wasn't familiar with the relaunch I ended up having to swim in with a sleeping bag full of water which wasn't fun).

Also, not having to pump your kite up is awesome.

Yes its suprising how the kite can instantly recover after being totally collapsed.... it seems foil kites have an inability to invert.

Select to expand quote

snalberski said..

....

Yes its suprising how the kite can instantly recover after being totally collapsed.... it seems foil kites have an inability to invert.

Really? One our better race kiters inverted his R1 yesterday and had to swim in with a drowned kite. I think all our foil riders have had to swim in from very light wind stuff ups.

I aspire to owning a foil kite or two, but not for extreme light winds. My 15m LEI flies just fine and makes for a nice life raft if the wind drops out.

Select to expand quote

Gorgo said..

Really? One our better race kiters inverted his R1 yesterday and had to swim in with a drowned kite. I think all our foil riders have had to swim in from very light wind stuff ups.

I aspire to owning a foil kite or two, but not for extreme light winds. My 15m LEI flies just fine and makes for a nice life raft if the wind drops out.

Yeah if the wind dropped out completely and I had to swim in I would for sure prefer to have the pool noodle, but the foil will definitely continue to fly and relaunch in winds that won't get LEI's flying in my experience. On the other hand, I've had one swim in with the foil and it wasn't much fun. I also haven't tried a strutless LEI, but given the general performance difference I don't think I would go back.

Select to expand quote

Gorgo said..

snalberski said..

....

Yes its suprising how the kite can instantly recover after being totally collapsed.... it seems foil kites have an inability to invert.

Really? One our better race kiters inverted his R1 yesterday and had to swim in with a drowned kite. I think all our foil riders have had to swim in from very light wind stuff ups.

I aspire to owning a foil kite or two, but not for extreme light winds. My 15m LEI flies just fine and makes for a nice life raft if the wind drops out.

I cant see any reason why a foil kite shouldn't be able to invert so I must have just been lucky .... having said that I've had a few big collapses and what I though would definitely be an inversion but the kite always came up sweet.

Select to expand quote

snalberski said..

I cant see any reason why a foil kite shouldn't be able to invert so I must have just been lucky .... having said that I've had a few big collapses and what I though would definitely be an inversion but the kite always came up sweet.

That has been my experience too. My foil kite has inverted a number of times when I stopped paying attention to it or wasn't flying it actively enough. Pretty much always wriggles around and sorts itself out and relaunches.

So i wasnt to do anything below 12knots i shoulnt need a foil kite? thanks for all the replies.

Select to expand quote

Duff15 said..
So i wasnt to do anything below 12knots i shoulnt need a foil kite? thanks for all the replies.

For me a foil kite isn't about something that performs well in LW, it is its overall performance . Having good LW performance is a bonus. Mono and no strut kites will also work well in LW.

Select to expand quote

Duff15 said..
So i wasnt to do anything below 12knots i shoulnt need a foil kite? thanks for all the replies.

I am running a strutless kite and going in 8 knots.... LEI and foil kites both get under 10 knots. Long lines helps in low low wind.

I run a 12m V1 chrono. Thats my goto kite sub 12 knots. I can go upwind from 6 knots unless its 30 Deg and humid then its about 8 knots.

What i like about the foil in light winds is that it cranks upwind like a motherfarker and hangs in the air without hindenburging like an lei. Plus the speed is just stupid. It kicks the arse out of any lei for upwind and speed. Its pretty darn cool to be cranking fast as **** in sweet FA wind.

That said if drifting is your thing than go the no strut lei as per suggestion above.

Select to expand quote

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

Select to expand quote

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

Hey mate just wanted some sizing advice, weight 85keg ride strapless and foil. Will a 9 or 10m ultra get going in 10knots on a foil? Then was thinking a 6m wave for windy days

Trying to cover a wind range of 10+ to 35knots

Select to expand quote

Duff15 said..

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

Hey mate just wanted some sizing advice, weight 85keg ride strapless and foil. Will a 9 or 10m ultra get going in 10knots on a foil? Then was thinking a 6m wave for windy days

Trying to cover a wind range of 10+ to 35knots

35 knots will be overpowered to all hell on 6m on a foil. You really need a 4 or smaller.

I'm about 81kg. I have 3 kites that pretty well cover the range you're looking at.

* 9m 2015 Ozone Catalyst - I use this from 11 - 15kts
* 6m 2014 Ozone Catalyst - 15 - 20kts
* 3.5m BRM C5 Cloud - 20kts +

I'll probably look at replacing the Catalysts with REOs down the track but I'm in no rush at the moment as the Cats have been fine for foiling so far. I think ideally, I'd like a 4m, 6m, 8m and 10m quiver. I like being comfortably powered when foiling, hence the move to 2m gaps. Unlike a twin tip, foils are quick to let you know when you're overpowered and 1 or 2m in kite size can be the difference in flying around with confidence and nailing every transition or a white knuckle ride down Kook Avenue.

Select to expand quote

Duff15 said..
Looking at changing my quiver, currently own 8, 10 and 12 unions. Ride foil and strappless surfboard.

Was eyeing off a chrono 13m for light winds

And possibly a 9m and 6m inflatable. Not to sure if a wave kite or single strut kite would be a better option.

My usual kite i ride is the 8m.

Hey mate,

I personally ride a 10m North Evo as my only kite. Last year i did the same on a 9m as an only kite. Im 100kg and ride the same as you, strapless and foiling. The Evo suits me perfectly (i'm sure i've adapted my style to suit it as well). Its great foiling because it is high aspect so you can truck upwind with ease. Also being high aspect it generates speed when you fly it which is great because its only got power when you tell it.

If the wind is light i foil, if its on i ride strapless and surf, if its nuking i ride lit and boost strapless.

I have tried surf orientated kites (like the Neo) which drifts unreal however i don't like power through the turns for surfing hence I'm on the Neo.

Cheers,

Ryan

Select to expand quote

Duff15 said..

Hey mate just wanted some sizing advice, weight 85keg ride strapless and foil. Will a 9 or 10m ultra get going in 10knots on a foil? Then was thinking a 6m wave for windy days

Trying to cover a wind range of 10+ to 35knots

10m Ultra with long lines should get you going in ten knots. You only need the power to get you up onto the foil, and having long lines will give more time in the power zone.

I run two bars: a 20m bar with normal line thickness and a 32m bar with race lines (super thin 300kg front, 200kg back) for ~10 knot days.

Select to expand quote

Duff15 said..

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

Hey mate just wanted some sizing advice, weight 85keg ride strapless and foil. Will a 9 or 10m ultra get going in 10knots on a foil? Then was thinking a 6m wave for windy days

Trying to cover a wind range of 10+ to 35knots

I'm about your weight and a 9m Ultra had me going and relaunching in 12knts of a foil. I haven't tried under that but my guess would be a 10m should be fine for 10knts

Select to expand quote

Plummet said..

Duff15 said..

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

Hey mate just wanted some sizing advice, weight 85keg ride strapless and foil. Will a 9 or 10m ultra get going in 10knots on a foil? Then was thinking a 6m wave for windy days

Trying to cover a wind range of 10+ to 35knots

35 knots will be overpowered to all hell on 6m on a foil. You really need a 4 or smaller.

Was thinking the ultra for foiling and wave for strapless. I dont foil in anything over 20 knots.

Select to expand quote

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

Hey mate just wanted some sizing advice, weight 85keg ride strapless and foil. Will a 9 or 10m ultra get going in 10knots on a foil? Then was thinking a 6m wave for windy days

Trying to cover a wind range of 10+ to 35knots

I'm about your weight and a 9m Ultra had me going and relaunching in 12knts of a foil. I haven't tried under that but my guess would be a 10m should be fine for 10knts

Doing a bit of research and thinking a 2 kite quiver
9m ultra
7m wave
Was hoping to use the ultra in 15+ strapless in waves.

Any one have experience on the wave. Can it handle nuking winds?

Select to expand quote

Gorgo said..

snalberski said..

....

Yes its suprising how the kite can instantly recover after being totally collapsed.... it seems foil kites have an inability to invert.

Really? One our better race kiters inverted his R1 yesterday and had to swim in with a drowned kite. I think all our foil riders have had to swim in from very light wind stuff ups.

I aspire to owning a foil kite or two, but not for extreme light winds. My 15m LEI flies just fine and makes for a nice life raft if the wind drops out.

I am guessing that when they do swim in with light wind stuff ups there are generally no LEI in the air as a foil kite simly has no LEI equivialnt when it comes to light wind, so yeah **** happens some times but better than sitting on the beach watching a foil kite ;)

Select to expand quote

Duff15 said..

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

Hey mate just wanted some sizing advice, weight 85keg ride strapless and foil. Will a 9 or 10m ultra get going in 10knots on a foil? Then was thinking a 6m wave for windy days

Trying to cover a wind range of 10+ to 35knots

I'm about your weight and a 9m Ultra had me going and relaunching in 12knts of a foil. I haven't tried under that but my guess would be a 10m should be fine for 10knts

Doing a bit of research and thinking a 2 kite quiver
9m ultra
7m wave
Was hoping to use the ultra in 15+ strapless in waves.

Any one have experience on the wave. Can it handle nuking winds?

Hi I have a 2017 7m wave for a couple months now, I have had it out in winds of just under 30 knots max so I don't know if you can call that nuking.

Iam a big fan of the wave it's fast and direct with great drift. It's also been great for foiling

As far as top end it's a kite that doesn't generate alot of static grunt but works more off aparrent wind. You can whip it around and get heaps of power and it will also fly out to the edge of the window and spill power well.

I am 100kg and usually ride a 5'6 vanguard. At 27-30 knots the 7m has more power than i really want, it's still do able but I guess it depends on the way you ride and what you want. I am sure if you were strapped on a high wind board you could hold it down in much higher winds.

I am considering the same quiver of a 7 wave and 9 ultra. It could be a winner.

I wrote a review after my demo of the ultra in the thread on the gear reviews section

( Disclosure- I am not affiliated with any kite business in any way, but I have been frothing on airush lately)

Select to expand quote

Youngbreezy said..

Duff15 said..

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

snalberski said..

Duff15 said..

bigtone667 said..
My opinion .... foil kites are not worth the drama unless you are foil racing and are not so great when riding in surf (drift). So they are limited.

A minimal strut kite will generally work well in light wind, they often drift well and can work well with a foil and in the surf.

I own foil kites and minimal strut kites.

Thanks for the advice mate. Will make things cheaper, foil kites are expensive. Has anyone tried the ultra and mono back to back. And any advice on size. I normally fly a 10m and 8m. Was thinking 6m 8m and 10m?

Yes I tried a Ultra and Mono back to back... same size same conditions. The mono had more power/smoother power delivery but the Ultra had better drift and stayed up in the air more easily. Either would be a good option.
I own foil kites and minimal strut kites as well and couldn't disagree less with previous posters. If your mowing the lawn or chasing swells then an LEI will suffice. As I work out my boosting technique with my Hyperlink foil kite the rewards far out weigh any extra care needed to look after the kite.... today I was foiling with the 9m Hyperlink in 20knts and when I nailed it correctly the boost and float was higher and longer than any other kite I've ever had. I would say scary stuff but it wasn't, it was purely exhilarating.
The float is particularly helpful for foiling back rolls and upwind tacks.

Hey mate just wanted some sizing advice, weight 85keg ride strapless and foil. Will a 9 or 10m ultra get going in 10knots on a foil? Then was thinking a 6m wave for windy days

Trying to cover a wind range of 10+ to 35knots

I'm about your weight and a 9m Ultra had me going and relaunching in 12knts of a foil. I haven't tried under that but my guess would be a 10m should be fine for 10knts

Doing a bit of research and thinking a 2 kite quiver
9m ultra
7m wave
Was hoping to use the ultra in 15+ strapless in waves.

Any one have experience on the wave. Can it handle nuking winds?

Hi I have a 2017 7m wave for a couple months now, I have had it out in winds of just under 30 knots max so I don't know if you can call that nuking.

Iam a big fan of the wave it's fast and direct with great drift. It's also been great for foiling

As far as top end it's a kite that doesn't generate alot of static grunt but works more off aparrent wind. You can whip it around and get heaps of power and it will also fly out to the edge of the window and spill power well.

I am 100kg and usually ride a 5'6 vanguard. At 27-30 knots the 7m has more power than i really want, it's still do able but I guess it depends on the way you ride and what you want. I am sure if you were strapped on a high wind board you could hold it down in much higher winds.

I am considering the same quiver of a 7 wave and 9 ultra. It could be a winner.

I wrote a review after my demo of the ultra in the thread on the gear reviews section

( Disclosure- I am not affiliated with any kite business in any way, but I have been frothing on airush lately)

Yea same mate, have been riding airush for 5 years. Just ordered the new ultras 7 and 9. Cannot wait to give them a crack

In regards to the top end on the 7 airush wave (2017) I was out yesterday (100kg rider on 5'6 vanguard) doing a downwinder between 5-7, fsc fish rocks is the most accurate for where I was kiting.

I was overpowered and really would have been way better off on a smaller kite and board but with that said the kite did handle well, there was no deforming and it felt controlled through out. The handling was still pretty good when I was quite depowered and I wasn't getting ripped off my board too much, overall totally do able if you have to but would be better off with a smaller kite.