Just getting up on the board now. Currently have an Older Slingshot Rev2 11m but would like something with some more low end grunt. Can any one suggest a good kite for my weight and conditions. Im 100kgs and riding in flat water, wind is ranging mainly from 10-15 Knots. It has been suggested either North Evo 12m or Cabrina Switchblade 14m.? Cheers

Go bigger at least a 14m

14 won't do squat in sub 15kts unless you plan on riding a SUP or race board maybe.

16-18 is the range you want.

At 10knts with the zephyr you'll need a bigger board at 15knt its the perfect kite at your weight it'll b fine in the lower 20s if it picks up, I pondered for ages about buying a biggy but its been my best kiting investment

I get a switchblade 14m going in a steady 10knts no problem .

In flat water this will be achievable, given your weight think about a fairly flat 140cm + board

I can't comment on the larger than 14m kites but what I do know with this kite is that it has good low end and can handle a bit of wind when it picks up, so it becomes a kite you use a bit more and dont have to rush in to change down .

Alot of technique comes into lightwind kiting, the main thing is to keep the board continuously powered up.

cauncy said...

At 10knts with the zephyr you'll need a bigger board at 15knt its the perfect kite at your weight it'll b fine in the lower 20s if it picks up, I pondered for ages about buying a biggy but its been my best kiting investment

^^ +1
107 kgs here, and I use my Zephyr more often than my 12m.
The Zeph has a great top end too, low 20's are not a problem, and she eats gusts up really well.
I get going from 12knots on my mormal TT (Shinn Monk 135x44).
Anything under that I have to bring out my light wind board (Spleene Monster Door)

Lachlan , if you were an experienced kiter and not just getting up on your board I think the 17m Griffin TRX with around a 152 TT should get you going well from 10-15 knts and then change to a smaller board over 15 knts. Good review on kite here
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Review/Griffin-TRX-17m/
Because your just getting up on the board the 17m is a lot of kite to handle if your still learning to edge the board
I would recommend a 14m Switchblade with a 152 TT until your very comfortable tracking upwind and then maybe go with a 17m.

maybe the zephyr isnt the best beginner kite in some peoples opinion, but with the winds in question and the weight of rider itd be great, ive tought a young bloke at my local in similar wind , when learning how many times do you wish you had that extra pull , i find when learning people on it ,it pulls them through their cock ups and onto the board instead of them dropping into the water and starting again, it relaunches great in these winds and although a big kite it doesnt get out of control , with awsome depower, ive ridden this kite on the same day from 9 to 23knts and at the top end still felt i could handle a touch more at 90kgs. maybe speak to a school and see what they recommend

Slingshot Rally 14m is a far quicker and friendlier kite that the Swithcblade 14m

My opinion - tried both plenty of times.

Ellobuddha said...

Slingshot Rally 14m is a far quicker and friendlier kite that the Swithcblade 14m

My opinion - tried both plenty of times.

Just interested how does the bottom end compare? Usually theres a bit of a trade off with a faster kite

yo eppo totally agree but the zephyr isnt a hard to handle kite even though its 17mtrs which scares people to death, i ride edges and if it had the same power to size ratio itd be scary, but the zephyr isnt its a smooth forgiving kite, when your beginning you dont want a fast turning kite ,although for its size its not bad , looking back when i was learning i wanted a kite that would haul my arse out of the water and not react too quick ,and at these winds and at his weight its fine

kiteboy dave said...

kiter77 said...

I get a switchblade 14m going in a steady 10knts no problem .

Alot of technique comes into lightwind kiting, the main thing is to keep the board continuously powered up.

I call shenanigans. Weight and board size?


Nor shenanigans weight 88kg board 138 -38 homemade flat with alot of concave, steady 10knots no probs. Can get out just about every day over summer with this setup

Daddo24 said...

Thank you for all you comments gents.

Once you get the whole tacking business sorted out it's important to remember that the most important thing in life is boosting.