what are they good for?

Sleeping in them!!!

No seriously, they are good at everything! Its a wide question to respond to. Each foil has its own characteristics, just like LEIs.

light winds
massive power
slow turning
smooth flying
should i mention auto-zenith no no i dare not
they make better tents than sleeping bags by the way
i like them that's what i know

Whats a foil kite?

they relaunch way to quickly

fast to set up the lines
fast to pack up and down therefor making a good tents
realy good for snow kiting but not that much snow in aus

I'm going to be boring
Australia actually has more area of snow than switzerland.the volume up where you do it is also pretty good (ive been snow kiting 9 years )the quality of the snow can be dubious ,When its cold and windy the snow is like concrete.and yes doonas are excellent in the snow

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Mr E said...

fast to set up the lines
fast to pack up and down therefor making a good tents
realy good for snow kiting but not that much snow in aus

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TTone said...

what are they good for?

Hi TTone,

foils are not all the same... on the closed-cells foil market, there are currently only 2 brands to chose from: Peter Lynn and Flysurfer. There is probably as much difference between these 2 brands as between C-shape and bow inflatable kites.

good for:
- quick set up and pack-up (I personnally find it very important... allows more time on the water )
- puncture-free, but many briddles to take care of (Flysurfer kites only). Requires to be organized!
- smooth feeling in the bar
- relaunchability: it can fly backwards (Flysurfer only)
- hangtime is really nice on big foils, pretty scary sometimes
- light wind performance (Flysurfer only)
- auto-zenith (Peter Lynn only)
- multi usage (water, buggy, mountainboard, snow)

I use FLysurfer psychoIII 8m and Speed2 15m from 10 to 30 knots and am very happy with these (weight 63kg).

cheers
Jacques

just bought a second hand crossbow 7m for high wind days (noob)... sounds like i shoulda bought me a foil.... those bridle lines look a bit scary though....

Foil kites make great trainer kites!

If you are into multiple kite sports then a foil is a bargain, buggy/snow/water/etc. and make for super training kites(the small ones), crossing large channels of water, cruising, floaty tea bag jumps. Saying that some of the pros(the real ones, not the lot who think they are) can do some impressive tricks with them.

However would stamp my paws till my pointed ears popped that they are any good for surf conditions, just think they are too slow and s p o n g e y.

i heard foils were exspensive , i remember when they were $15....

Yep agreed which is why I have been riding SLE's for waveriding until I had a 3 am flash of inspiration and incorporated an old idea with a new twist now I am getting C shape turns and feel with SLE depower and solid feel(not just me, have now kitted out a number of other venoms with the riders all reporting the same and ,doh,cancelled orders for new kites) check out arcusers.com 'an interesting story"

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meerkat said...
[However would stamp my paws till my pointed ears popped that they are any good for surf conditions, just think they are too slow and s p o n g e y.

Hey Mr Float.
What is this tweek you have touched upon. I can't seem to find anything about it on Arcusers. I have a V2 and would love some improved performance for the waves if it is possible.

Regards

Marti

flew one tonight [thanks again to fver], and would have to say its a different game. really easy and surprising hangtime. if your not into kiteloops or surf riding then it is a legitimate option especially in the lighter stuff.

Hi Kitecrazzy,

I just need to add that you flought a two year old kite (Flysurfer Speed 10 m 1st generation) in the lower end of its wind window...

Happy kiting!

Fred

Follow the 'An interesting story thread"

or click on this

http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/arcusers/message/30453

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H2flow said...

Hey Mr Float.
What is this tweek you have touched upon. I can't seem to find anything about it on Arcusers. I have a V2 and would love some improved performance for the waves if it is possible.

Regards

Marti

The latest FlySurfer foils turn just as fast and you can easily adjust them to give them a hard or softer feel.

Wave riding has always been my main passion in kiting and is one of the main reasons I stuck with FlySurfer. To be able to flip your kite over and relaunch before a wave hits it is very handy - and if it does get it by a wave they are much less likely to get ripped to pieces like LEI/SLE. When you're going down-the-line the lightwind (apparent wind) performance of FlySurfer kites is a bonus. When you're riding a wave into the wind the depower of FlySurfer kites is as good as any bow kite IMHO.

Ian,
what is your weapon of choice these days, a P3, Pulse, or still the old trusty warrior?

Robbo I like the Speed2 with the Psycho3 not far behind.

I only kept with the Warriors for years because I didn't like the Psycho1, Titan, Voodoo/Spirit, Extasy and Psycho2 - all turned too slow for my liking. But since the Speed1 all the kites turn as good as any LEI and still have all the benefits that the Warrior had.

The PULSE2 will be here soon with 8m demo kites in Perth and Kitepower Sydney - from all reports it turns even faster again, boosts nicely, unhooked kite loops quickly but with smooth power - can't wait to fly it myself .

TTone why don't you test fly one of the latest models and see for yourself
I'm sure when you see what Seb Bubmann does with a Psycho3 you'll see what they're good for He's in WA 11 Jan - 7 Feb, itinerary TBA shortly.

How about a demo on the Goldie?

Sambo /
We can organise a demo for Flysurfer Kites . I can meet you at Wello point or give me details on where you are on the Gold Coast .
You can Demo the Speed 2/10 or 12 mtr.
Plus the Psycho 3 /15 or 13 mtr.
Not a sales day simply try out the kites and enjoy !!

Jeff Roberts