OK We are well into the season now and the Flat kites have been around for a while now so I think its time to dissect some of the information getting around. Two points first though.
1- This isn't meant to be a Bow versus C thread just an attempt to clear up some differences.
2- This is obviously my point of view and not everybody will agree.
SAFETY I continually get people telling me that a flat kite is safer than a C kite. The truth is that if you put a kite in the power it will drag you, no matter what style of kite it is. Just last week we had a bow kiter flung up the beach with the only thing stopping him being his kite in the trees. The real advantage with the bows is being able to sheet the kite enough to prevent too much pull when you inadvertently put it in some power. This also helps to prevent lofting if the kite is above your head on the beach. Many users will like the fact that if they release the bar the kite will depower but remember this only works if you actually let go of the bar and if your stopper ball is disengaged. Its human nature to hang on for dear life when you start to lose control.
The major downside to the Bows in regards to safety is there is no backup safety if the depower doesn't work and I have personally seen this a couple of times. No flat kite kills as much of the power through the safety as a 5 line kite, period.
Ease of learning Yes we have found that generally the Flat kites are easier to learn on. The total control over the power of the kite makes it easier to keep the kite power within the realms of your ability. Some learners can have issues with keeping them in their sweet spot though and in these instances a C kite will provide an advantage.
They jump higher?
Well I'm yet to see that. Its difficult to gauge as 90% of jumping is the kiters ability. At this stage I still believe a high aspect C kite and an experienced rider will gain you more hight From my experience with all forms of traction kites including foils is that within a couple of years development some of the more specific Bows will definitely be higher jumpers.
They have a larger wind range. Absolutely true!! At this stage there is no C kite that will get you out in as wide a wind range as a Supported Leading Edge kite. However this is mostly due to the extra bottom end power in the kite as there are C kites available with easily as much depower as a Flat kite.
Bows are heavier on the bar Damn straight they are! Although one brand is almost as light as the C's.
Bows relaunch easier In most conditions yes but in some tidal and surf conditions I have seen kiters have some issues.
Conclusion No doubt there will be a lot of people that disagree with my views but that is what its all about. As will always be the case in kiteboarding "ask 10 people about a kite and get 30 different answers"
If you are a learner go with the style and features you think you will like, be happy with your decision and get out there. After all being out there is more important than worrying about the technical aspects of your equipment.
If you are already a C kite rider, I definitely recommend trying a Flat kite before making the switch, but don't judge them in one 30min session as it may take a while to adjust your riding style before you enjoy them.
Jason
www.briskites.com.au/
I've never flown an inflatable bridled kite, but have flown a flysurfer quite a bit. I've heard people saying that the bows handle gusts better? From my experience i find this hard to believe due to the fact that an arc/C shaped kite can deform its shape better to absorb the gust. What is your opinion on this?
Without doubt the smoothest kite I have ever flown in gusts is a PL Venom/Phantom/Bomba. These kites naturally absorb the gusts but the downside is when you transition they also cant produce the instant power a pump up can.
The Bow kites dont actually handle gusts any better than a C kite if you were to ride them on a stopper but riding them on the fly by holding the bar allows you to quickly take the power of the gust out of the kite by easing it off. Some C kites work well at this too.
You will see some bow riders (especially those that learnt on them) adopt the poo man stance when in a gust as you have to reach forward to kill the power as opposed to just leaning back and edging harder.
I did the research and ended up with a C kite, being an Impact 11m from F-one.
All I can say is with all the hype that surrounded Bow types everything relating to the F-one is true. and as a newbie I am rapt.
I still have to do a lot of body drags back to my board, and being able to push and pull with bar on stopper is a big plus.
the depower is more than I've ever needed so far.
and while Tony said the speed may be a bit over the top for a newbie, I love it and it is that speed that has probably saved me more times than crashed me.
when I get to be a real jumper I will say more.
Freed.
Agree with you 100% Jason. I have been very surprised
by the latest one I have been trying though and I would say
the bar pressure is probably lighter than alot of C kites.
Can't wait for next season when all brands simplify the design a bit
with the same performance.
