www.kitemiser.com reviews some light wind kite and large history
Well the wind drops below 12-13 mph
Most people have something else to do (insert family, yard work stand up paddle or beach walking)
Then there are a few that like the light wind challenge, unlike some who are living where it is always 17-35 mph (Kanaha Beach Maui for example ahhh)
Some spots are lackluster (think 9-15 mph) in wind conditions.
This is when we look at the light wind specific gear, large kites and the light wind boards.
Light wind kites:
There's allot of good offerings out there today.
In the old years we had the large C kites up to even 25-30 meters. Imagine that beast taking 20 minutes to pump up. You may have to take breaks on the inflation, grab a cool drink.
At that time the size is what we thought mattered.
These large (okay super large) kites were okay... if they stayed in the air, after the upper wind range was reached they like to go downwind more than up wind.
I think that at some point because of the size of the kite, the weight would be an issue.
These kites will work well for kiteboating as they have plenty of power.
Think 2004-5 Naish X4 or boxer in 20-25 and 30 meter
Okay forward ahead to 2014. 10 years later
The better light wind kites are light weight and efficient.
They fly forward in the window and can fly in about 9 mph or less staying in the air, they will tow a board even in 10mph.
Re-launch in 10 mph or less and make flat water riding a reality
Ocean Rodeo 17 Flite 2014
Really have been liking this kite, although I'm not the expert in light winds riding (foil) for me it has loads of power flies up wind good and big range of wind.
Comes with 23" bar and 20 +3 m line set
This kite turns very fast for a 17m especially on the 20m lines in lighter winds use the longer lines for more power stroke and better low end.
Although you could have this kite and a 9-10 m in your quiver for most conditions I like it in low winds with a skim board or surfboard.
When the winds pick up I use it with a twin tip for jumps.
Slingshot Turbine 17m 2014
I have owned this kite great light wind solid park and ride kite
very strong build comes with 25" bar and 25 m line set
The turbine has changed a little over the years. My first one the 2012 was a great powerful kite in light wind. It had a mini bridle on the trailing edge wingtip with a pulley and regular bridle on the leading edge.
The 2011-12 Turbine had good low end and stable flight.
In 2013 they made the leading edge slightly thinner and used lighter bladder material.
I am not sure if it has quite the low end of the 2012 but still good light wind kite.
If you don't have at least 9 mph any light wind kite will be hard to get going on unless you are 160 lbs, the normal rider suggested weight
Ozone Zephyr 17 m kite- I have not tried it but from what I've heard people like this kite for light winds. I did get to try out the Ozone Edge 19 m though.
Ozone Edge 19 m 2014
This is a race kite but also a good light wind kite, yes it is a 19 m but has a pretty good wind range if the winds do crank up a notch.
Used with a "plank" or Aliea board a big guy 200 lbs can ride around, or use with a giant twin tip light wind kiteboard.
When the winds do come up a little can ride a regular twin tip or wake style kiteboard.
No comments:
Post a Comment