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#1
08-03-2008, 11:58 AM
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Where is a good place to get the FS kites cheap?
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#3
08-05-2008, 03:12 PM
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Now that I have more information, I just need some clarification on something....
When we talk about a low end kite are we saying that the kite, of its size flies with less wind than one of the same size or are we saying that it also has more power than even larger kite?..It may be easier if I give this example. Earlier it was said that the Royal Era 14m would out perform a ION 15m as a low wind kite, the size of both of these kites are close to the same. Now, do you have the same low end pulling power if you compare the same Era 14m with say a 16m Waroo or even a 17m Contra in the same light wind? It just seems like it makes more sense to ride a larger kite in low winds than a smaller kite. Help me understand...
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#4
08-05-2008, 03:22 PM
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I know that I used to have a Fuel 19 meter and that thng pulled like a truck. Unfortunately it pulled DOWNWIND only. I wouldn't put to much stock on kite "sizes" when it comes to inflatables. I'm sure the Royal 14 will blow away the waroo 16.
I think that foils may be getting good enough to start taking over the light wind realm again. I wish we could demo a 19 FS Speed 2
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#5
08-05-2008, 04:56 PM
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Jay pretty much nailed it.
Size (if not an efficient cut) is just drag. Today's kites have a much better design than even just 2 years ago, let alone 5 years ago. I wouldn't ever think of getting anything bigger than a 16, Gary, even at your size (comparing you to me) At my size, a 14m kite in 13 knots is pretty powered up... I know it sounds funny (even to me) but that's the truth. Jay, I remember that old 19m Sligshot Fuel (2003, I think?) Man, 20 minutes on that in 12 knots and my legs were killing me. (LOL). Pure drag, no upwind efficiency. You were basically fighting the kite to force it upwind. So Gary, yes, you have the same "power" and low end with today's 14s that you use to have with 18m kites of just 2/3 years ago. The big difference is that they feel much different. There is less drag, so some people actually misinterpret that as less power. Most of today's "pull" is perpendicular to the wind or upwind, so your legs don't have to fight the kite wanting to pull you downwind. Instead, that power is more efficient, and the kite pulls you upwind with relative ease. The biggest mistake you can make with a light wind kite (imo) is thinking that the feeling of being pulled like a truck is good. That's a bad sign, imo. It's just drag. Hope that makes sense. I am sure you will get to demo that Speed 2 19 this year. We have 2 in the area (at least) now. I demoed one out at EB last season in about 13/14 knots. I unhooked and was yanked off the water on a railey. It took me by surprise. It turned pretty slow compared to the Era or Eclipse, though.
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#6
08-05-2008, 06:06 PM
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I flew a 14 contra a bit last year. Dont think you gain any more low end with a 17 because 14s are faster and can generate just as much apparent wind. Theres really no need to go bigger than a 14 with the new kites and technology.
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#7
08-05-2008, 06:20 PM
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As far as "not going with anything bigger than 14" I feel it applies to smaller guys. If you are larger you will notice the advantage of that extra 3m. Also new kite techonoloy helps a lot, the 14 meter contra 3 pulls more than the 16m switchblade 1 I had. However the 17m blow both out the water. I have been out when I could not on a 14m and when I can be on a 14m I and having a blast on my 17m. The power pulling smaller guys downwind bigger guys can convert into upwind.
As far as FS I have looked into them but I have a few questions 1 why are they so expensive, I think if there price was petter they would have a much better shot at stealing some market share. Also how is the depower, One thing I like about some of the new kites is they fly just as well fully powered and fully depowered. How is the range on the FS speed 2?
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#8
08-06-2008, 10:54 AM
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Quote:
1 The amount and quality of material that is involved in the kite. 2 The amount of skilled labor involved in the kite. 3 The exchange rate on the dollar. The kite is not like a big trainer kite. There are lots of design concepts built into the kite that results in it's performance. The cells fill with air quickly but do not deflate quicly unless you open the deflation zipper. They are self draining of water and sand when flying. You have to get up close to one and look inside of it to appreciate the amount of thought that goes into it. The Speed II has very good depower. Once the wind hits 14 of 15 knots I change kites. I can still safley ride it but I have more fun on my 14SB in 15 kts than I do the FS 19. (How many days did we have this summer with wind above 9 and below 15) I weigh 200 lb and I use the 19m FS from 8kts to 14kts. They show the wind range for the 19m speed II up to 22kts on their web site. I would not want to be on that kite in 20 plus kts of wind. It's not a one kite quiver but it is by far the best light wind kite I have found. I am considering getting a 12m speed II. It is really nice not having to carry a pump & pump up a kite, not having to run out and hook up the lines, not having to ask someone to launch you or land you.
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#9
08-05-2008, 06:22 PM
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O.K., it makes more sense now. I'm really expecting to hit it hard this up comming season like I did the first year I started riding. I got skunked at least 10-15 times that first year and only 1-2 times this past season.
I'm hoping with the correct kite and board this season a going as many times as I did the first year, I'll ride more and sit on the beach less. Thank you for all of your help... Big G
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