Flysurfer Speed Questions for Lightwind

[twcdouglas]

Hi All,

 

I am looking into getting a Speed 3 or 4 for some mega light wind riding. I have seen a few guys out on these when there is nobody even contemplating going out.

 

So my questions are:

- What is the general thought on these kites for lightwind riding?

- Would the 18m or 21m be better?

- What are they like in quite holey/gusty conditions?

 

Cheers,

 

Tom

[kitesurfandy]

my mate had one , a 21m he bought it new 2300£ only used it a few times then sold it,

 

he was going out in as little as 6knots ,

 

but ! hell of a cheaper option a strapless skim board ,

[jimmy6]

Hi Tom,

I've had a Speed3 15m since 2009 and it's by far the kite I've used the most out of my quiver. I've had a go on a S3 21m a few times in Tarifa and loved it for ultra light wind riding, but in all honesty my 15m and a door only had about a 1-2kt higher min wind requirement.

I haven't tried a new Lotus fabric Speed, but reviews seem to rate it as an improvement on the S3.

The S3 is stable in gusty conditions and there is plenty of float/drift in lulls. Again, the S4 is meant to be better.

Foils are different to LEIs in many ways and take a little getting used to, but I would recommend them as the best way to get into lightwind kiting. Sure, the kids will come along and bang on about how they only go out in 6m weather with their bindings on - but there's a lot to be said for getting out on the water and having fun whatever the wind gods bring!

 

If I had the money, I'd probably sell my 15 and buy a new 18, but I can't justify letting the kids starve!

 

There'll probably be some good info for you on Foilzone. Good luck!

[too much wind]

Hi All,

 

- What is the general thought on these kites for lightwind riding?

- Would the 18m or 21m be better?

- What are they like in quite holey/gusty conditions?

 

 

Lightwind riding is all about board choice and not kite choice imo. If you are riding a normal style twin tip i doubt you will gain much from getting a speed. Maybe a knot or two. That said coupled with the right board staying upwind in 8kntos is doable. 10-12 knots well powered.

By all accounts the ozone chrono has sliglty better bottom end. But is more fiddly (bridle tangles) and less durable.

15, 18 or 21? Depends entirely on your weight. I have riden all three and find that the 15m gets me going as early as either the 18 or the 21. Only thing is i get overpowered sooner on the two bigger kites. i'm 70kg.

My 15m speed 3 dlx is by far the most stable kite i have owned. Its really strenghts are its huge wind range. 8-25knots. With really good boosting in winds above 12 knots.

Really durable. Mine is 4 1/2 years old now and still in perfect condition with only a few replaceable lines having to be replaced. And its my most used kite by a long way.

 

TMW

[DarkHunterSo16]

Hi dude,

Its Abe from SuperKiteDay. Everyone will tell you this kite is awesome and it is. It has a huge wind range and is very stable in gusty conditions too. This kite is a lot of fun, but its good to know how to fly a kite before getting something like this because you WILL get hangtime haha! You can always get riding and jumping when all others struggle to even get upwind.

I fly the 19m most of the time but I can handle taking it out in strong winds. A 15m is a best all rounder. If you got the money then for sure go for the epic Lotus 18m.

 

Respect to 'jimmy6' for feeding his kids hahaha but if you dont have any like me then go for it!

[balugh]

Love my 15m S3. Terrific all round kite. Great wind range...I ride mine from about 12mph up through about 20-22mph. Would have more if I could....would quite like to try the smaller ones...though the 18m I saw a couple of weeks ago looks very nice indeed:-)