Strutless Kites Cloud vs. Gong

[Peert]

I have a Gong strutless 12m.
Nice kite. Higer AR than the Cloud V2 I believe 8.5 I tried. Comparable to the naish trip I also own. The Gong and BRM dont like being overpowerd. The Gong LE will distort at the front. The BRM LE will bend between the last bridle point of front line and the backline.
Trip 10m does not have these issues and can happily be (mis)used in a wider windrange.
For me from 9-10 knots on the Hfoil up until 25 on a TT..

@Tomhorton: Curious about the effects of the battens. can you post a picture detailing the material that is used for it?

[Onda]

I´ve had the Cloud C1 in 10 & 17 m² and the Storm Voyager V2 in 9 m² (on strapless surfboard).
My learning: Strutless kites lack depower! Massive low end, but very little depower. Didn´t like any of them. The windrange was very narrow for me.

Maybe the later models have increased in depower capabilities, don´t konw...

1-strut models still lack depower from my point of view (LF Solo, North Mono).
Decided to stay with 3-strut wave kites.

[surfbird]

I wouldn't say it's fair to compare with the C1.

C5 and D0 are almost a different kites. It depowers much much better, and the throw is very short.

I haven't ridden the gong yet. They feel a bit heavier compared to cloud but probably more durable.

[tomhorton]

Hi RalfsB, as you can imagine, any 17m kite is going to turn very slow. I can downloop my 17m Gong Strutless. While the 12m Gong Strutless turns considerably faster than the 17m Gong Strutless, the 12 m Gong Strutless does not come anywhere close to turning as fast as a Core 12m GTS. The 9m Gong Strutless is a fast turning kite. If I really snap it around, I can downloop the 9m Gong Strutless sitting at 10 o'clock. I would say the 9m Gong Strutless is probably as fast turning as a 9m Core GTS. Also, per inputs from friends, the Gong Strutless does not jump nearly as well as the Cores (not an issue for me as I don't jump).
Cheers,
Tom

[tomhorton]

Hi Peert, relative to your post "Curious about the effects of the battens. can you post a picture detailing the material that is used for it?", the following are my inputs.
The use of the batten immensely improves the performance of the Gong Strutless. I believe the batten is fiberglass (it wrapped in a sheath), similar to what was used on windsurfing sails. Unlike battens that were used in windsurf sails, It does not seem to be tapered. Here is a link to the Gong website that shows a video of the batten. https://vimeo.com/191726616
As an FYI, I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area if anyone is interested in trying out one of my Gong Strutless.
Cheers,
Tom

[lightwind]

Hi Peert, relative to your post "Curious about the effects of the battens. can you post a picture detailing the material that is used for it?", the following are my inputs.
The use of the batten immensely improves the performance of the Gong Strutless. I believe the batten is fiberglass (it wrapped in a sheath), similar to what was used on windsurfing sails. Unlike battens that were used in windsurf sails, It does not seem to be tapered. Here is a link to the Gong website that shows a video of the batten.
As an FYI, I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area if anyone is interested in trying out one of my Gong Strutless.
Cheers,
Tom

Hi Tom,
Could you please share more information and impressions about Gong strutless. I’m (75kg) considering buying a 12m for foiling 6-11 knots. What do you think?
Thanks
P.

[Peert]

@lightwind.
Using a LEI from 6 knots? Forget it.
Even in colder more dense winds you need at least 8 kts.
If you are after sub 8 kite that has the feel of a LEI take a look at Foilkites (Kitech FRS, FS Soul, PL Nova or CA Pulsion)

[slowboat]

@lightwind.
Using a LEI from 6 knots? Forget it.
Even in colder more dense winds you need at least 8 kts.
If you are after sub 8 kite that has the feel of a LEI take a look at Foilkites (Kitech FRS, FS Soul, PL Nova or CA Pulsion)

Good advice.

[jatem]

@lightwind.
Using a LEI from 6 knots? Forget it.
Even in colder more dense winds you need at least 8 kts.
If you are after sub 8 kite that has the feel of a LEI take a look at Foilkites (Kitech FRS, FS Soul, PL Nova or CA Pulsion)

Good advice.

If you're after the feel of a LEI, easy handling, fast turning, outstanding drift, and the ability to stay flying in 3 knots, consider a Flysurfer Peak 4. It's my favorite hydrofoil kite. The 5m gets me foiling in about 8-10 knots on flat water, and it's useable up to 20-25 knots in swell. Relaunch isn't guaranteed, but it doesn't fall in the water like a normal kite.

[Qiter]

@lightwind.
Using a LEI from 6 knots? Forget it.
Even in colder more dense winds you need at least 8 kts.
If you are after sub 8 kite that has the feel of a LEI take a look at Foilkites (Kitech FRS, FS Soul, PL Nova or CA Pulsion)

I do not fully agree with this, it all depends on the set up (kite/ board) you have and the conditions. I can foil "comfortably" on a big wing (Onda) with a 9m LEI in 7 kn (I am around 85kg). I will be underpowered but once I am on the foil its all good. The problem (and there I agree) is that in a 7kn wind there will usually be lulls of 5kn, and this is where the trouble starts.
Also, it depends on the conditions of your spot. Side shore wind and flat water gets you going easy in 7kn, while onshore winds with a nasty shorebreak will make it more difficult.

So its the total package of gear and conditions (and rider skills) rather than a certain wind strength that makes the difference