Previous predictions about ram airs have proven amazingly accurate. The exodus of riders from ram to inflatable will continue; ram air sales will continue to fall as a proportion of kites sold because they are less safe, harder to learn on, and aerodynamically inferior. A quick glimpse at place holders on http://www.worldkiteboardingleague.com will reveal a dearth of ram air "talent" in the upper ranks (freestyle, surf style, big air, etc). History will repeat this year: ram airs will crash and burn in ALL significant competitions.
One of the world’s most respected kite designers and erstwhile designer for FLYSURFER, Ralf Groesel, had this to say about ram airs last year, confirming EVERY suspicion ever raised about these inferior kites: “… it’s the Tube-kite that stands victorious. From a designer’s point-of-view it shines in every aspect; its simplicity in design is the key to controlling its complexity. Tube-kites rule most of the sport-related requirements… Soft-kites have an approximate market share of 4%, meaning that 96% of all kites sold worldwide are Tube-kites. This figure basically validates the success of the concept. Without being too sarcastic, you have to be a believer to think that Soft-kites are the future of the kite market…” For the full epiphany and admission, please check-out this link: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2400039 With comments like this from respected kite designers, it is becoming harder and harder for ram lovers to justify their purchases.
Ignore the lies. Ignore the propaganda. Ram airs ARE aerodynamically inferior compared to inflatables.
---- Pumpy
