Lot of very helpful reading and tips.
I do have an option for 15m or 17m kite to be around EUR 700-900max new/ used 2018-2019 models. Looking at the Contra, even 3-strut Passion 17m and Duotone Juice. Not that familiar with other brands and don't see so many nice offers.Big kites are typically quite expensive - so if I were to buy a new/used big kite now finding a good deal would probably be more important than finding the perfect kite - be it 15 or 17. That depends on how much money you are willing to spend though - of course.
#1 I am not planning to foil with this kite, on use my TT and/ or my Surfboard. Honestly, I hate nothing more than lower wind and struggle with upwind performance, mainly because of not enough power to stay afloat. I don't expect to go riding below 10 knots, but be able to take advantage of range 13-18knots nicely, maybe with some chop near the beach/ tide/ current. A holiday session saver. So looking for a more high aspect ratio, hence the mid-range Emotion or Contra (KitesurferMAG wrote it has great upwind performance, so a bit confused with this).
Reading
I don't expect to loop the kite, just casual riding with some jumps, play in the waves etc... - freeride in great weather conditions.I have a 17m and I don't like it as it's too slow
I can imagine, but it feels sometimes the heavier kites struggle more with the up-stroke compared to lighter versions, which seems to be crucial in light wind. I usually get a good first pull, but hen sometimes the way up isn't fast enough to generate power and forward motion.Weight don't really matter because LW designed big kites will stay up flying easily in 7-8 knots without much input
This is interesting, so a 3 strut LW design in 17m could mean faster turning than a 1-strut 15m? (I do have a nice option for a 17m kite with 3-struts).The more struts usually equals the most kite projected area / most upwind pulling power
What would be the high AR kites? I find it difficult to find measurements of kites, so have to rely on reviews, but these tend to be general and not so accurate as some might differ in opinion.A big kite has the advantage to lower the range of wind to any type of board you're willing to ride , my advice is to go for a high AR big kite that allows you for effortless upwind at the cost of pure grun