20m LEI Kites - Its Time

[Greenturtle]

So, what are the odds of manufacturers making new 19-21m LEIs?

Well at the moment its 100% for 19m. Ozone still has us in mind thankfully.

The hope is for a 21m soon with lightweight material and nice up to date design efforts.

[Pump me up]

I am having perfect fun in around 20 knots with my 18. But we have many days with 15-20 knots (warm air). I can do things, but for more crazy stuff I need a bit more power, so a nice 20 would fill that gap for me. And if I can even go lower to start at 13 knots having fun even better.

Toby, what are the reasons for you not going to foil kite for such big sizes?
It seems that you’re living in a place with nice wind and wide beach?

Having done this last year, things that are the most cumbersome are: dealing with the the landing, if alone and wind picking up, rain and wet sand. Living on the coast, wind is quite consistent.
Sure, in more than 20 kts, LEI are definitely simpler to manage, and performance gap is less sensitive

Because it is a foil. I think the launch is dangerous, because I like to be powered. And don’t want the hassle with all those bridles.

[Greenturtle]

So who is it going to be?

Ozone still making the 19m Edge, maybe we could see a 21m limited edition or something.

Slingshot doesn’t like to be outdone power-wise, lets see it.

Cabrinha has their designer back and is releasing new stuff, maybe they will unleash a fresh beast.

Airush could use a little more attention, maybe they will hit us with a 20m+ Lift.

Ocean Rodeo is my personal hope, they have the lightweight build going good and the new 5 strut Flite would be the perfect platform.

Duotone is using aluula and the Rebel is due for a throwback to big sizes, prices would be extreme though I bet.

North would be nuts not to release the Orbit in XXL sizes, come on now.

Flysurfer has the Boost lei kite and they already have a following in the big kite lover’s segment, maybe they will bless us.

[Flyingseb]

I must say that I admire your tenacity, Greenturtle

I’m all with you on that one, and wish to see such kite on the market, sooner or later

[Flyingseb]

Because it is a foil. I think the launch is dangerous, because I like to be powered. And don’t want the hassle with all those bridles.

Then, I can turn back to you your favorite argument: big kites are inherently not dangerous, because you use them in low to moderate winds. Which is true with foil kite as well. No risk of death loops at launch, for example.
Bridles, well, are to be treated with respect, but nothing unbearable for normally cautious people.

I understand you never tried one (at least a modern, performant foil kite): you should…
Or maybe you shouldn’t…It could break your referential

[PullStrings]

Those who remember the windsurf sail that could be increased in area....zip it on the bottom of a 5.0 and it's now a 6.0m !!!

So we could have a 17 sqm kite and add to the trailing edge the extra 3 or 4 sqm needed to have more JUICE !!

Just an idea because it's raining here with no wind

[Pump me up]

Last time I fired is maybe 5 years ago…tried to launch a 21, didn’t get it to fill up, tried everything.

Launched smaller ones after that for someone else. But never feel safe.

And I still see today people gaveling problems at launch….when they aren’t even powered. I just feel safer with my LE, it’s a more controllable risk for me.

But if others are happy with it, fine for me, no need to ours are anyone to change.
Personal preference that is.

[thewindego]

The landing of an overpowered foil sucks as well. You may be able to ride and jump huge but flagging is a mess.

[POACHER]

I've been on Flysurfer Sonic/Speeds 21s and they are terrible. Sure you can mow the lawn in 7kts but jumping is a joke. It's the slowest tank I've ever flown.

I'm in for this new age monster made of Aluula!

[nothing2seehere]

I thought I was interested but then I remembered watching this video. Its a light weight person on a big kite not really going big (but whom I have seen video evidence that they can go pretty big) in 12 knots. The answer has to be a hydrofoil if you want to boost in light wind:



YMMV?