UKSurf wrote: ↑Wed Jul 31, 2019 12:17 am
valverto wrote: ↑Tue Jul 30, 2019 9:30 am
On the webpage they also give 6-12 knots wind range for the 12m2 and 5-15 knots for the 10m2. Does that make sense in your experience? Maybe getting one extra knot in the low end by being faster and lighter?
I would be amazed if you could get foiling in 5 knots on the 10m but I havent tried it so cant comment. For me the 12m will get me going in 8knots +. Anything less than that then the risk of having a long swim back or losing my board means I would rather stay on the shore.
I think the windrange listed is correct.
Meaning, no you can not get up foiling in 5 knots on typical gear if average weight.
But that is not the issue here...
If the smaller kites are built somewhat like the big 12 m2, then it is IMO correct, you can fly the smaller kites in less wind than the big ones.
In the TT days, how many of us have heard newcomers seeing a 16 m2 kite for the first time, saying: "ooooh, it must be able to fly in no wind"
And nothing is more wrong...
Yes, the biggest kites might have a tad lower weight per area, BUT, they need more wind to be able to keep flying, at the ultimate low end.
They can hang without being worked, in less wind, indeed, but still need more wind to be kept flying.
Meaning, one could go out in 2 to 3 knots of wind on the beach, and fly a 7 m2 "normal" tubekite, keeping it flying in 8s or loops, very easy - we all know that.
This is a lot more difficult, actually not always possible, with bigger sizes, as they tend not to turn as efficient and fast, so can not be kept flying in the same low wind.
Yes, indeed the bigger sizes have more power and pull, and is needed to foil - but the windrange they can be kept flying in, up to getting overpowered, is extreme.
Also the reason why foilers can actually start in almost the same wind with a 10 m2 as a 12, as the 10 gives more peak power, and can be worked to hang i same or less wind - a win win many times.
Windranges listed are always crap btw, as you have no idea what the low end comparison is, a huge wing, a SUP board, and a 45 kg rider?
Some tend to aim for something average, but today there IS not such a thing anymore.
PF