kitenight11 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 13, 2020 1:44 pm
Hi,
I read everywhere, that the bigger the frontwing is, the smaller the kite can be choosen - because of more lift from the wing.
But on the other side, I also read that these bigger wings tend to have way more drag than the smaller ones. Doesn't this mean in consequence that you therefore also Need for a bigger wing a bigger kite to achieve the same Performance/Speed as with smaller wings?
Can somebody explain?
Thanks
You are absolutely right kitenight11, in some respects a bit counterintuitive.
If we take equal wings, then you got less drag with the small wing, but also less lift.
But lower drag means its topend is higher, it can ride faster, no doubt.
The bigger wing will need a bigger kite actually, than the small wing, to obtain the same max speed.
BUT, as most dont seek speed with the big wing, its higher area means you can ride with a smaller kite, which is great for maneuverability and to avoid getting overpowered in carves and waves.
Then again, in lighter wind, IF you can get the small wing up flying, it might be able to ride in just as low wind, because of the apparent wind
This is mostly only possible with kites that has loads of peak power, t.ex a high AR foilkite.
In real life for most riders though, the big wing will be so much better when light wind, as it starts earlier, can go just as low or lower in lulls as the small wing, but more important, you can ride slow and still foil, meaning your maneuvers and jibes are A LOT easier, no slack lines because of high speed with the wind, and you can still use a smaller kite
You can also carve tighter when going slower, so very narrow radius in waves or turns
There comes a point though, where it gets really dull, and you dont really gain when bigger because of too little apparent wind and not much fun either, like foiling with a heavy bag around your wing.
Because of above: Speed giving lift, low area giving low drag giving speed, area giving lift, you can usually ride in the same low wind on a smaller wing, once you are able to get up foiling, because of the apparent wind.
IF you are able to get up, that is the tricky part, maybe not possible.
Which is the reason why there is a limit, besides not being fun, where it can be too big, as well as too small, for the individual rider.
Peter