small race kites in high wind

[sonny2727]

Hi Guys
Just want to get feedback on how smaller sizes of race kites, like R1, VMG in sizes say 8m or 7m handle in 20kts plus conditions. My smallest race kite is 10m and its comfortable upto 20kts on 637 wing and looking for another option for 25kts ..Don't race so maybe a 8m soul is better as it can handle gusts better or LEI like Ozone edge
Thanks

[Peter_Frank]

Hi Guys
Just want to get feedback on how smaller sizes of race kites, like R1, VMG in sizes say 8m or 7m handle in 20kts plus conditions. My smallest race kite is 10m and its comfortable upto 20kts on 637 wing and looking for another option for 25kts ..Don't race so maybe a 8m soul is better as it can handle gusts better or LEI like Ozone edge
Thanks

Sorry, I don't know...

But just if you didn't know, there is a foil kite specific forum: viewforum.php?f=197

Peter

[evan]

What 10m do you have.

10/11m should go up to gusts of 30kn without problems for the guys. 8/9m is for the really gnarly conditions with gusts up to 40kn

Note that I talk about gusts, as those limit your high end and not the average wind.

[Jyoder]

Smallest race kite I’ve flown is a 9m and it was fun but by the time the wind was strong enough that I really wanted it over my 11m, the swell is big enough that I wanted my 6m LEI instead to focus on downwind and play in the swell. If you have a flat water spot with winds steady 20-30 then I’m sure a 7-9 meter would be a blast. The power stroke is very fast and hard on these smaller kites. In strong gusty wind, it becomes hard to thread the needle for a nice water start without either getting either no kite pull or getting yanked hard over the board. This is assuming you’re using short lines.

[sonny2727]

On R1V2 10M , I guess looking at the status wind ranges its up to 25kts for 80kg so gust of 30kts should be possible. At 70kg 25 is my upper limit so I guess its an issue with skill ..I don't know who buys race kites for 30-40kts though

[davesails7]

I would never go back to inflatables for under 20 knots, but over 20 knots I've had a lot of trouble with race foil kites.The bridles whip around and tangle themselves up in seconds. If the kite doesn't fully inflate on launch, you get ripped down the beach trying to backstall it. If the bridles do tangle up and you have to release to the leash, you're stuck untangling knots for a half hour.

I had 9m race kites in the past, but decided not to have one in my quiver anymore. I use my 11m R1V2 comfortably up to 25 knots on 10m lines, and a few times up to 30 knots.

Also, the more wind there is, the less of an advantage you get from a foil kite. Once it's over 25 knots, an inflatable will be just as fast from what I've seen.

[plummet]

You will surely be entertained with a small race foil on a hydrofoil in high winds. I haven't used one on the hydrofoil. But I have blazed a 7m R1 in 30+ knots on the kite buggy and it was stupendiculous! That said. Lei's are superior for gust absorption in those winds making them potentially faster.

[Mossy 757]

With a buddy to double check your bridles and make sure you have a clean launch, they're as-easy as inflatables. But like Dave said above, it's way more of a handful by yourself.