bragnouff wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 1:02 am
The main answer is that no matter what kite you use, it will end up being a different kind of fun than in 10kts+, and most likely, a lesser amount of fun.
Light winds will always restrict what you can do in terms of downwind ability, and wave riding.
So you're likely to be left enjoying fast straight runs, which is nice in itself, but arguably not as nice or playful as what you can do once there is a bit more ambient energy to tap into.
Point is, do not expect that a new kite will recreate the same experience you're having with your 9m in 10kts+.
Fully agree. My personal option for sub 10 knots is a 15m foilkite (light so not a Soul above 10m for a light rider like I am), and sub 7 knots it is a 18m foilkite extremelly light. I could ride a 12m but it is boring because lack of power/ effort/ speed.
So "my " fun in sub 9 knots is to control and "accept" the power of a big kite, and anticipate kite particular trajectories and timing to ensure smooth transitions in poor winds. Having a mobile small kite with not enough power is, IMO , easy but quite boring: you loop short at any moment ,ok, but in the end you get no real reward and acceleration sensations.
The kite turns very slow, ok, but it is your challenge (and pleasure) to cope with that , and then get enough power for decent speed on such flat water, learning jumps with no risk. Almost "another sport" vs 10 knots.