Just got my first Peak! Is there a proper way to pack it up with those battens?
Not really, these batten are almost indestructible.
I think most either roll/fold from one end to the center from both ends, bridles on top bar on front of LE (and some maybe opposite, for faster setup next time).
But you could also fold it at the center, and roll both sides simultaneously.
Fold it on the middle (or two times if a big size), put bar on top, and slide it into the bag (pull the bag up on the kite/bar) with the battens towards the opening.
This is very "gentle" on the battens
Peter
These users thanked the author Peter_Frank for the post:
Hi all,
I was able to clock some 20 hours on the new 4m Peak5 and about 5 on the 5m Peak5. I switched the whole low end of my Peak4 quiver (3m, 4m, and 5m) for Peak5s, although I'm still waiting for the mythical 2.5m to get delivered . I kept the 6m and 11m Peak4s as they have seen much less usage than the smaller sizes.
So far I'm impressed, especially by the 4m, as it really has an amazing wind range now (13-20kts) compared to the v4, thanks to whatever change they did to the battens, new material and bridles. One other positive side effect of the new material is enhanced relaunchability, as its surface is more slippery on water. I got 80% relaunch success rate so far, both forward and reverse.
However, I do have one burning doubt. Could it be that the new material, it being more pliable and less "crunchy" than the old one might have actually worsened drift? Video evidence below, in 18-20kts cross-onshore and 1m waves.
I even managed to get it to bow tie once; Unfortunately I didn't catch that one on video, as it was pretty funny body dragging back shore with two halves of a kite .
PS foiling on large foils (>1000sqcm), preferably on waves.
Finally managed to take the 5m Peak5 out, wind has definitely dried out down here, 2 weeks since my last kitefoil session, and that new 5m was itching to get some flight time.
So first impression is that it actually feels different. I'd venture to say that it has more lift, with possibly a slightly bigger wind window. It could be because of refined design, or just because the old one had stretched, and lost the initial crispness (not that it ever felt like it wasn't flying fine). Anyway, it felt like there was a bit more vertical pull in the harness while on the beach, which surprised me.
Worked well for about half an hour, then wind dropped more and more, so it was getting harder to get started after a screw up, and eventually, couldn't get enough pull to get me on the board, so the last bit was just body dragging. Kite stayed obviously well in the air even when not able to generate enough power.
... and then it is yellow. That's quite a change from the blue of the past model, but I'm still on the fence about if I like that or not. Not that it matters ...
I have really been enjoying my 6m Peak 5 for foiling.
I use a 10m Soul V2 when there is not enough wind for the 6m.
If I wanted to get a Peak that has about same power as my 10m Soul, I'm guessing I should go for an 8m?
Hi martrench.
I think an 8m Peak5 would be a good substitute for the 10m Soul. Having used a 10m Soul and 8m Peak4, an 8m Peak will give you an edge over the Soul in light conditions where you have to fly the Soul carefully in a lull to avoid it falling.
Although I haven't used the 8m Peak5, only the Peak4 version, based on my experiences with the smaller Peak5 kites the 8m Peak5 will be a bit more responsive and point higher than the previous version. This should alleviate some of the lack of excitement of the larger Peak4 kites.
It would be good to hear from someone on this thread who has used the 8m Peak4 and the 8m Peak5 to give us a comparative review.
These users thanked the author drsurf for the post:
For my launch spot, Peaks are much easier to self land
I crashed my 6m Peak the other day for the first time. No chance of relaunching but pack up was surprisingly easy. I'm going to carry a small mesh bag in my impact vest next time to stuff the kite into if/when I need to swim in.
I have really been enjoying my 6m Peak 5 for foiling.
I use a 10m Soul V2 when there is not enough wind for the 6m.
If I wanted to get a Peak that has about same power as my 10m Soul, I'm guessing I should go for an 8m?
Hi martrench.
I think an 8m Peak5 would be a good substitute for the 10m Soul. Having used a 10m Soul and 8m Peak4, an 8m Peak will give you an edge over the Soul in light conditions where you have to fly the Soul carefully in a lull to avoid it falling.
Although I haven't used the 8m Peak5, only the Peak4 version, based on my experiences with the smaller Peak5 kites the 8m Peak5 will be a bit more responsive and point higher than the previous version. This should alleviate some of the lack of excitement of the larger Peak4 kites.
It would be good to hear from someone on this thread who has used the 8m Peak4 and the 8m Peak5 to give us a comparative review.
Alright, I've been reading in the Peak forums for a while. Lot's of info. May I ask for someone to post wind range for a rider around 75kg? I mostly would want to foil a Peak when we have light sea breeze with winds around 9-12kn. It it going to be a 6m or do I have to go up to the 8m? Thanks!