Flysurfer Peak Size

[Lamilu]

Looking for my first single skin kite for wave and downwind sailing, and for the fun of having and trying something different.
Read several threads stating these kites are best in smaller sizes…3/4/5…
Considering size 6/8 to use with new W799 Sabfoil…
Size 8 have had some bad reviews…Size 6 not many at all…
Even though I am heavy…maybe size 6 would be the best choice for a heavy guy with this specific model kite…
I do own a Chronus 11.
Please those who have them in their quivers compare the famous Peak 5… to the 6 and 8.
Thank You

[jumptheshark]

HI,

I've got plenty of exp with sizes 3 through 8. Im 175 lbs and don't bother with the 8m on water. For me it's just too slow with that kind of light line tension. Love it as a winter kite where the lines are tight and I can wip it around more effectively. On water I start at 10 knots with the 6m and really have no desire to go lower.

I'd recommend either the 5m or 6m as a first Peak. I started with the 5m and it took all of 8 sessions for me to realize I wanted a whole quiver. The 4m is actually the best size for my frame and truly my favorite kite and conditions. If your heavier that will be the 5m. You can go straight to it, but have to understand its for actual wind and likely doesn't start for a heavy guy until around 14 knots. I can go easily on it in 11 knots, but don't bother until 13. The 6m is slightly slower, but still a very nice kite and I use mine a lot. The 5 and 6 have a decent overlap so choose the 6 if your generally a light wind foiler and the 5 if you are someone who stays on foil when the wind picks up. In the big picture this is when they really shine.

Forget the 8m if you want to understand the hype.

[Peter_Frank]

I use the 8 m2 a lot, at 78 kg.

But it is not a wavekite, not even close - just a "go to kite" easy and works for me in 8 knots of wind.

The 6 m2 is awesome, and if you are heavier, a must have.
I have had both Peak4 and 5 in the 6 m2 size.
Ride these in 9-11 knots.

So get a 4 and a 6 m2 Peak5 and you are in the game

Peter

PS: There is nothing wrong with the 8 and 11 or 13 m2, but they are simply not usable for waves or fast "whip around" fun like 6 and down

[lederhosen]

+1 for peak5 4m and 6m

[Lamilu]

I was suspicious…with the 8. Kites have to be bougut close to their best size.
It will be the 6. (110kg naked)
Which makes room for a 4, if I like the concept.
Today I foil up to 25kn with a Neo 8.
Want to foil even if it is 35kn later on.

[Trent hink]

I only have the old peak 4s, but I have sizes 3 through 11.

I agree with everything stated so far.

I just used both my 5 and 6 meter today, on a slightly sketchy sea breeze.

In my opinion, the 6 meter is just as good as the 5, but significantly more powerful.

I'm only about 83 kg. But once you get to the 8 meter, all the magic and hype you hear about is pretty much totally gone.

I suppose if you are 100 kg+, the 8 meter might still be ok, but these kites get better and better as you go down in size.

I still like my 8 and 11, but for me, they are just for easy light wind cruising on mostly flat water.

In my opinion, and at my weight, riding Moses 633, the sizes larger than 6 do not represent the rest of the series, and can actually be a liability if your goal is to ride waves.

... Or try to ride waves, I guess, in my case...

[xfact]

A friend of mine has been using the peaks for a while. Been looking at him all through last summer. Finally I got myself a Christmas present. peak 5, 6m2. Had a session on ski in 12-14 kn winds. Unbelievable pull. I loved it. Just got also the 4 m2. I believe that the 6 will be way too strong on foil. (90 kg, Armstrong 1000 and 1250 wings) so lets see. I think I have the perfect combo, but I might also get a 2.5 for stronger winds on water.

[Peter_Frank]

It is quite interesting though - the thought of an 8 m2 for a big bloke working like the smaller kites for lighter riders?

I dont think so though.

Based on LEI kites, where a 17 m2 for a 125 kg rider does not work or loop as good and fun and lively as a 10 m2 for a 75 kg rider.

Something magical disappears around a certain size, so it is not scalable

Peter

[abel]

I have the Peak4 11 and 8.
The 11 for under 10 knots.
Of course the smaller the size the larger the fun factor.
I tried the 13 (also a friend who is quite skilled) and we got into the conclusion that the advantage over the 11 for 8 to 10 knots is negligible.
Looking at Flysurfer's table above, I would narrow the low end to one or even two knots higher for the less skilled foilers. The main issues would be the start and mantaining the tack under long lulls
As from 14 knots and higher I'm back on the good old LEI and TT.
My local spot has generally light winds ( <14knt).
Anyhow I definitely will try the 6 m2 for the 12 to 16 knots

[Peter_Frank]

The 6 works for average weights in 9 to 13 knots in my experience and what I see.

In 16 knots you can start using a 4 m2.

Agree with the statement, but I cant remember where seen:
2½ to 6 m2 should be a category of their own, MAGIC

And 8 to 13 m2 another category - IMO they got nothing in common but the small pack size and fast packdowns, and the big ones 8 and up could be replaced by (m)any other kite(s).

Peter