IWantToFly wrote: ↑Tue Jan 03, 2023 3:44 am
For those who have now been flying both…which hybrid to cover the Peak5 4m range? I’m guessing the 3.5m may not quite be enough as you are all saying the hybrid has a little less grunt. If the 4m is the go-to size for someone, do they need the 5.5m?
I'm 67kg using 990 sq cm & 740sq cm foils and have the Peak5 4m and 3.5m Hybrid. I also have the 5m Peak5 but haven't used it this season as the wind has always been enough for the 4m Peak5. On really windy days over 20 knots I have been using the 2.5m Peak5.
The 4m Peak5 does have a little more grunt than the 3.5m Hybrid, the extra half metre of area matters on a small kite. However the 3.5m Hybrid has more top end, eating into the 2.5m territory. Bear in mind the Hybrid has a shorter bridle length than the Peak5 kites which slightly shortens the power stroke. Longer lines would minimise this difference.
I think for someone heavier than me, the 3.5m & 5.5m Hybrid combo would give you a wider wind range than 5m & 4m Peak5's. There is no downside to the Hybrid that I have experienced apart for the higher cost. They are simple to setup and launch, drift is maybe even better than the Peak due to the new bridles and 3D structure, turning is fast and smooth and they relaunch quickly with ease.
The 4m Peak5 is definitely a go to fun size and perhaps it's a shame Flysurfer did not make the Hybrid in the same size. However I think you would cover most of the 4m Peak5 wind range with the 3.5m Hybrid with a bit more control and fun at the top end