nixmatters wrote: ↑Wed Feb 01, 2023 6:12 pm
On the other hand, Bille, if my 13m LEI had the weight of a similar projected area 11m from Smeagle´s spreadsheet - that is avrg. 1,850 kg - I would be able to sine and loop it fast enough to compensate for the smaller projected area.
In low wind condition foil kites have much higher aspect ratio meaning they sit further on the edge of the wind window what results in better apparent wind ability which is combination of actual wind + your kite speed and high aspect ratio kite are better at this.
Being able to quicker sine you kite to take you off water and let you start ride doesn't mean that you will be able to ride upwind comparing to someone on foil kite, generally foil kite are slower at everything to similar power LEI with exception to apparent speed once you accelerate to cruse speed they can go really fast.
Weight of the kite doesn't determine whether you can ride your kite and go upwind or not, it's a combination of various factors.
Foil kites come with few drawbacks making it often not worth investment once you experience these first handed, you might decide that its not worth the hassle.