evan wrote: ↑Wed Dec 19, 2018 3:30 pm
Why the focus on a Thin LE and single skin for high performance ?
Who is focussing on high performances ?
The hydrofoil racers and speed record chasers should.
The average kitesurfer/kiteboarder should not.
Myself I focuss on accessibility (price and easyness) for wider access, especially for people and countries with lower purchase power.
So the HP hose technology development was driven by cost. Yes it has other advantages over classic inflatables, lower drag and weight that can be exploited too.
As long as you want a rigid and double surface kite, it will be too cumbersome and/or awkward and/or expensive for the average rider.
One of my main concerns since the sport started is the price and I always warned about costly technologies becoming main stream. That killed windsurfing as it was known in the 80's : a general public sport (in France)
I see it coming with the high aspect ratio ram air kites. As hydrofoiling is becoming "mainstream", the costly ram air kites become too. Not good for the market ! The HP kite can be a solution for highly efficient kites at low cost.