Peak 4 vs Pulsion

[MaximumAC]

Been having a blast on my Peaks (3/5/8) with my main concern being the kite staying in the air during lulls. I have a 12m FS Soul that I'm all the time having to swim in due variability in the wind. I have been considering adding the 11m Peak 4 to my quiver and have read all about the potential drawbacks in turning speed and such. The 8m is already a very slow kite. So, 11m Peak 4 or Pulsion in maybe the 15m UL for low winds. I'm clearly trending towards super low wind riding, but my concern is more for keeping the kite in the air vs exploring the absolute bottom end of wind. I'm ~75kg and currently riding the Moses 790 wing but also working on proficiency on a spotz 2 (i know, very different foils, but for low wind I imagine i'd be on the 790).

Bonus question....how about adding the Pansh Aeolus UL in the mix?

[Regis-de-giens]

staying in the air and "boost for waterstart " : Pulsion is better , according to all back-to-backe testers ; And it is even more easy to compare in snow kiting where riders are more keen to play in ultra light wind (less risky) : Pulsion (*) stays better in the air, support better punctual "no-wind-lulls like 3-4 seconds" without collapsing, and recovery loop to keep the kite in the air is more efficient... same conclusion with the Gin Shaman on snowkite spots ; of-course relaunch ; but even on snow or launch in the beach, is also possible with less wind with the Pulsion

(*) I mean in 27gr cloth ; I think that Pulsion 32gr cloth is approximately equivalent to peak regarding the stay in the air without working the kite (but better when working the kite)

[Peter_Frank]

I can only agree, the Pulsion 15 m2 in 27 g cloth is EXTREMELY stable, and can hang in ridiculously low wind

In fact, it is the only foil kite I have never had in the water yet - it hangs in less wind than I can foil.

I am pretty sure, that higher aspect kites if similar extreme low weight, got more peak power (those I have had, but heavier, got more peak power) so in theory you could push the low end in marginal winds even further.

BUT, in reality you can not, as they will collapse easier and you can not survive the extreme lulls the same way as the Pulsion can.

I dont know about the Peak4 in the bigger sizes, but my take would be it has too low peak power to reach the same low end, eventhough it seems they work great in the smaller sizes for waveriding, but a totally different scenario.

With long lines, which are needed, 30 to 32 meters is my choice, the higher aspect kites can pull when looped, even better than the pulsion, but they are too "fragile" and can drop or collapse really easy, thus I have found the Pulsion to be the best practical weapon for pushing the low end without swimming

In 3 to 4 knots I can keep it in the air easily, and of course keep it flying looping in less wind.

But need around 4-5 knots with my 78 kg, to have a chance to foil, with the right wing and board, depending on wind quality of course.

Peter

[slowboat]

I would think the Pulsion 12 is closer to the Peak 11 meter. If you are not trying to go below 7 knots, Pulsion 12 meter may be enough.

[tomtom]

As much as i L O V E peaks. I still have closed cell kite as biggest kite...

[MaximumAC]

All the foiling heavyweights minus sergio and foilholio (forgive me if i missed anyone)...so 15m pulsion it is. Had a lovely time in Northern Fl today on my 8m Peak. Just on the cusp of too low wind, but she got her done in about 7-10g12. Comments on best bar and lines to compliment 15m Pulsion?

[kitexpert]

If only Pulsion had some of the weird things improved or removed or optimized... For sure it is a great light wind kite anyway

It is true race kite behavior becomes very difficult if wind is at the limit, last weekend I had some time with two big ones with usual difficulties

On ice or snow kites are much easier to handle, then high AR kites of course crush simple mid AR kites like Pulsion in performance (speed, upwind).

Peak4 don't give nearly as much power when looped or dived as a foil kite, it is a park-and-ride kite. With a foil kite you can generate power if you know how to do it.

[Regis-de-giens]

All the foiling heavyweights minus sergio and foilholio (forgive me if i missed anyone)...so 15m pulsion it is. Had a lovely time in Northern Fl today on my 8m Peak. Just on the cusp of too low wind, but she got her done in about 7-10g12. Comments on best bar and lines to compliment 15m Pulsion?

For riders > 80 kg riding in steady winds like thermics, i suggest the pulsion 18m to seak for ultimate low end . For more irregular winds like on lake, pu15m is better.

About the bar : i use a 71cm bar (but 65cm is enough), and 29m very thin lines (0.8 mm and 1.0mm , all sk99).
25m is more comfortable is gusts and transitions but you loose a little power in marginal wind.

[Tony]

Can you elaborate?

If only Pulsion had some of the weird things improved or removed or optimized... For sure it is a great light wind kite anyway
-snip-

[Regis-de-giens]

Oh no !!! Please not again...