gliding/carving with speed: kite falls (a good drifting kite)

[jumptheshark]

Yes, 4m will cover.

If I could only own one, it would be the 4.

[Peter_Frank]

Yes, 4m will cover.

If I could only own one, it would be the 4.

Being 78 kg on similar wing size, the sweetspot for 18 to 25 knots is definitely the 3 m2.
No way I could use the 4 in that much wind, except for riding back and forth surviving

Apparently different likings how powered we want to be.
In 18 knots I could just still ride the 4 really powered yes, but then switch to a 3.
Actually start with a 3 also, now

The 3 m2 is very difficult to fly as a "first" Peak4 though.
So a 4 in a bit less wind a much better choice

For your weight and 18 to 25 knots a 3.5 Peak4 would cover IMO, that's probably why we don't give the same answer.
Also, the more you ride the Peaks, the lower you go with the small ones.

Peter

[jumptheshark]

Key point, we both advise you get a 4m, but I agree with Peter.

After a while anything over 20 is 3m weather, but at first you will explore the kite’s full range, and it will cover well into the 20’s. Yes, once dialled in, if you like it’s unique character, you will choose to use it in less wind, and getting a 3m will likely cross your mind. Until then, shorter lines help the top end.

When I first got the 4 I held it comfortably into loads more wind than I choose to ride it now, so Peaks are funny that way.

[riddim1]

A friend gave me a ride of his 4m Peak4 this last week. I have to say that the hype I have read on this kite is mostly accurate in terms of drift performance. It is the first kite I have owned where I could ride the swell without having to think about the kite. I managed some full cutbacks on the waves without needing to loop the kite to keep it in the air.

The wind was gusting 20-25 knots and my friend told me it was out of its wind range. This manifested in the kite flapping for the duration of the 20min session. I can imagine this would cause wear on the kite bridle lines and fabric in a short amount of time. This flapping fed directly back through the bar and lines which would frustrate me.

The apparent lack of water relaunch-abilities is also a concern as my time is precious (like most parents). A swim in would be a Session killer for me and would leave me fuming I like to ride deep at times and go where the waves are.

In short, I can see a spot in my quiver for a Peak4, perhaps a 3m considering the winds and location I’d use it in. For the OP, if gliding/carving is what your into then the Peak4 should be trialed for comparison purposes.