I didn't read this entire thread (22 pages already?) but this is one of better posts you have started in a while.Pump me up wrote:There are SO many bullshit claims by kite companies regarding light wind capabilities. NO kite will perform in < 7-8 knots. The owners and distributors of the Epic Infinity are amongst the worst offenders. To claim the Epic Infinity can perform in "2-4 knots" (even if it is with a SUP) is ridiculous and a blatant lie and leaves the company wide open to claims from disgruntled users.
Continually posting videos or images of kites flying in glassy or conditions without whitecaps makes me think the posters are trying to hide something or deliberately trying to mislead. Anyone with any significant light-wind kitesurfing experience knows there must be significant wind gradient involved.
The ONLY way to gauge the RELATIVE performance of kites in light winds is to fly them side-by-side, with similarly experienced riders and similar boards.
With BIG light wind kites, there is no magic formula. Various permutations and combinations have been tested over the years...
It is simply not possible for the Epic Infinity (V1, 2, or 3) or Flysurfer kites to surpass significantly the performance of every other light wind kite in existence. There is not enough energy for ANY kite to perform in 2-4 knots of wind!
...
Everyone knows that if you use a light rider or a big board, you can do some crazy things in STEADY light wind. (many of us don't have steady wind when it is light..it is usually regularly dropping off to zero). Add a race board and many people are throwing spray when everyone else is standing on the beach.
However, the claims from companies have gotten out of hand. Give us a SIZE on the kite, don't just call it the "Incredible". We understand physics. So...if it is a 15M kite, tell us. If the manufacturer mentions that the kite is also produced with lighter materials, has a custom bridle, or has a shape making it relaunch or whatever easier, we will understand that it can really perform better in light air than similar sized kites. We also understand that line lengths help.
My point is, light wind kites are real, but the miracle claims made are bullshit.
Some of the popular ones I have seen out are the Ozone and Slingshot Turbine kites, in addition to the Flysurfers of course. I haven't seen any Infinitys first hand, but I see a lot of them on kiteforum. I'm sure they are good as well.