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Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

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windfreak74
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Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

Postby windfreak74 » Sun Jul 07, 2013 8:42 pm

Fellow kitters,
are wind range charts misleading?
what do you guys look for in a wind range graph?
what information do you think is critical?
do you think companies lie in their accuracy?
what would you like to see?

thanks!!

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Re: Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

Postby MikeYQM » Sun Jul 07, 2013 9:05 pm

They arent misleading as long as you dont take them too closely. So many factors play in that they arent accurate: temperature, humidity, weight, current, board, riding style etc.

They are very effective as a guide to compare range overlaps between sizes and models.

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Re: Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

Postby Kite2Heaven » Sun Jul 07, 2013 9:21 pm

Some kite websites actually post dud wind forcasts 'as in 15+ knots' at the end of their 7 day graphs - just to get more hits for their sponsors and keep you checking...
I always take a large medium and small kite wherever so unless it goes to glass, i got it covered..

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Re: Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

Postby tautologies » Sun Jul 07, 2013 10:27 pm

I think most companies aren't out to mislead their customers. They would be would stupid to do so since the customers will then have a different experience. Kind of like 2-4 mph claims of riding type stuff.

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Re: Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

Postby Peter_Frank » Mon Jul 08, 2013 11:30 am

They are not "misleading" when you know what they are based on.

And that is the problem - as some brands cover "the full range" in a wind chart, meaning they put the windrange for a specific kite, but for both light and heavy riders, and big and small boards.

Which gives a huge windrange then.

Others go the other way, and specify a given weight and board size, and not too over nor underpowered.

That will give a really low windrange then.


So if you know exactly what the ranges are based on, you might be able to compare a bit better yourself.

But as a starting point - I would never ever use wind range graphs at all, because of above :o

If you had some kind of a standard measuring method that could be used in terms of windrange - THAT is what I would like to see (but I dont think this will ever happen).

The problem is, that "new" kitesurfers take these ranges for "GIVEN", and sometimes choose from these :-?

So some will buy a 7m2 and a 15m2 kite as their full quiver, as the ranges "overlap" according to the charts :roll:
And we all know this just wont work at all :(

:D Peter

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Re: Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

Postby Starsky » Mon Jul 08, 2013 4:57 pm

Manufacturers do a decent job trying to estimate their kites full wind range, but most consumers with less than a few kites under their belt will put all kinds of stock into those little graphs. I'm sure many will agonize over the difference of a single knot in stated wind ranges and let it sway a purchase decision without having actually tried either option! Thats just a problem with kiters, not manufacturers.

The number of factors and inter rider variability means a best guess is all that can be provided. I think they keep it simple and do a decent job of trying to narrow down the basics of 75 kg and "average" TT.

You have to assume ideal flat water conditions for bottom end and steady winds for top end.

Extrapolating to your level of skill, usual conditions, board quiver etc gets easier with experience.

Seen through the filter of my fun criteria and board choices, I can pretty much count on the published low end to be where I start on a surfboard, and a couple knots up from that before I consider a twintip. Top end ranges get even more subjective as you can hold kites into crazy air if you have to, but there are seriously diminishing returns on the fun unless its simply massive boost your after.

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Re: Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

Postby MarcThompson » Mon Jul 08, 2013 6:30 pm

It is interesting how manufacturers disclose this kind of very specific information (since it depends on a LOT of factors) but keep projected AR, and even kite weight, as a secret.

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Re: Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

Postby NYKiter » Mon Jul 08, 2013 7:01 pm

Kite2Heaven wrote:Some kite websites actually post dud wind forcasts 'as in 15+ knots' at the end of their 7 day graphs - just to get more hits for their sponsors and keep you checking...
I always take a large medium and small kite wherever so unless it goes to glass, i got it covered..
Hit the nail on the head.... :buttsmile:

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Re: Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

Postby windfreak74 » Mon Jul 08, 2013 7:55 pm

Guys,
thanks for taking you time to respond!
For all the kitters that have lots of years under the harness, chosing a kite is no problem.
What i wanted to know is the specific information you would like to see?
I understand that variables are enourmous but can we créate a standart?
what is the ideal wind graph range?
please set examples company wise.

a mixture of switch and epic:

twin tip 135 x 41
kite size 150lbs under 150lbs - 185lbs above 185
low end -high end low end -high end low end -high end 10 14-22 16-24 18-26

directional 5"8 x 20"(25 liter)
kite size 150lbs under 150lbs - 185lbs above 185 to 230 lbs
low end -high end low end -high end low end -high end 10 11- 18 13-20 15-22


and the tecnical construction specs of the kite:

what do you think?
thanks,
Pedro

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windfreak74
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Weight: 70 kg
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Style: weird style!
Gear: switch helium3 7m 2018
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Re: Are wind range graphs misleading?whats your opinion?

Postby windfreak74 » Mon Jul 08, 2013 7:58 pm

Guys,
thanks for taking you time to respond!
For all the kitters that have lots of years under the harness, chosing a kite is no problem.
What i wanted to know is the specific information you would like to see?
I understand that variables are enourmous but can we créate a standart?
what is the ideal wind graph range?
please set examples company wise.

a mixture of switch and epic:

twin tip 135 x 41
kite size: 10 meter
150lbs under 150lbs - 185lbs above 185
low end -high end low end -high end low end -high end
14-22 16-24 18-26

directional 5"8 x 20"(25 liter)
kite size 10meters
150lbs under 150lbs - 185lbs above 185 to 230 lbs
low end -high end low end -high end low end -high end
11- 18 13-20 15-22


and the tecnical construction specs of the kite:

what do you think?
thanks,
Pedro


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