Relaunch is technically all very similar, but flying characteristics are different. I wouldn't want to learn foils on the Speed2 again, especially not in light wind
No idea what version...these things all look the same to me...just big pillows..
hmmm... so the speed would fly even worse than the speed 2?
Is the 17m really less powerful than a 21m?
There is an opportunity to pick one up cheap but the bar looks all fucked up... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flysurfer-speed ... 20d882e1b7
Last edited by NYKiter on Tue Sep 24, 2013 1:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I'd wait for the Speed3's to start flying out the door, when the 4's arrive. Going from a Speed2 19 to a Speed3 21 was a revelation. The S2 was a brilliant light-wind tractor but really didn't like turbulent or gusty wind, and didn't have a usable top-end - unless you like warp speed!
So the older ones are brutally efficient and grunty... but a handful. The materials tend to wear out too...
If it was stupid cheap - why not. Bar and lines aren't cheap to replace though...
Are you looking to buy a certain kite? What exactly is the purpose of this purchase? If you tell us, what you know, it will be easier to tell you whether you are about to make a mistake.
I do not think Flysurfer has ever made a foil with bad relaunch properties. The psycho 2 could drink water from its blow out valves, when sitting at the trailing edge, but that is a kite from 2004/2005, and why would anyone let a kite sit at the trailing edge!?
Pros of a speed 17
It is beautifull - as most high aspect ratio foil kites
easy to relaunch in light winds
probably quite stable
you do not have to pay more than 250 EUR for a kite in good condition, and you can get some awesome sessions for that money - when the wind is just right.
you get a full carbon bar which is probably the most reliable in the history of kitesurfing !
the release of the chicken loop is good
solo launch is preferred for foil kites, either using sand or sand bags
solo landing is possible in moderate to light conditions.
cons of a speed 17
A kite (such as the one you are linking to) without a FDS modification is probably considered a safety hazzard by the current standards.
turning speed is very slow
little depower (somewhat improved with "1.5 mods")
you can probably get the same or better lowend with a current light wind specific inflatable
the materials of foils do not really age, but use can cause stretch/shrink of bridles that affects performance
The chicken loop is nearly impossible to reset without using both hands for 20 seconds, so you might have to put the kite on the water - not a pleasent thing to do in a deep water situation, but there is no reason to pull the release far from shore anyway...
You cannot solo-land in high wind without using the (FDS!) safety.
General foil cons
If the wind dies down, when you are offshore, you might experience spaghetti nightmare. If you also have sea weed, it can become spaghetti hell! This can be avoided, if you are experienced packing down on the water, but an inflatable is much more fool proof in this situation.
If it is your first foil kite, you will tangle the bridle many times, before you learn to pack down.
It is an advantage to have a MSc in Engineering, and you should at the very least have a natural curiosity for this "flying machine".
What are you looking for in the kite? $500 spent on a kite that is wrong for you is money waisted. If it's the right kite, then you are golden.
The Speed are very specific kites in my opinion and I see guys get really excited about them on the front end and then sell them a few years later.
Line tangles and collapsing canopy are 2 reasons. Slow, slow turning which is inherent in such a skinny kite.
It's a cool kite, but be prepared to do the mixer test often to make sure the bridling is accurate and works accordingly.
Years ago I bought 2 Speed 2 demos and never want to like a new kite more than this one, but after months and months of testing, it just wasn't the kite for me. We have a crew that rides really hard in the winter also and we all ride modern high depower LEI's.
After riding my friend's 21m speed 3, I became very interested in getting into a flysurfer for sub 10knot winds but I will take a pass on this old one. Cheers.