Re: Average Joe Kite Review- Light wind kites
Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 10:04 am
I think you make very good points. The kites will have different characteristics and will suit different riders, conditions and boards, so its not about declaring a winner but finding out what each one is good at and bad at.Olas! wrote:I am very excited to hear about the results of the Cloud in this test! It definitely seems to be the most controversial LW kite out there right now, I have heard it is a terrible kite that won't fly on par with how it is the best thing since sliced bread.
I am debating between the 14.5m Cloud C2 or Flite to get me going on my skimboard in the lightest stuff possible this spring.
My theory on the 17m Cloud is similar to others' opinions on the Infinity and Fat Lady, I think it is a LW kite built for a specific purpose - in this case riding strapless. Could be a reason for the polarized reviews.
Perhaps the Cloud's low end may not stack up against the high AR kites while using a twin tip, however, I wonder if the depower and light weight of the kite may make it superior to the others if ridden on a big skimboard without fins or straps. I was considering the kite as my local wind is not only light but also gusty, which requires a kite to float through the lulls and depower quickly in gusts if your weapon of choice is strapless.
Do you have any riders who ride without straps? It may do a better justice to the Cloud's intended use to compare its performance with a surfboard or skim with low rocker in addition to a twin tip comparison. Likewise, somebody who unhooks and throws down in 11kts might provide a better basis for comparison for the low/med AR LW kites.
Thanks for doing these tests!
In light wind the boards range from foil boards through race boards, surf boards, alaia type boards, skim boards to twintips. Hard to have a kite that suits them all.
Thanks to all those involved in the testing. Its good to get feedback and it becomes pressure I'm sure when doing the testing. Hey, we are getting it for free so I won't complain about any of it.