Going back to C-Kites. SLEs are inferior for freestyle

[Osprey1]

I've been kiting for 10 years now and spent the first 4 years riding true C-kites like the R4, Fuel and Vegas. After trying many different SLEs over the years, even those targeted at freestyle, there simply is no substitute for a true C kite when unhooking, mega-looping or boosting. Unless you're into hooked wave riding, racing or foiling I cannot see any advantage to an SLE period. The newer C kites which now have massive depower like the Vegas, Switch Legacy, Torch, etc. are just so much more fun to ride. They ride 'firm', turn fast, give massive unhooked slack and pop like hell and that's why I'm going back. SLE's had their day, but nothing beats a true C.

[slim_charles]

I've been kiting for 10 years now and spent the first 4 years riding true C-kites like the R4, Fuel and Vegas. After trying many different SLEs over the years, even those targeted at freestyle, there simply is no substitute for a true C kite when unhooking, mega-looping or boosting. Unless you're into hooked wave riding, racing or foiling I cannot see any advantage to an SLE period. The newer C kites which now have massive depower like the Vegas, Switch Legacy, Torch, etc. are just so much more fun to ride. They ride 'firm', turn fast, give massive unhooked slack and pop like hell and that's why I'm going back. SLE's had their day, but nothing beats a true C.

....regarding kite sales they must be praying the kooks don't realise this!

[wedge]

....regarding kite sales they must be praying the kooks don't realise this!

Yeah man, all them kooky kooks kookin' out on their barney SLE kook kites. They'll never know how kool us rad C-Bros are brah.

[Do-it]

I consider the vegas to be a "SLE" kite???? And of course the " STE" hadlow option.

[Mxwllms]

C kites with a tensioned 5th line are technically SLE kites. I ride torches and they will not fly properly without a supported leading edge. I learned on 2001 fuels and just don't like the feeling of bridal kites so I stick with c's but bow kites definately have their place and people like them for good reasons. The newer C kites are so user friendly I comftorably taught my girlfriend on them without any problems and she scares easily. they are definately not just for experienced riders these days.

Wedge has it right... Kids see that I ride boots and c kites and try to "bro out" with me. Maybe I should give bow kites and straps another chance so I don't have to learn modern lingo

[Mossy 757]

....regarding kite sales they must be praying the kooks don't realise this!

Yeah man, all them kooky kooks kookin' out on their barney SLE kook kites. They'll never know how kool us rad C-Bros are brah.

lmao...too funny. Subjective anecdotal evidence is a powerful prophylactic against logic.

[eree]

fine! i'm not in the figure skating, synchronize swimming and ballet! all of those who are can easily recognize each other by flying c-kites now...

[Frank82]

I learned on a bow kite, quickly moved to a SLE freestyle kite (rpm) and rode SLE freestyle kites for a couple of years after that. Now it's my first year on a C (best gp) and I love it. The direct feeling, looping power, slack are very superior to any other kite I've flown. It even has more hang time than most of my previous SLE freestyle kites which came as a big surprise to me.

[paulie]

2008 is calling.. It wants its forum thread back...

[Mad_dan]

First time on a C-kite this year, Core GTS2 and i love it. My favorite kite so far!
And I consider my self more of a freerider then a wakestyle/freestyler.