Any 2017 rumors for light weight kites?

[abel]

Light weight inflatos had a nice market penetration during 2016.
I observed that some kite schools adopted single strut kites for teaching (I guess the instructor runs significantly fewer times for relaunching the students kite ).
It seems that the main segment this type has entered is hydrofoiling.

Anybody using single/no strut/other light weight LEI regularly for basic freestyle? other style?

I'm wondering if for 2017 there will be progressive/revolutionary improvements in these type of kites.

[stefarius]

Like your question Abel.
We are a school in the Netherlands and use the lightest kites on the market. 4 line Single skins for teaching on land & snow (Flysurfer peak2). The weight of a kite is a real issue!

Freestyle inflatables? I don't know, but also interested in evolutionary light weight inflatables.

[LetsFlyaKite]

Yeah they're going to start changing the shape of the bladders to make them more aerodynamic. So that they are lighter and also quicker in the air. They shape they will change it to is a small rectangle instead of a tube. Also the struts will be even smaller. I heard this from a worker of a reputable company. Very exciting things are going to happen in 17

[Toby]

as long as they make a big kite too that has great hangtime, lift and isn't too fast.

[stefarius]

Stay focust Toby. The Apollo would be a interesting choice.

[Toby]

18 sqm better

[stefarius]

18 sqm better

You mean the 18m Apollo? If so how can you relate the 18m Apollo with a 15 or 18m foil?

[OceanAdventures]

What I have noticed about light wind kites the last few years is that as a lighter rider, 3 years ago I made a lot of runs in light wind on a 17. I even used to hold a 17m kite in much higher winds and not feel out of control. Now even in super light wind I feel overpowered by a 2015/16 17 meter kite. My light wind kite has gotten smaller as kites have gotten faster and more efficient.

At 145lbs I often use a 14.5 or even a 12 light wind style kite in the lightest winds I would have used a 17 in a few years ago. This is twin tip riding as I have not had the money for a foil board.

I think if they can start getting more speed out of the higher aspect kites you will see kite sizes people use in light wind get smaller unless you have a lot more weight than the average rider.

[fogmeister]

yes they will remove the bladder and struts........and call them foil kites

[Toby]

18 sqm better

You mean the 18m Apollo? If so how can you relate the 18m Apollo with a 15 or 18m foil?

There is no 18.
I meant for me would be an 18 better then the 16 they offer now as biggest size