Flat vs Big Belly Profile Kites

[Guest]

I've just traded a super flat kite (Lift 12.2 = L) for a big bellied kite (Rhino2 14 = R2) and have noticed these differences:

1: R2 sits further back in the window than L.
2: R2 has a lot more low end than L
3: L has much more high end than R2
4: R2 handles gust better
5: In gusts, L tends to power up, luff, then fall back into the power zone, giving a jerky feel cf the smoothe feel of the R2
6: R2 doesn't penetrate as high in the window and therefore ?doesn't jump as high as L
7: R2 has a LOT more hangtime than L
8: R2 doesn't have L's tendency to luff and Hindenburg or fly backwards
9: R2 feels a lot heavier on the bar and a lot harder to turn.
10: L is a lot easier to depower by sinking the backfoot and driving the kite forward in the window. It is almost impossible to depower the R2 by stomping on the backfoot and driving the kite forward because it wants to sit back in the window.
11: L feels a lot more responsive and has a crisp, lively feel in the air. R2 has a heavy, sluggish feel in the air.

Is this a flat kite vs full-bellied kite thing, or is it brand-specific?

If the upcoming X3 is a good compromise between "flat" and "full bellied" I'd seriously consider buying one.... feedback addressing the above issues would be really appreciated.

[Dwight]

Is this a flat kite vs full-bellied kite thing?

YES

[Guest]

On 2003-01-17 02:53, Dwight wrote:

Is this a flat kite vs full-bellied kite thing?

YES

By this do you mean high aspect and low aspect ratio kites?

[Cal]

They're talking more about foil depth from bottom to top - not so much about foil length from leading edge to trailing edge.

But as a general lower aspect kites also have a deeper/fuller foild section.

So in a round about way yes - although the 2 kites mentioned - rhino2 and lift probably arn't that different in aspect - in most sizes...

Callum

[Guest]

On 2003-01-17 01:58, Anonymous wrote:
6: R2 doesn't penetrate as high in the window and therefore ?doesn't jump as high as L

That's ridiculous. It says a lot about your riding. Remember, the Rhino2 is an advance kite.

[Guest]

I think that the futur you will see most kites more flat, and less with bellys - look at the develop,emt of windsurfing sails, they used to be much more fool and now are much more flat, with a big range of wind, and that is what accounts, the big range of wind.
You do not want 6 kites, you want 2 or 3 kites that will cover most of the wind condition in your aria?

[Nico]

There are kites between the two out there.
I don't want to mention names, but try a few of the better known brands and you will find what you seek.
Regards.
Nico

[Peter_Frank]

You are absolutely right - this IS the difference between a flat and full belly'ed kite, yes.

Will we see more flat kites ?

Not sure - cause as riders get better, and obtain more kites, they want kites with lots of lift, and not as huge windrange.
Especially for the big kites.

I think, the future will be full belly'ed kites in the big sizes, so they turn better because they are smaller in area for the same lift.
And in the smaller and medium sizes, we will see flatter and very fast flying kites.

But there are different audiences for different kite types - so all types will have a place I think.
Beginners/intermediates are much better off with a relatively full belly'ed lower AR kite f.ex.

[Hardcave1]

Maybe you should have got the Rhino R2 12 to replace the Lift 12.2. Then you would get the same wind range with a lot smaller kite.
Don't try and compare the flat size of shallow draft kites with the Rhino's. I think you need to take 2.0m2 of the Lift's flat size to get a similar Rhino size. Iam sure if you compared the R2 12 to the Lift 12.2 you would be impressed.
I would not mix kite brands, just stick with one make and one model.
Alex

[Guest]

That's good advice Alex.

1] Maybe I should have got the Rhino R2 12 to replace the Lift 12.2. A friend has a R2 12, so I might take it for a spin.

2] Your advice about not mixing brands was useful. I've stuck with my Airush Lift 9.4 and 7.4 which are fast, flat kites. They fly in a completely different manner to the R2 14, which throws me out a bit when changing. Maybe I should have bought a 2003 Lift 15.5 or maybe I should swap the 9.4 for a R2 10m. Dunno. I'll think about it.