Tom183 wrote:PMU is a deranged LEI wanna-be-pimp down in AU, doesn't even own a shop just works there - I'm sure his "biased" calculations of relative size are heavily in favor of LEI's...
But I agree that there is no hard-and-fast rule, due to differences in aspect ratio and different efficiencies at opposite ends of the windrange.
However, generally speaking, VERY generally speaking, foils are slightly more powerful (5-10%?) than the same size bow, and (like bows) are noticably more powerful (30-40%?) than the same size C.
So, roughly speaking, an 8m foil like the P3 should be pretty close to a 9m bow, and have about the same power/low-end as an 11m C (but, like the bow, way more top-end). This is assuming all 3 kites are in roughly the same ballpark as far as aspect ratio and whatnot.
Tom,
If by "foil" you mean Flysurfer, you may be right. Peter Lynn kites are generally less powerful than the same size tube kite. Since I do so much side-by-side riding with pro-kiters at my local spot, I've developed a pretty good sense for this. My Venom 16 has about the same power as a 12M bow or a 14M "C". The difference may be slightly less as I tend to ride on shorter lines (20-23 Meter) while the rest are usually on 27M lines. My (albeit limited) experience riding Bow and "C" kites seems to bear this out as well since when I do get the chance, most of the rest of the factors are the same (my weight, board, etc).
The Scorpion appears to have improved the ratio somewhat . . . . maybe pulling even with "C" kites and a couple of meter closer on the Bows (at those sizes). This could be simply due to quicker turning and faster flying speed, but I don't yet have enough experience on it to be sure.
One thing is for sure . . . . nearly ALL of the new premium 2007 kites are light-years ahead compared to ANYTHING you could buy 3 years ago.
Cheers,
Gideon