High end on 8m Eclipse Thruster

[kitenb]

I've been riding the Eclipse kites for a few months now, and finally got to ride my 8m in some really strong winds. Winds this past Saturday were averaging mid to upper 30's, with gusts in the upper 40's(even had a few gusts early in the day in the low 50's). Wind graph below. I was out from around 9am till 12pm.

Long story short, the 8m is the smallest kite I need if I am riding a twin tip. I weigh 175lbs. I don't think I would kite in any higher winds, and I was perfectly fine on the 8m. I was actually very comfortable out there, minus the few gusts that peaked around 50.. Had to do the hand drag hold on for dear life thing during those gusts. But for everything else, i was amazed. I love this kite! What I like the best, is the range on the settings. If I had to yank the depower strap several inches, and even if I had the bar pushed out all the way, the kite still turned fine. If I had it at full power, the same thing. Other kites I have flown in this size had a smaller sweet spot and would lose turning speed or even collapse with too much front line tension in the super strong gusts..

Of course, jumps were insane on it that day, but I think any kite would jump high in these winds..

There were a few other guys out: one on a 3m Waroo(he actually was moving pretty good, but having to dive it like crazy), 5m Waroo, and I think a 7m Waroo.

[Larse]

Where are the pics???

I've tried my t8 in gusts up to 40 as well (20m/s). I got loftet a bit in the heavy gusts, so for my weight class the high end stops just before 40. I'm only 72kg...

[gomarpyle]

I have had the 8m Thruster in 40's and 50's... The 40s were very managable. and fun... but the 50's were too much....

[TomW]

Gomer,
Only been out 2 times on T10 and once on T12. Your advice was spot on: keep the power on and edge- not a stand-up and de-power kite. Aggressive and fun- not for the light hearted...

How would you say the kites stability is in the 40s. Is there any jellyfishing? Have you tried the HP 7 and make any comparison?

[BullsShit.com]

I have been out with the 8 m thruster in ridiculous gusty winds, 10-35+. ..one time I did not pump it up hard enough and it started to jelly fish a bit.
The next time, and ever since, I pump it up real hard..no jelly fish-ing.
In gusty winds, with the pulley and your bar input, it starts to wobble (go back and forward) a bit, but never out of control.
the last time, yesterday, in sort of steady winds (ca.25), the kite is so darn stable and easy to de-power, it's almost unbelievable.
You got to try, TomW, if you get the chance.
I can't compare to the Best, never flown it.

[BullsShit.com]

went out today, gusting to at least 35, my guess 40 (mph)
no problem on the 8 with my TT128
was freaking awesome. Head high waves, no problem to bottom turn and depower.
kick ass sesh !

[sburlo]

A while back had some fun when I was caught out in a storm hit, had no idea how windy it was - it was purely exhilarating.