Line Length using foil kite

[Pedro Marcos]

Ive got a 12m Storm Voyager that ive tested in many wind conditions and i came to a conclusion that very hardly i can get going under 6-7 knots, and even when i can, im quite underpowered.

With this ive decided to order an Ozone Chrono V2 Ultralight 15m, which i will get in about 1 month from now, and im curious about line lengths. The kite comes standard with 25m lines, but ive seen most of foil users using shorter lines.

The question is, for extreme light winds, 4-8 knots, what is the best line length to use? I believe the shorter lines will give me a higher high end, but wont it take some of the low end? This will be my first foil kite even, so all hints are welcome.

Thank you

[Peter_Frank]

Way shorter lines are used by racers, as they ride a couple of sizes more powered than most others.

If you want to go marginal, 30 meter lines works, I never ride with anything shorter, but also never ride my 11 m2 foilkite in more than 5-7 knots, as from 7 a 12 m2 LEI works.

But most often your 25 meter will be just dandy, as the peak power on these kites are amazing.

And you will learn to pack down and swim, be prepared for that

PF

[haare]

Actually for foiling you definitely prefer longer lines if you don't jump. That is the only downside of longer lines. Everything else is better with longer lines while foiling. Foil kites turn slower so longer lines give you more room to play.

I use standard 21m lines with my kites mostly because we don't have beaches that could be used for kiting. So shorter lines are easier with waterstarts.

[Pedro Marcos]

Way shorter lines are used by racers, as they ride a couple of sizes more powered than most others.

If you want to go marginal, 30 meter lines works, I never ride with anything shorter, but also never ride my 11 m2 foilkite in more than 5-7 knots, as from 7 a 12 m2 LEI works.

But most often your 25 meter will be just dandy, as the peak power on these kites are amazing.

And you will learn to pack down and swim, be prepared for that

PF

With the 15m UL i hope i dont need to go more then the 25m because that kite should be quite slow turning, i was actually hoping that i can use shorter lines to make it abit faster, thats the reason i didnt got the 11 or the 13. I will make an intensive test, but every tip is welcome.

Ah, i got the Ultralight, i never dropped my Storm, even when the wind was so low i could not foil anymore, so im also hoping that the UL wont drop easily as we never get "zero" wind here, always a 4knot breeze at least.

[Mossy 757]

I like 21m lines for freeride with my foil kites, 17m for high wind or racing. The shorter the lines, the more direct the steering feels and the easier to maneuver. I felt like adding 6m extensions to my 24m lines provided negligible benefit the times I tried it.

[Pedro Marcos]

I like 21m lines for freeride with my foil kites, 17m for high wind or racing. The shorter the lines, the more direct the steering feels and the easier to maneuver. I felt like adding 6m extensions to my 24m lines provided negligible benefit the times I tried it.

Do you think you would gain any low-end by having the "standard" 25m instead of the 21m?

[airsurfer]

I have the Chrono V2 15M ultralight and I use it with 25M lines and a race bar. I have flown it on 17M lines and while the kite is more responsive it's too long of a kite IMO for anything shorter than 25M. at least for me because I always loop the kite to start and on transitions. your experience/preference might be different

[Pedro Marcos]

I have the Chrono V2 15M ultralight and I use it with 25M lines and a race bar. I have flown it on 17M lines and while the kite is more responsive it's too long of a kite IMO for anything shorter than 25M. at least for me because I always loop the kite to start and on transitions. your experience/preference might be different

What windrange can you get on 25m lines ? Also your weight and hidrofoil wing ? thx

[Peter_Frank]

I have the Chrono V2 15M ultralight and I use it with 25M lines and a race bar. I have flown it on 17M lines and while the kite is more responsive it's too long of a kite IMO for anything shorter than 25M. at least for me because I always loop the kite to start and on transitions. your experience/preference might be different

What windrange can you get on 25m lines ? Also your weight and hidrofoil wing ? thx

Pedros, you have bought the kite, and now you know you can use the std 25 m maybe 30 m for marginal winds - just fly and try it yourself thats the best way to get an idea of the low end, as numbers are soooo deceiving when trying to share.

Just beware, when not having flown a foilkite before there are some differences, like you have to back it "into" the window again in marginal winds, and pull the frontlines.
Also, when diving to get started - it pulls a lot, but when it comes close to the water and loses speed, it has way less power than your regular LEI kite - so you have to get used to this difference, but will come in time.

PF

[Pedro Marcos]

I have the Chrono V2 15M ultralight and I use it with 25M lines and a race bar. I have flown it on 17M lines and while the kite is more responsive it's too long of a kite IMO for anything shorter than 25M. at least for me because I always loop the kite to start and on transitions. your experience/preference might be different

What windrange can you get on 25m lines ? Also your weight and hidrofoil wing ? thx

Pedros, you have bought the kite, and now you know you can use the std 25 m maybe 30 m for marginal winds - just fly and try it yourself thats the best way to get an idea of the low end, as numbers are soooo deceiving when trying to share.

Just beware, when not having flown a foilkite before there are some differences, like you have to back it "into" the window again in marginal winds, and pull the frontlines.
Also, when diving to get started - it pulls a lot, but when it comes close to the water and loses speed, it has way less power than your regular LEI kite - so you have to get used to this difference, but will come in time.

PF

Yes ill make some testing and experiences, from the feedback i got from your guys ill test with 30,25,21,17 lines in the same wind conditions and see how it goes The lines i already have, missing the kite