Freeride kite for hydrofoiling

[dericcio2]

Dear all ,
I did not found anything about this Thema. After learning foiling with a best kahoona 11.5 in wind range 10-15 knot I want a step ahead. kahoona worked well but the biggest problem is in the lull : it fall down. Compared to typical days with other kites 13 delta and some neos they were flying better. Since latest kites are light with three struts and reduced dacron I do not want to buy a kite specific for foiling. which is your experience using freeride kites 12-13sm in wind range 8-15 ?
Does Anybody use the following ?
Bandit 12 three struts dacron replaced by lighter material
Latest evo 2018 12-13 three struts but the most expensive
Zeeko 12 notus not expensive

[DukeSilver]

You are best off with a wave kite if you don't want a light foiling specific kite. You won't have much luck using the kites you want to buy below 10 kts. You drop them when foiling, you will be swimming in. This is where single or no strut kites have the advantage. I don't go out until it's 12 kts and then I use a 9m. I weigh 81kg. I've tried a 12m in 12kts but I was on the edge of being overpowered as soon as the wind picked up a few knots. A 12m inflatable has a VERY limited wind range for foiling IMO.

[wingnut]

Having used North Rebels 7,10,12 when learning to foil I have found a similar issue. They are great kites and likely some of the best for what they are designed. During this last summer however I used both the North Mono 10 (1 strut) and the Airush Ultra 15. In lighter conditions the light weight of these kites allow them to fly far better than a more heavily built similar sized 3 strut kite and their design generates more power at the low end and gives good steering in light air. Downlooping works extremely well to generate liftoff speeds and is linear and predictable. De-power seems to be better at the upper end as well as you pick up speed. I was very impressed with the Mono 10 as I was able to stay on the water when numerous 12m kites were falling out of the sky as the wind dropped down towards the end of a summer evening session. Using the Ultra 15 on a couple of occasions I was out riding with some friends who were all on foil kites like the Chrono and had no issues in 7-8 kn conditions.
You have to trade something off for these features though and I guess its a bit of upwind performance and possibly durability? There is no magic solution but I agree that the wave kites like the North Neo are likely a great compromise where you can get some good boosting performance along with good drift capability.

ps. Derriccio, how about putting a little more info in your profile? It would help people answer if they know more about your location, equipment and style. thx

[grigorib]

The 11.5m Kahoona delivered one of the worst foiling experiences for me. That kite is very good for twintip but sucks for foiling.
My best foiling was on Rally line of 2012. 8m/10m/12m. The 14m was too bulky to foil though it got me riding in some 6-7 knots easily.
The 2012 Rallys were a different animal compared to its later models. The Wave SST worked very similar to me with flying abilities just like 2012 Rally. I haven't justified buying a dedicated foiling kites quiver yet though.

[irwe]

If you want to get the most out of a light wind kite for freeride KBH take a look at the mid aspect foil kites. Lots of info here on KF.

[3InletsWindsports]

Zeeko Notus Air did you mean or Notus Rev

I know for a fact that the Notus Air 8m is as good as any wavekite on other than foil boards and on a foil in waves, well that’s it’s thing.

[TomW]

Dericcio2,
10-14 knots I am using a 2016 North mono 12. It's plenty powerful and flys great in light wind.
I have a quiver 7-9-12. Use them on Hf and surfboard and really happy with them. Durability is a potential issue.

[f2020]

I use the RRD Passion MK9 kites for freeride on hydrofoil. They are hybrids between a freeride and a wave kite. Think about a REO with more power in the lower window side. They turn very fast, have a huge range of power, boost big in kiteloops but have almost no pull when parked high. They’ve a very strong built and looks beautiful.

[dericcio2]

Thanks for the answer, I have seen the Mono flying many times , and some videos too. The only concern is because the price and it will replace my bigger vegas, unique kite for TT and Hydrofoil. It means using it :
60% foiling
30% TT with chops until 20 knots
10% wave session till 20 knots
for this mixed use I was oriented to a Light 3 strut kite.

Cheers!

Having used North Rebels 7,10,12 when learning to foil I have found a similar issue. They are great kites and likely some of the best for what they are designed. During this last summer however I used both the North Mono 10 (1 strut) and the Airush Ultra 15. In lighter conditions the light weight of these kites allow them to fly far better than a more heavily built similar sized 3 strut kite and their design generates more power at the low end and gives good steering in light air. Downlooping works extremely well to generate liftoff speeds and is linear and predictable. De-power seems to be better at the upper end as well as you pick up speed. I was very impressed with the Mono 10 as I was able to stay on the water when numerous 12m kites were falling out of the sky as the wind dropped down towards the end of a summer evening session. Using the Ultra 15 on a couple of occasions I was out riding with some friends who were all on foil kites like the Chrono and had no issues in 7-8 kn conditions.
You have to trade something off for these features though and I guess its a bit of upwind performance and possibly durability? There is no magic solution but I agree that the wave kites like the North Neo are likely a great compromise where you can get some good boosting performance along with good drift capability.

ps. Derriccio, how about putting a little more info in your profile? It would help people answer if they know more about your location, equipment and style. thx

[dericcio2]

I mean the Notus rev. I have seen many of them in France, but only in 7m...
Price is very interesting!

Zeeko Notus Air did you mean or Notus Rev

I know for a fact that the Notus Air 8m is as good as any wavekite on other than foil boards and on a foil in waves, well that’s it’s thing.