Finally some one has said what I have been thinking but could not put into words.

The GLIDE

Everyone seems obsessed with jump hight,but the jumps with a Bow are long and floaty. Yep, more GLIDE.

Its all about the GLIDE.

I am not going to enter into the argument whether C kites jump higher or not. Maybe they do.

But Bows definately give more GLIDE and longer hang time. Seems more controlable too. Its a great feeling,gliding long distances.

When using a bow rather than a "C" type kite, is it easier to land the jump in a softer, less jarring manner?

If a person wanted to protect his lower back and knees from high impact on landing would a Bow be a better choice, or are there other factors to be considered? I realize that the riders skill and judgement, of course, would be an overriding factor with either type of kite, so I am asking this question more for the benefit of kiteboarders who want to do casual rather than extreme jumping. Which type of kite would give them the advantage on achieving a comfortable landing?

Hi there

I find that the landings on Hybrid style kites harder on the knees and lower back. You should try the 2006 Raven II. It is like flying by wire. I have never had a kite that can land so effortlessly every time. No matter where you put the kite, it responds to exactly where you need it. Lovely.

Perhaps it is timing with me, but I find the Raven the easiest on the knees, then the Torch II and finally the Shockwave. I have used other Hybrid style kites and they all seem to drop you. Like I said, it may just be my timing, but the first time I used a Raven, I couldn't believe how easy it was to point the kite to where you are going and touch down.

At first my landings were hard on the Shockwaves but in time they are getting softer. The glide and hangtime is awesome mind you. Had the 7m out in strong winds and was boosting for ages.

Ciao

~R

I haven't tested the raven yet, so i can't compare, but i found if you wait longer before sending the kite forward on jumps it does make for softer landings. Let me know if it helps, or maybe you're just jumping a lot higher than me

Definately a Bow. You just wait a bit longer before turning the kite forwards, as Mission said.

I actually find that with the extended glide,you can move the kite back and forth easilly while in the air and control the direction and landing much better than a C kite.

With a Bow you are using a smaller size,so the control is much better.

Also, forgot to mention you also need to keep the bar in or you come down hard but I'm sure you figured that one already.