Ideal kite for these conditions?

[rtz]

The biggest kite I have right now is an 11m. I don't think it's going to be quite enough. I'm 160lbs and the biggest board I have is a 2008 CF Allround 145x49.

What size and model kite would you be flying in these conditions? Also; what board(twin tip preferably)?

Can't decide on getting a good 14m or needing something a bit bigger.


Wind speeds are in MPH.

[William Munney]

How steady is the wind in your location?

[markchatwin]

yeh maybe 13-14m. As far as model goes tell us your riding style. I like the Rallys for great all around abilities. I got Zephyr 17m for the 10-13mph range. But it does great in the 15mph range but can be a bear on a windier/gustier day. Your range seems to be 12-15mph. Im about same weight as you. Can't comment on board since Im a SB guy. But my Mako King is my all around TT. It handles light stuff and big stuff...

[flybykite]

You should have a high aspect kite for this kind of condition such as Switch Nitro 2. Ozone Edge/Zepher, North Dyno, etc.
I'd look into a 16 m. The Zepher 17 would be perfect or the Nitro 16. Nitro has tons of pull and limited wind range but a great price and uses a standard 4 line bar flagging to 2 front lines. North uses its own bar and costs significantly more, and Zepher would be my choice. They use a single front line flagging bar. I already fly Ozone and like them however I also have a Nitro 1 16m for this light stuff.
I ride one TT board for all wind ranges. Shinn Monk, 130x40 but I'd go up one size 132 if thats the normal wind in your area and you use a 16m.
Happy hunting. Let us know what you get.

[rtz]

The wind is at SPI so should be smooth. I'm looking for a freeride kite to just ride around and jump with.

[PVITfrumBYRAM]

I would say you need at least a 15m, probably safer to go with a 16 or 17 as discussed above. With that board size, a 15 might work, I doubt a 14 would, or at least you would be working the crap out of it and end up not enjoying the day. Have a dedicated lightwind kite and you will be happier on those days. The Zephyr is awesome for freeride and freestyle. I didn't enjoy it much for trying to boost the single time I used it but maybe others have more reviews regarding that. I will agree with the statement that it does great in 15 mph. I think it is probably manageable in a little more but overall does great in really light wind.

I'm 145 lbs, and ride a 132x40 mostly, sometimes my 5'6" surfboard. I tend to manage ok with a 13.5 Obsession. I just got a 15 Obsession to replace it and am super stoked to kite with more power on those 9-14mph days. Don't bother with a 14 meter. You'll hit those lulls and wish you had those extra 2-3 square meters.

[matth]

Shameless plug alert!!

I have a 15m ocean rodeo Flite for sale on ikitesurf.com.
Great kite , in very good condition. At your weight and with your CFAA you would be riding at 11mph no problem. Rocking at 12 to 17. I weight 180lbs and can easily handle up to 20mph. Huge range, tons of depower , excellent relaunch. Only selling because I picked up A 2013 crossbow 16m for a insanely low price..
The Flite like the new Contra comes in a 15 and 17. At your weight the 17 would be a handful if it picked up to the high teens.

[plummet]

Go big. 17m

But is that the actual wind or the forecast not including sea breeze?

When I see that forecast for my local it can mean 25 knots at 3pm when the sea brease kicks in.

[rtz]

It's just the forecast: http://www.windalert.com/spot/100765

[L0KI]

The Wainman Big Mama 15M works well in Corpus.
The Epic Infinity works in Corpus.
The Blade Fat 17M Lady works in Corpus.
The Zephyr works in Corpus but turns slow.
As I'm sure you know, Corpus is the same steady wind and same conditions you are in.
I think a 15M will get er dun on the lightest days with the big twin you already have, at your weight.