What kite works in really (marginal) light wind conditions

[robertovillate]

A few observations/questions/comments come to mind about the video posted by ronnie..

It looks like that Cloud turns nice and fast...+++
It clearly must be one of the lightest/if not THE lightest 16m inflatable kite on the market...+++

there were other kites moving along ok in the video
I am curious if there is any data on wind speeds and
what were the other kites being flown for comparison?

I noticed that the Cloud being flown in the video was kept very low in the window.
Is there any particular reason for that ? other than providing a nice background
and is that kite position of the kite good for foil riding (or race board riding)?
from watching kite handling in kite races it seems like the kites are held more in the 45 degree position.

just curious if anyone has ideas.

[Peter_Frank]

A few observations/questions/comments come to mind about the video posted by ronnie..

It looks like that Cloud turns nice and fast...+++
It clearly must be one of the lightest/if not THE lightest 16m inflatable kite on the market...+++

there were other kites moving along ok in the video
I am curious if there is any data on wind speeds and
what were the other kites being flown for comparison?

I noticed that the Cloud being flown in the video was kept very low in the window.
Is there any particular reason for that ? other than providing a nice background
and is that kite position of the kite good for foil riding (or race board riding)?
from watching kite handling in kite races it seems like the kites are held more in the 45 degree position.

just curious if anyone has ideas.

Flying the kite really low (when going straight) is IMO only for pure "looks good" and has no purpose whatsoever

This is why you never see it in kite races, only for showoff and pictures, as they look way better with a low kite in front (or back) !

I do it myself sometimes when foiling, just because it feels good to almost look "down" at your kite, as you are 1 meter higher than normally - and it is fun.

Also, if you have a kitecam rigged, it gives a good angle too.

Peter

[Tiago1973]

Flying the kite really low (when going straight) is IMO only for pure "looks good" and has no purpose whatsoever
Peter

humm, agree on the looks, just by itself it´s a massive reason. but don´t you feel you go up-wind better once at a speed w/ the kite low at the edge?
(TT, not sure if u were talking w/ other boards in mind)

[BWD]

Yes usually it's more efficient to have the kite parked around 45 degrees for upwind.
But there are other things, comfort, apparent wind angle, how the kite feels and steers etc.
Maybe isolating the lift of the foil from the kite lift a little more by keeping them on different axes helps with control depending on the foil, the rider's skill, even how the harness fits. I keep my kite lower sometimes because my waist harness is a little too big, for example. Need to get a new one. Or get fatter...

[Peert]

In theory a low kite should pull you a little more in the upwind direction as the kite describes half a circle from 9 to 3 o clock.
The trade off with lower wind speed, and a board more pulled side ways and not up, make the 45 degree kite position close to the best... I write close since I guess the trade off works different for different kite board and wind conditions combinations..

I fly a royal rush 2012 19m gets me going from 8 or 9 knots on my mako king.. because of the apparent wind and absence of waves it goes fast as soon as it gets me going...

[ronnie]

A few observations/questions/comments come to mind about the video posted by ronnie..

It looks like that Cloud turns nice and fast...+++
It clearly must be one of the lightest/if not THE lightest 16m inflatable kite on the market...+++

there were other kites moving along ok in the video
I am curious if there is any data on wind speeds and
what were the other kites being flown for comparison?

I noticed that the Cloud being flown in the video was kept very low in the window.
Is there any particular reason for that ? other than providing a nice background
and is that kite position of the kite good for foil riding (or race board riding)?
from watching kite handling in kite races it seems like the kites are held more in the 45 degree position.

just curious if anyone has ideas.

The C2 version of the Cloud has just been released. The 17m weighs 2.74kg. They are generally considered to be powerful for their size, so the 12m or 14.5m would maybe be more suitable for a foil in light winds.

[Edge19]

Obviously i am bias hence my handle, but i consider the 19m Edge to one of the best. i had a 17m Dyno ltd and flew the 2012 of my bud, but i sold my 17 Dyno for the 19, best thing i done.
ive flown it comfortably at 20mph on a TT and touching on my race board its been out in gusts touching 30mph without drama.
with min 32m lines 10mph and sub is no problem, me weighing 90kg dressed like the day i was born. so plus wet suit n harness thats plus a few more.
i flew it back to back against a FS 21 i had two runs and gave it back to me mate. It turned like an old donkey, to be fair it was probably on short ish lines but never the less. you can keep your FS 21s my 19 ticks all the boxes, light steering, amazing up wind angles, great float, massive wind range, super light weight just hangs in the sky how ever little it blows. It just gives you confidence in light wind, If you don't get it wet your safe.
Every one has there own favorites in brands etc but i can honestly say i cant find any fault at all with an Ozone Edge 19m. if your in the look out for a light wind weapon...... check one out. must use at least 32m lines to unleash its full potential !!!

Ps also reaching speeds near 30mph with a 19m (on race board) awesome kite

[Randahl]

In theory a low kite should pull you a little more in the upwind direction as the kite describes half a circle from 9 to 3 o clock.
The trade off with lower wind speed, and a board more pulled side ways and not up, make the 45 degree kite position close to the best... I write close since I guess the trade off works different for different kite board and wind conditions combinations..

I fly a royal rush 2012 19m gets me going from 8 or 9 knots on my mako king.. because of the apparent wind and absence of waves it goes fast as soon as it gets me going...

Seems like keeping the kite high up takes advantage of better wind higher up.

[davesails7]

Edge, 2012 dyno and dyno ltd were disappointments. 2011 dyno was great and i hear the 2013 was a return to greatness.

I had the LTD for a while, but luckily held on to my 2011 18m dyno. Sold the LTD and riding the 2011.

I do want to try the 19m edge, but havent gotten a chance yet. Hoping that the market is flooded with used 19m with the racers moving to the ozone chrono and generally smaller kites for foiling

[Randahl]

The C2 version of the Cloud has just been released. The 17m weighs 2.74kg. They are generally considered to be powerful for their size, so the 12m or 14.5m would maybe be more suitable for a foil in light winds.[/quote]

This past weekend a guy was out on a C2 17 and twin tip in 14-18 mph but gusty winds and he came in and traded down because he said he felt overpowered.