kiteforce - 11-7-2012 at 06:07 PM
Hi guys,
I’ve been researching kitesurfing trends for my uni project and I’d like to ask you guys whether these are the main trends in kite design (I’d really
appreciate your input, thanks):
- Companies are trying to design the smallest possible kite with the highest possible pulling power.
- Main recent innovations include the relaunch system, bow design and reduction in number of control lines.
- Kitesurfers mostly want kites that can be used in a broad wind speed range.
- The majority of kitesurfers like agile and manoeuvrable kites (in other words direct response is better than slow, sluggish response in kite
control).
I’d like to get a better view of how the kites are developing in terms of new features and technical innovations.
I’m a newbie when it comes to actual kitesurfing - but I’m starting my training in a few weeks 
– so any input would mean a lot.
Thanks guys,
Greg
Houston AirHead - 11-7-2012 at 06:19 PM
i like kites that make you feel like superman:Ange09:
PHREERIDER - 11-7-2012 at 06:44 PM
drag control is the essence .
stable, well balanced profile load
and when sent BOOM! and quick like snake on the loop
superman indeed! required for slam survival! ....all DAY long.
joedy - 11-7-2012 at 07:33 PM
Greg,
Everything is a trade off in kite design.
Want a small kite with a wide wind range and no bladders to mind after? Then get a foil.
Want a quick kite that can be used to swim in on and won't twist into a nest of twisted spaghetti bridle lines? Then get a few LEIs to cover your
kiting days.
Aside from some aerodynamic improvements, most of the LEI technologies are very similar with an occasional break-through idea that seems to get copied
by every brand sooner or later. (I think that the Zeeko trim concept will be common across brands in a few years.)
When you take your first lessons, you'll appreciate a calmer, tamer kite that is more park-and-cruise since this will help your board skills progress.
As you become more proficient, you'll likely desire a more lively kite. You generally don't, however, find these two attributes in the same kite.
There are some minor exceptions (such as selectable bridle points and configurations that alter the kite's performance), but generally this a rule
imposed by the laws of physics.
Ironically, improvements in kite technology design also serve to make these machines simplified and with less parts. I envision that kites will
continue to reduce part counts and to migrate to set ups that offer less things to break or wear.
Smart thing on getting training and lessons; this is a sport that can hurt you easily without warning. Take lessons with a healthy dose of fear and
respect and you'll develop the kinds of skills that will keep you (and those around you) safe and healthy.
-joedy
kitedelight - 11-7-2012 at 10:40 PM
haven't been kiting for long (2 1/2 years), so more experienced guys can correct this if it's off
but, seems stability, wind range, and relaunch, and safety are always top priorities regardless of the kite style.
'direct' and turning speed are a bit different...I understand direct to mean immediate reaction from the kite upon input. Indirect, meaning there is
a bit of wiggle room where the kite doesn't do much, or hesitates before it's turn.
turning speed is dependent on the use....some kites like the switchblade don't turn as fast. Other's turn a lot faster, like the slingshot RPM, and I
understand wave specific kites need to be fairly nimble and direct (when the rider wants off the wave, faster reaction is best). That being said, I
think companies aren't trying to make the 8m and below faster, but rather focusing on stability. But, for 12m and above, generally, I bet companies
wouldn't mind a faster turning kite.
wouldn't say bow are the 'new thing', they've been around since 2006. Naish's hybrid was put out 2006 too, so they've been around for a bit. I
believe the delta design came shortly after that (maybe 2009?). The c-kites and the c-feeling hybrids have been on a surge back after the initial
bow/hybrid impact on the kite market. Kites like the Slingshot RPM, ozone c4, North vegas, Liquid force hi-fi, show this as well as Cabrinha Nomad,
Flexifoil ion kite, etc. The latest seems to be the addition of wakestyle kites that can do all terrain as well...switch element, Ocean Rodeo Cypher,
(Best Taboo? not sure if it fits in this one or the c-feeling category). Anyway, those are some of the trends.
There's already some stuff online about the basic design ideas of these kites and the benefits and drawbacks. So, I'll let the other sites fill that
info in.
carltb - 12-7-2012 at 06:17 AM
just sound like somebody doing some market research to me.
what company do you work for?
PHREERIDER - 12-7-2012 at 06:40 AM
right on C.
WHATEVER the research my friend "kiteforce" YOU are just gonna have to read, educate yourself (like researchers do) and find out .
OPINION is valueless in research.
carltb - 12-7-2012 at 01:14 PM
http://www.racekites.com/forum/showthread.php?4917-The-NEXT-...
http://www.kiteforum.com/posting.php?mode=reply&f=1&...
looks like hes asking around abit!!!
kiteforce - 12-7-2012 at 03:34 PM
Thanks guys, yep I'm doing some hardcore research as I need to decide on my final year project topic...sadly I'm still a student, although I'd enjoy
doing this sort of research for a company
btw I came across a term "low end torque"- is that to do with control and the speed at which a kite can turn?
Thanks
G
Bladerunner - 12-7-2012 at 04:34 PM
With kitesurfing making it into the 2016 Olympics I think there will be a huge development in the race side of the sport. This has as much to do with
board design as kite design.
If kitesurf racing is of interest I suggest you try this site : http://kiteboardbc.com/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=6&sid=e9b3...
Also try and find the forum for kite racing in San Fran' they are the leaders in North America.
ikemiester - 14-7-2012 at 03:51 PM
FLOAT. period dot
lad - 14-7-2012 at 05:23 PM
The only kite I know that breaks the "Stability vs. Speed / Maneuverability standoff" is not so known for traction
...a Revolution. :karate: