As per title. Ive not been out on with the bug with these wind speeds, so dont really know what to expect. Will my old 3m radsail be enough / too much
in these conditions ? wind speed for the next few days is steady in the low 20s, with gusts into the mid thirties.
Thanks,
Timjimbocz - 18-9-2012 at 06:04 AM
I'd give it a miss if I were you, gusts to 36 is an awful lot if you aren't experienced. If you are just learning to buggy (and I don't know if you
are but I am guessing from the question) 20 mph with a 3 meter kite is a handful. Add in gusts to 36 and that's asking for an accident.lives2fly - 18-9-2012 at 06:16 AM
20-36 is pretty gusty!
I have flown my 3.5 in 30, gusting to 40mph but it was a real handfull and not a particularly fun session!
You really need something with depower in the bar throw to cope with winds that gusty.Bladerunner - 18-9-2012 at 07:00 AM
That is pretty crazy wind.
I would live to fly another day and pass if the wind lives up to that. 3m is OK for about 20 but doesn't leave you room for the gusts .
SIZE FOR GUSTS !!!!!!beachrights - 18-9-2012 at 08:03 AM
Lets put it this way... I just went to the beach and was reading 22-27 mph on my meter. Lumpy winds too. I knew I would be overpowered flying static
with my 2.5m Bullet [hates gusty, lumpy winds].
Sure, i could have put it up but within 15 minutes my arms would be screaming and would be getting close to an injury.
The buggy would be screamin in those winds! Weldingod would love it! Me.. I've learned to listen to the "little voice".
I also like to fly slightly underpowered and "work" to get more speed or lift- this way you know what to expect, no surprises.elfasa - 18-9-2012 at 11:45 AM
Thanks for you help !
I didn't go out in the end, safety has to come first.
Timerratic winds - 18-9-2012 at 12:17 PM
I had many days where I was just sidelined because it was blowing too hard, so I got a little tiny 5m LEI for Snowkite/ATB in higher winds. Bastard
kite is so fast that riding in those winds is not relaxing or fun, just scary.
Now I have a kite to fly on those days, but I'd rather just sit that one out.B-Roc - 18-9-2012 at 12:28 PM
4m ozone access or 3 or 5m HQ Apex. I'd only be thinking depower if the winds are that high and variable.awindofchange - 18-9-2012 at 01:05 PM
1 meter to 1.5 meter is plenty big. We stick them on lines of 5 feet or less and buggy in those types of winds. In the lulls the kite just hangs or
lands out in front of you. When it is powered up in the gusts, the kite rockets to the edge of the window (about 5 feet in front of you) and you can
control the power much better.
It is doable but should only be done if you are an experienced pilot. Helmet, body armor and durable clothes are a must have. Speeds are incredible
and it can be quite fun....but the danger factor always goes way up when you get into winds over 30mph.shehatesmyhobbies - 18-9-2012 at 02:02 PM
Im with Broc, 3 or 5m apex!revpaul - 18-9-2012 at 02:22 PM
i never really sized according to wind meter readings or wind forecast numbers.
guestimated kite size (sizing for gusts is a serious consideration especially when noob) and launched kite. if it scudded me then it's good to go.
if you have room(and experience enough) to compensate for a good gust slide/tug then more options available.
the guys setting buggy speed records are super overpowered and have crew to help launch/land/retrieve/untangle kite.
i remember this so i'll pass on this good advice for FB or DP...if kite is at zenith and you can not walk backwards then you are over-powered.
also you can use a larger kite but on shorter and shorter lines as the winds increase.
cheaper to buy two/three line sets than two three kites all on same 30' lines.
-depower is cool to buggy with but remember you are now hardwired/connected to the kite. i would not recommend depower/strop unless experienced and
knowing where the release mechanism is without looking.
-also smaller kites come with thier own 'fun' and as mentioned that fun is they are bloody fast across the sky.
they are inherintly more rude than bigger kites.
a small kite will catch you out so quickly (snatch you up or out/OBE) and then drop you down on your butt quicker than you can say holy #@%$#!!!!doneski - 18-9-2012 at 05:52 PM
30 MPH at the beach gets sand everywhere so get a pair of ski goggles for you and be ready to dump sand out of your pockets, packs and everything else
when you're done. I use a really small NPW and fly it off the handles (no lines). It can get twitchy and dart around but with short handles who
cares. 30 MPH wind on smooth ice.... that's nice.pyro22487 - 18-9-2012 at 07:12 PM
In those winds ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS size for the gusts. I would use a 2m flow and in 20 that would be ok but in 36 that baby is lit up and we are
cruising. I actually tandemed a guy with it in those winds. Not fast mind you but it did happen.Scudley - 20-9-2012 at 08:04 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by elfasa
Thanks for you help !
I didn't go out in the end, safety has to come first.
Tim
Tim, here is what often happens with a 3m in shifty 25 gusting to 35.
SBladerunner - 21-9-2012 at 06:11 AM
If you get winds like that a lot I would suggest a 1.7m Sting.
I had a chance to use Arkays at NABX and it is a sweet little nuke engine. Sucked up the gusts without snapping at me. Almost so tame it was boring ??
But in those winds boring is comforting.
