LeydenWarriors - 14-1-2014 at 04:07 PM
So I've never flown depower, and I'm wondering how much a depower kite can actually be depowered by? Also how much would you recommend getting a
depower?
MeatÐriver - 14-1-2014 at 04:21 PM
Short answer....yes. Questions for you....where do you live/ride? What do you ride? What FBs do/have you competently flown.
Bladerunner - 14-1-2014 at 04:31 PM
Different models of kite have differing amounts of depower.
Most kite companies have a chart that shows the designed wind range for each model and size.
The only real 100% depower is when you let your secondary release go and become completely detached.
Depower is best for any stand up style of riding. The big advantage is being able to sheet out when a gust hits or you get in trouble. That and the
added wind range per kite.
Depowers big disadvantage is in winds below 5mph . Some kites perform below that but they are spendy.
As far as your depower on a budget question. Shop for used kites with minor repairs or stains. If you aren't sure the kite you find will be a good
match, ask folks on here before buying.
To help you out knowing your weight, average wind speeds , type of location and what you ride will be a big help. Also what you have for a flying
background.
abkayak - 14-1-2014 at 06:16 PM
Got an itch u need to scratch huhh?? I am fb..will always be fb..but if you want to push it on a landboard you have to fly dp..period...that said I
use to like flying in every wind...and now I'm only looking for onshore winds..so moral of the story is like I tell my kids don't try to get older so
fast it's not as much fun...does this make sense??
Feyd - 14-1-2014 at 06:30 PM
2nd everything Bladerunner just said.
BeamerBob - 14-1-2014 at 06:48 PM
And I'll back up Feyd and Blade. My Phantom IIs have an incredible wind range which means I'm having a good time with my 12m between 15 and 28 mph
winds. Then I can take the 6m out and haven't found it's top end yet. Other kites like the HQ Montana have a narrower range but are so sweet to fly
when you are flying in it's zone. Depower range really only applies if you are moving at some speed and feeding the kite apparent wind.
RedSky - 14-1-2014 at 09:07 PM
2nd everything Feyd said too :D + MeatDriver. What are your intentions. Land, sea, board or buggy ?
There are three types of depower kite available to you. Inflatable kitesurfing kites or LEI's which are mainly for water, depower foils and arcs or
twinskins as some call them.
In my experience depower foils tend to have least amount of depower but possibly make the best intro into depower especially for buggying. Arc's are
more advanced I'd say and can have huge depower range.
I'd recommend depower but that's me. However hooking yourself into a harness is not recommended if you have little experience of flying and you'll
need one if you go depower. Being attached to the kite is another level up.
LeydenWarriors - 15-1-2014 at 09:48 AM
The winds I fly in at the moment are usually around 15mph. I use a 5.5 metre twister at the moment and I'm planning on using a board. The problem I
have at the moment is winds can be really gusty meaning I have to use my 3metre sting which I find really underpowered.
I also already have a harness and currently use my 5 metre with handles and a harness
MeatÐriver - 15-1-2014 at 10:10 AM
Given those parameters a 7.5-8m HQ Apex or Ozone Access would suit you fairly well for just getting into depower. It's too bad you just missed
Southpadreburt's Apex III 7.5m for a good price.
Edit: there are other options regarding size. Being a 5/6m or 10m. I'd worry a 5/6m would leave you somewhat underpowered in 15mph winds, but leave
heaps of headroom for the gust. Then with a 10m you could be having a good 'ol time in 15mph, but being "really gusty" I think you could quickly be
pushed past your comfort level .
LeydenWarriors - 15-1-2014 at 10:15 AM
Okay thanks, I've been looking at the HQ Apex seems to be the cheapest option, now I need to earn money for it. Thanks.