Power Kite Forum

What is your high wind kite?

IFlyKites - 12-9-2014 at 03:09 PM

Wondering what other folks on here use when the wind kicks up. When the wind hits the upper teens, low 20's, I usually pack up my 5.6m Twister and head off. It get's too much for me to handle and you know.. "Better be safe than sorry". Ending up with some broken bones is never fun. So what is your high wind kite? :o

Cheers, Ari

shehatesmyhobbies - 12-9-2014 at 03:16 PM

For me I usually go to the 9m Phantom when it gets above 25mph winds. It is a little under powered at that point, but easier to handle. I will fly my 12m phantom just up to 20mph zone and it is a blast but starts pulling me apart at the harness. Although I was flying the 18m last spring at WBB when the wind was sitting about 18-20mph and had the time of my life.

When I flew a lot of FB, I usually went to the 2.6 Viper, another fun kite in 20mph+ winds.

This is all said while being in the buggy, not static flying

erratic winds - 12-9-2014 at 03:41 PM

5m slingshot octane for when it's 30+ gusting to 40+. Gusting to over 50+, I stay in. for kitesnowboard and atb.

soliver - 12-9-2014 at 03:47 PM

+1 on the 2.6m PL Viper S... Def one of my favorites. Unfortunately, the wind VERY rarely gets over 15 mph here,... even 15 is rare ... But it's happened before.

3shot - 12-9-2014 at 03:54 PM

:o I can't even imagine a 5.6 Twister in the upper teens or low 20s.....
I'm also in the 2m FB range in the mid 20s

soliver - 12-9-2014 at 04:08 PM

Jason, I bet you'd love a Viper... I'll let you fly mine at JIBE

3shot - 12-9-2014 at 04:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by soliver  
Jason, I bet you'd love a Viper... I'll let you fly mine at JIBE


Heck yea!! :thumbup:

B-Roc - 12-9-2014 at 05:00 PM

4.5 custom Yeti

WELDNGOD - 12-9-2014 at 05:06 PM

1.5m & 2.2m PKD Buster Soulfly https://vimeo.com/65980936

John Holgate - 12-9-2014 at 05:38 PM

1.5m Nasa Star 2. Has enough power for the buggy from 20knots and I can still fly relatively relaxed in 30 - 35knots. Much less frantic than either the 1.5m Imp Quattro or the 4m Ozone Access. That's about as much wind as I'm game to fly in. I've also watched Rob Lukin flying in 35 knots + in the buggy with an Airush 4m LEI and have it all under control. considering I've seen him fly the same kite in 14 knots very successfully, I'd say that would have the biggest wind range of any kite I've seen yet.

BeamerBob - 12-9-2014 at 05:49 PM

I set my pb with a 5m HQ Ignition LEI. Winds were in the mid to upper 30s that day and with my apparent wind it was the limit of the kite. On a beach, with more drag, the kite could handle 40 mph I think.
Otherwise, in the past I've used vapors in 2.7 and 2.3 along with a Uturn Butane 2.5 that can handle upper 20s to low 30s and is uber stable.

I currently have on loan a Genetrix Hydra 7 m I need to learn and find the limits of if there are any. Thanks to Redsky for such an opportunity.

flyhighWNY - 12-9-2014 at 06:23 PM

Donnie, Some how I knew that would be the video! Hoping WBB is in your near future!

flyhighWNY - 12-9-2014 at 06:25 PM

Donnie, Some how I knew that would be the video! Hoping WBB is in your near future!

WELDNGOD - 12-9-2014 at 06:56 PM

:D Awesome day!
Maybe in April Bro. :( I miss Wildwood.... The last time we cruised it. https://vimeo.com/77920509

riffclown - 12-9-2014 at 07:58 PM

2M Crossfire II. or 2.8 Skydog SDT depending if its clean or not.

canuck - 12-9-2014 at 09:22 PM

It might seem strange but my high wind kites are a 3m open cell fixed bridle (Radsail) and a 10m PL Venom 1. If I am just out for a quick ride I'll use the 3m but if I have more time I'll go for the Venom. Our winds are gusty and can often be 20kph gusting to 50 or 60kph in winter.

pongnut - 12-9-2014 at 09:52 PM

3m Beamer in 20-35
5.6m Twister or 11m Neo or 19m Venom in 15-25 ;)

pongnut - 12-9-2014 at 09:52 PM

3m Beamer in 20-35
5.6m Twister or 11m Neo or 19m Venom in 15-25 ;)


Oops, my first double post. Not sure why it happened , but sorry. :rolleyes:

IMK - 13-9-2014 at 12:16 AM


+1 on the 1.5m Nasa Star 2

I also really like the 2.5m Zebra Z1. Holds its shape well in the gusts and with the use of brakes you feel like you can change gears. I've had a few buggy sessions when it was 15kts gusting to 27kts and at a great time. Its a confidence inspiring kite.

soulflyr - 13-9-2014 at 07:51 AM

Smallest lite in the bag is an Ekko 1.7, but it need to be high 20's before i give up the 3m. This year I will be breaking in a PL Reactor 2.8 that should last me up to that range still.

I tried a cheap 1 m fixed bridle in 35+, but the drag on the lines would not let me control the kite.


Feyd - 15-9-2014 at 12:08 PM

8m Charger 1 on the cautious side, 12m Phantom when looking for some excitement.