Hey, I'm looking into getting a fs speed and figured I should ask in this part of the forum rather than on one for sale.
I think I'll want a 19 or 21m. I weigh 190-195. Is there much of a difference between the 2? What wind range will they get me jumping on a
mountainboard?
Also, can anyone speak to the difference between the different years? (1.5-4)
What should I know before buying one? I've flown leis, open cell foils and arcs in the past.windrider1 - 31-12-2015 at 07:13 PM
I just converted most of my quiver to speed 4's main reason being is that you can use them on land and water. they are really good kites in my
opinion. Very fast and smooth power/ depower and a lot of lift for their size. back in the day a foil was 2 to 3 sizes more powerfull than an lei now
with the newer style sle and bow kites its may be 1 or 2 sizes up max as those kites are now much flatter and have a bigger projected area. I have
tested a speed 4 12m against an newer lei and it was actually faster than the lei. Some people get deceived by the newer flysurfer kites as they
feel lighter compared to an lei and the depower and bar pressure is less but dont be fooled it has a good power an lift compared to the same size lei
kite. I would say a 15m speed is equivalent to a 16 or 17 lei. Personally I don't see the use of a 21m kite. May be a 19m I can see using if I was a
kitesurfer. but if its not enough wind to work the 15m on land its no use kiting. As far as the older style speeds I think most older kites had a a
little more power . people want faster kites with better depower and handling and so on , so the designs have changed to reflect that and given up
some power in return. windrider1 - 31-12-2015 at 07:22 PM
let me add if youre want to jump u need a fast kite ,a lifty kite and some decent wind. 10mph+ minimum. the 15m lotus is all u need. its still fast
,its has serious lift and will come alive in 10mph+. 19m and 21m will be too slow and heavy on land I wont even bother. I think those sizes were
meant for a heavier rider on water. Kamikuza - 1-1-2016 at 12:46 AM
Hoo boy...
Speed 3/Psycho 4 models onward got Triple Depower -- projected area, AoA and profile all change when sheeting in/out -- which improve stability and
wind range at the expense of utter bottom end.
So, Speed2 19 = Speed3 21... but the 21 gets more top end and is much less of a handful.
Speed3 15 would be good for you on the land board for a low wind kite. 21 will give massive hang time (see the Push Kiting crew vids) but would
over-power you quickly. A 19 would be enough for the water. 15 will be easy to float and is only a little inclined to be over-powered by the bar and
back stall during jumps. A 12 I find too on/off unless it's blowing ape-#@%$#! mental.
I find the S3 15 to be better than 17m LEIs due to the excellent range, upwind ability, top end and of course, float and hang time.
You'll get more value out of longer lines too. I have 5m extensions in the 15 (for 26m lines) and that's about right for everything but underpowered
desperation...
Is Speed4 the same as Lotus, just different cloth? I stopped paying attention...PHREERIDER - 1-1-2016 at 09:33 AM
15m p4 is been incredible right down to 6knts on land with amazing pop. i am 200# and had this unit as well as 12m p4 /12m S3 ....and mountain stack
of everything else
i ride almost daily land and water and at my weight, 19m/21m is just not even a consideration, i get over powered on the 15 on the land board
surprisingly early but not before sky jacking amazing hangers, about 8-15mph is total sweet spot for this unit. very smooth, stupid boost power,
and quick for its size. and currently bumped my 12m p4 as go to unit for land board...15m delivers. Feyd - 1-1-2016 at 02:22 PM
The 15m is about as close to a one kite quiver as I've ever seen a Speed. I see what people get away with on that thing and it is impressive. Both
in light and high winds. A couple of people I know gave up the 19m sizes for the 15m S4powerzone - 1-1-2016 at 10:17 PM
feel free to call me next week we'll talk it all through. i can perhaps arrange a demo as wellwindrider1 - 2-1-2016 at 06:02 AM
Heres a brief windrange guide to the 15m speed lotus-
10mph- she is just coming alive - youre being greeted with jeeers by onloookers along with things like - come on is tht all u got? send It harder,
harder lad,
15mph- youre greeted with oohh'ss and ahhh's , wow, amazing, nice one, yea boi , fist bumps and pumps. big grins everywhere
20mph- get last will and testament in order, call mum or loved one tell and tell her not to worry everything is still under control, ask a friend to
watch yo back just incase it goes all wrong, little voice in head saids ok time to pack it up.
25mph - one word -paragliding
30mph- call the undertaker -- he was a good boy he came ,he lived ,he kited hard , at least he died doing wht he loved
What should I know before buying one? I've flown leis, open cell foils and arcs in the past.
The Speed is going to feel a lot like LEI in means of boosting, except it's going to hold you up in the air much longer. Lots of gliding sensation.
Amazing upwind. 19-21m Speed will fly in as low as 2 knots, when no LEI would. I guess the price will represent the condition so this part of choice
should be easy. If it's been heavily used make sure it has fabric and bridles in good condition and mixer tuned.
I think I'll want a 19 or 21m. I weigh 190-195. Is there much of a difference between the 2?
The 21m is rather for 250 lbs. guy. 21m will get you additional knot on the low end and will cut a couple of knots on high end. Thicker profile,
slower turning speed but still it'd ride me on water in 6 knots compared to 7 of my Speed3. I can still throw a backroll in those 7 knot conditions
Also, can anyone speak to the difference between the different years? (1.5-4)
Speed1/1.5/2 are good older models. They'd have some overflying/backstalling issues compared to S3/S4. Anything in Deluxe fabric will be turning
faster and flying in lighter wind. Speed 4 Lotus is basically the same stencil as Speed 3 but comes in even lighter Lotus fabric and comes in more
sizes than Speed 3.