Quoted this from a paragliding forum-

"Any effects with regard to leading edge tension will be proportional to the square of velocity. It may be that a speed wing has enough speed to sort this issue with high leading edge tensions, and also, the high wing loading having an effect too."

Something to think about. For those of you who fly LEIs, try pumping up the LE until it's rock hard and see how much of a difference it makes in the kites speed and performance. I've noticed that many people leave the LE fairly underpressurized when they go out. If you're one of those people you might want to try maxing out the pressure next time you pump up your kite and see how much of a difference it will make whilst flying.

i always fully pump my kite. air pressure totally effects flight behavior.

when ever i see an under inflated LEI, its like nails on a chalk board.

I'm sure I've said it before ... ALL the LEI/bows I've used in their appropriate wind ranges have folded parts of the leading edge when dived into the powerzone at speed.
I'd bet they were pumped up appropriately to spec, but is that quote suggesting that pumping up over recommended pressure will solve the problem? Surely such a small increase in pressure won't make that much of a difference - tension = velocity2 ...?

I thought speed winds were basically bridled foils?

And - another plus to arcs :D

I have been on a LEI for about 2 months.

the pump is nearly shot. shaft is shedding pieces.

rock hard, ultra solid . the struts have these one -way check valves and really won't open until LE is filled.

the ONLY tube kite that i 've seen fold in flight had a leak and would not hold pressure. never had a tube fold in the air.

the quote power put up actually would ADD pressure to the system (LE) and make it more in flight , the wind is like squeezing it . the very equation that makes open cell/closed cells work.

better pumped LEI may respond in flight a little faster BUT THE real benefit is the relaunch. a rock hard tube will launch easier and quicker.

I've found that increased pressure in the tubes helps a bit in lower wind. Idk if it's because of a stiffer frame, or something else.

My bet would be stiffer sail and non-stalled air flow due to shifting surface ...

when you think about indoor kite flying you want a really light and very stiff frame with the lightest skin possible - so take that to an LEI, the strut configuration is trying to get the tightest frame possible without adding to much weight. So you want to minimize twisting etc to improve turning and response and if you had a small tight leading edge it'll fly forward faster. A softer leading edge and it will deform and flatten and be pushing air. The kites shouldn't bend. A semi softer kite will also deter any relaunch with it bending instead of rolling over nicely. Pump em hard!
Just beware some cheaper manufactured kites or worn kites could explode your leading edge if left sitting on the beach on a hot day and pumped to the max.

Quote:

Originally posted by Kamikuza is that quote suggesting that pumping up over recommended pressure will solve the problem?

I've never been able to keep an LEI from kinking without pumping it over the recommended pressure from the manufacturer. I'd love to know what pressure it would actually take to really bust the leading edge.

Quote:

Originally posted by Jovver I've found that increased pressure in the tubes helps a bit in lower wind. Idk if it's because of a stiffer frame, or something else.

Fully pumped can't be defined, different for every kite. I generally think of 4 stages:
1) you an push on the LE (know you, byt the valve) and it visibally dents without much effort
2) you can flick/ping the LE with your finger and it sounds liek a tight drum
3) you can't easily bend a wind tip
4) you bladder explodes

I typically go for 2.5 which is a fairly rigid wing tip, and for my flexi's it about 6-7psi.

I feel that it DRASTICALLY helps with turning in any wind. In low wind it keeps the kite rigid when tugging at it and in higher winds it helps keep it's shape and your control lines battle the force of the wind.

There's a video on kitefix.com where they blow up a leading edge ... then stick it back together and blow it up again