A guy I usually fly with is only 14 and is thinking of buying a PL Synergy 12m but I heard ARC's dont have a great low end. He has same kite as mine 10m access. I would say he weighs about 50kg as he is pretty short as well. Good idea? Bad idea?
Thanks guys

EDIT: out of interest does the synergy have a lot of depower?

Depower is ok on the synergy. The 12 is a VERY fast turner and generates power while doing it. Arcs just aren't great for low wind work, but shine as the wind picks up and have crazy upper limits for their size. Your friend will be fine with a 12 Syn in the right winds. He'll just have to find the range that works for him and his skills.

Someone more familiar with arcs might have a different opinion, but I believe there would be significant overlap of a SYN 12 and a Access 10.

oh no, the access will be gone to fund the synergy

As you understand arcs have a much smaller projected area than foils and LEI.
The 12m Synergy will be closer to an 8m Access in it's bottom end but will take him into much higher winds than the 8 or 10m . The 10m Access actually has a pretty good bottom end say about 6mph the 12m Synergy will need more like 10.

I have 10 and 15m Synergy and like them a lot but I NEED a large foil to handle the sub 8mph winds.

If your winds are typically below 10mph then your friend may want to rethink things? If he is looking for more top end + gust munching then he is on the right track.

well he will feel over powered. trim it down to almost unhooked then add it back slowly. 10mph would be plenty. 15mph super big air. fast and powerful maybe a little more nimble than the access. this kite will ride a 200# rider in 15mph on the water. if he can rock the access the syn will be easy step with far more range.

Thinking of getting one myself now He said he feels comfortable on the access at about 10-12 knots and said it gets hairy above 15. Will the synergy be able to handle gusts better than the access?
cheers for info

Yes, the lack of a serious bridle allows ARC's to jellyfish about to absorb gusts better than a bridled foil kite like the access.

The Access your friend has is a pretty good kite for gusts. The arc deals with them differently. With no bridle it sort of shape shifts. Auto zenith makes waiting out gusts feel much safer than on foils.

My biggest warning about arcs in general and the 12m you mention is the lack of bottom end. I promise your friend will enjoy this kite even above 15kts but he will be disapointed with the bottom end compared to the 10m Access. It has a pretty good low wind rep'. He will be stuck if the wind is under 6kts.

The Access is not a lifty kite so if your friend is after more air he will be pleased.

What will he be riding ?

He rides a landboard so won't mind the lift
Should be getting mine soon if everything plans out right. There is a overlap I know, but once I get enough for a board I will be using it on the water

Not too much overlap . Holding on to both kites would be great ! The 12m arc will just be lighting up about the time a 10m Access is getting overpowered. The access will be handy for those winds too low for the Syn.

Oh ok cool should have it in 2 weeks or so. Can't wait to feel those floatly jumps the access just can't give me as well :roll: