Tire pressure is always a compromise thing, rolling resistance vs. traction. i.e. Higher pressure = less rolling resistance but less traction. Lower
tire pressure = More rolling resistance, but better traction. So ideal tire pressure is constantly changing with the strength of the wind - the size
and type of kite you're using - the type of terrain you're on - and even the style of riding you do. But here are some suggestions:
Smaller kite + higher wind allows for higher tire pressure to take advantage of the higher kite speed.
Lower wind + bigger kite requires lower tire pressure because of the increase in side pull.
Grass, dirt, and hardpack, and softpack sand require very different pressure requirements, and very different considerations (especially sand)
Sand acts much different than any other riding surface because of its tendency to deform under weight. Because of this, rolling resistance will begin
to increase as tire pressure gets past a certain point. (it takes much less energy to deform the tire than it does to deform the sand) On hardpack
sand a good method for achieving ideal rolling resistance is: Coast in a straight line while not under power. Now look back at your tracks. if your
tires have made an indentation in the sand, your tire pressure is too high. Your tires should float over the sand when not under a side load.
Softpack sand requires ridiculously low tire pressure and/or big fat wide tires (I use 24" tall - 12" wide tires running at about 5 psi when riding
dune sands)
Running at too high of a tire pressure is hard on your equipment (and you) because it reduces the natural vibration dampening that the tires give
And finally (in case you haven't figured it out yet)...Carry a pump and tire gauge with you.
\"There are no stupid questions... There are however, a lot of inquizitive idiots.\"
Quad-Trac Profoil 3m
Eolo Radsail Pro 2.7m, 3m, 6m (x2)
Ozone Razor 5.5m 4.5m and my new 8.5m (The thing scares the crap out of me...but in a good way!)
Advance Io 7.5m
Jojo Rage 12m
Jojo RS 6m (T. Raw\'s old mystery Jojo - still crazy powerful)
Earthboard Rage mountainboard w/8\" tires
MBS Comp 32 board
Flexifoil sport buggies (x3) Highly modified
Peter Lynn Comp w/Bigfoots
Rockville offroad skates w/8\" tires
Homebuilt sandboard
Lots of Ritalin