I have a similar post going over at Foilzone, but would like to pose it here as well as this board seems to have a different view of things. I'm putting the question first and the backstory second for easy perusing...

Basically, I'm wanting to know if the big Flysurfer Silver Arrow 2 is truly the "ultimate light wind machine" it's touted to be. How would it stack up against a top-line depower open-cell like an Air Evolution (12M) or Ozone Manta (12M). Also , how would it compare to a serious fixed-bridle like a big Blade 3 (10.5M), Blade 4(8.5M), or that new Ozone Haka (9M).

Now, for a little more info...

I live in Central Indiana, currently flying a Flysurfer Psycho 3, which is wonderful above 12 mph. Most of my kiting is snowkiting/landboarding, and I'm wanting to get into buggying. Will be getting in some kitesurfing this summer between trips to my folks' place in Florida and road trips up to Michigan, but with the nearest local lake a half-hour away and my backyard being farm fields, 95% or more of my kiting island-based.

We rarely have zero-wind, especially on the really big co-op owned fields, but we also don't get very many steady, mid range wind days like our coastal friends freuqntly have. When we do have some smooth wind, it's usually in the low range (6mph - 12mph), and these days seem to be on the barrier of what I can get the P3 flying in (inflation is always tough, usually I am sprinting away from the kite to fly it uninflated in light air, and letting the kite inflate from its apparent wind).

So, I'm looking for a light wind kite for use on land. As I said, I've a distance to cover to get to the closest kiteable body of water, and I won't be making the drive if the wind isn't up - however - it would be nice to be able to hit a field on a day with winds <12mph for some dirtsurfing. I'd really appreciate a kite that could give me a few more precious snowkiteable days in winter, as our season isn't nearly as long as those further north.

While I don't doubt the light air abilities of the Silver Arrow 2, one can buy multiple kites for it's price, even multiple high end open cells. I'm wondering if I wouldn't be better off with a nice big Blade or that new Ozone Haka. I've also read some nice light wind claims about the Air Evolution and Ozone Manta.

I'm willing to spend the money if it's truly the right kite. If it could bring me a dozen or more days out kiting where I currently cannot, it's worth the hefty price. But if a Blade is better, I'm not averse to having one just for extreme light air usage. Also, handles look like they could be alot of fun (but I've always liked precision and finesse in my controls).

Any input or opinions would be appreciated, and I apologize if the fact I posted elsewhere offends anyone.

Thanks,

Ashe

Ashe,

I used a Silverarrow 1 this past season on snow. It was a fantastic light wind engine.

A SA2 is on my wish list now :D

A Bego 600 (I wish they made a bigger one) or 8.5m Blade III or IV would also be a good choice and way less money...

Blade 8.5 seems to be the fixed bridal kite of choice, I've flown a BII 9m and it's a beast in 6-8mph winds.

I've always gotten along find with the 13m Century, nothing beats a nice efficient kite in light winds. It'll fly in 2mph, make power by 4mph and I'm well powered by 6mph. Me and the bug combined are close to 350lbs. Usually I have to put the kite away by 10-12mph, otherwise I'm getting lofted at random. I have yet to find a depowerable kite open cell or not that will make serious power in that low of a wind. With the pulley handles it'll still turn on a wingtip as well in 6mph and up. The only other kite I've ever seen make this sort of power in low wind was a crazy mofo on a 16m RM+.

Difference is though that the 13m Century is for sale.......

Ashe,

Take it to the bank if DaVinch says shes a low wind engine. Pablo is correct with his comments on the B3 8.5. As for the Air Evo X Airs, I have the 10M and in 10 mph winds Im rolling on the board hooked in. Unhooked and powered up (trim stap about 1/4 pulled in) Im really rolling at 10mph, leaning heel or toe side, carving, and can pop jumps. At 12mph youll need to be hooked in and working the bar, trust me! Basically the same characteristics for the 8.5. I had both out yesterday in no more than 10 to 12ish winds and the Evo unhooked powered up is awesome. Posted you a couple pics to show there wasnt much wind but the Evo delivered. I also pasted a vid for the Evo hooked in at 7 to 12 mph. Good luck with your decision, 3 qulaity kites without a doubt!









http://www.air-evolution.co.uk/images/Airevoaug06.wmv

If you are cost concerned then your timing is PERFECT.
That 13m Century that Pablo is clearing is the real deal when it comes to low wind. It's a MONSTER IMHO and I'm afraid of it.
Extremely good in low wind but a pretty narrow wind range for someone smaller like me.

Does the 13m Cent have a depower mod available? Yeah a 13m FB would scary the **** out of me too!

Pablo can confirm this but I'm pretty sure you could modify it to something like the wing warp. He likes to tinker so may have actually tried it. Presently it's fixed and I think on pulley handles.

I have tried the Flysurfer speed 2 15m on snow. What is great about this kite, is the hugh depower (much better than speed1).

My flysurfer pimp is always the first to snowkite in light winds with his speed2 compared to bow, or other depower open cells like ozone.

Of course, a Ozone Yakusa or other fixed bridle foils will do the job even better, but when the wind goes up, with a Speed 2 and its hugh depower you can always keep kiting with the same kite.

I am saving to get a Silver version for next fall. Big $$$

Buzz - will you be going for a 19m SA or a custom 15m with Skytex?

DaVinch

apparently that the low-end of the 19m is not much more than a 15m. The 15m turns faster, and for my weight (180lbs), a 19m is probably just too much.

I have tried the regular S2 15m, and on snow, it gets me moving as soon as the kite is in the air. So I suspect a silver version 15m would be just amazing!!!

Buzz

The Century can be rigged for depower, but personally, if you want to go that route, then you'd be better off starting with a kite that was designed that way, the 13m Cent is built to pull a big guy in little wind, no more, no less. Small guys simply can't hold onto it in the wind it needs to fly.

Reason for selling, making room for a 15.4m Combat, fixed bridal race kite. Yeah, I'm a little unhinged.