Okay guys and girls, I'm trying to decide on a 2.5 for buggying that'll give me decent upwind performance and speed, without using too much brainpower to use. The Century sounds like a great kite, and at this time I'm leaning that way. I have a 3.5 Rage, which is a terrific ship, but I'd like to get a little better upwind performance if possible. I was buggying with Gilligan and he completely kicked my butt upwind with his 4 meter Blade. I think the Cult is pretty close to the Rage in performance. Any suggestions??

I have Rage 2.5 and always thought it has a good upwind performance:?:....... - Brian

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Originally posted by flyhigh142 Okay guys and girls, I'm trying to decide on a 2.5 for buggying that'll give me decent upwind performance and speed, without using too much brainpower to use. The Century sounds like a great kite, and at this time I'm leaning that way. I have a 3.5 Rage, which is a terrific ship, but I'd like to get a little better upwind performance if possible. I was buggying with Gilligan and he completely kicked my butt upwind with his 4 meter Blade. I think the Cult is pretty close to the Rage in performance. Any suggestions??

Any race kite will give a good upwind performance. They are designed that way. However, just basing on your location (Livermore), and wind condition, the 2.5 PKD Century might be too small. Livermore is where cool coastal air, collides with hot inland condition, and can create turbulent wind. That's why you have all the wind turbines at Altamont Pass. With high inland pressure, it can also be windless at times.
The 2.5 Century has a high-aspect ratio, so you need lots of "smooth" & "consistent" wind otherwise it will keep folding on you.

This kite is ideal if you fly it at the beach with wind blowing above 12mph up to galeforce wind.

If you must get 2.5 meter kite, get one with a little lower profile such U-Turn Butan. It's still considered a race kite geared towards intermediate to advanced flyers. I have a 3.5 and I absolutely like it.

BTW, you should come with Bob, the next time he comes over to Shoreline.
I'll let you try some of my kites.

Cheers,

e

Thanks Elkiter. I'd lke to meet sometime and try kites I'm not familiar with. You're right about the switchy wind here in Livermore, but I was looking for something to fill out the quiver when my daughter takes her Beamer back to college. We do get strong stable winds here on occasion, without the usual turbulence. In the meantime, I'll do my research on the Butan.