Wexler and I are heading out for some flight time and the winds are 12 mph gusting to 19 according to the weather channel. Most of the times we've gotten the Montana out, we've been in low winds and had to turn the power almost all the way down to keep it from backstalling. As the winds start to pick up do you start to add some power back in to a point and then with the wind even higher you reach a wind level that you would peak out at max power and then start to turn it down again? I guess this would apply to any depower kite since the physics are the same for all of them.

Bob, I think you're correct on the trim settings. In with light winds, out for mid winds, then back in for high winds. However I don't trim the kite all the way in light winds. Usually I only trim it about 1/4 to 1/2 in for light winds to keep it from stalling. I'm far from an expert and still "learning on the fly" so to speak.

Bob, with my 7m Montana3 I pull the strap all the way in for launch, and then start to tweak it to find the sweet spot.
Other then that kiteNH has it right. If Tim sees this post he may have some other tricks for ya.

What I was taught in lessons was to depower about 80% for launch. With the kite sitting at the edge of the window adjust the trim so it sits nicely on the edge with the bar out completely. ( no hands ) If you back stall when you pull in you need a bit less power ? If you are depowered and still having trouble holding ground with the kite on the edge then the kite is too big.

one thing to note... a depowered kite will accellerate faster than when sheeted in... the velocity of the kite directly affects its overall power.

one thing we do when launching is Yes , trim in the kite, but also sheet in so the kite has less tendancy to quickly accellerate and yank you around. a slow pull (even though powerful) is easier to manage than an abrupt burst of power. then just work it to the edge of the window.

Thanks guys. You confirmed what I thought I knew and added more to it. Others have told me these things but I have to be at the level that I'm ready to absorb the info. BR, your checklist is worth printing into a field card. With a smooth wind and in the buggy, what is a realistic 90% of top wind range for that 9.5 meter? I hear of you guys going out with huge kites that I wouldn't put up a 5m FB. This will take some getting used to. Also, I want to know enough to protect Wexler in his learning stages.

Bob, FYI I've had my 7.0 meter out in a 20 mph with winds gusting to 28mph, on skis.
I feel more in control with the depower then with a 3.6m to 5m with handles and kite killers in the same winds.
But you gotta stay aware. But you already know that.
Be careful though, Wexler may call the ol' man out some day

As you know the top end of a kite changes for each person.
Your experience with the kite / depower alone dictates the top end. You will be more capable of taking it out in higher winds once those memory implanted responses kick in.
Then of course rider size and type of wind comes in to play.
I haven't had the pleasure of trying a Montana but have to expect you can get moving in the buggy at about 9mph wind ? Pretty much as soon as it will fly proper. As a guide for the top end I would suggest it will not be too much until about the time you think a 5m F.B. kite is a better ( fully powered ) choice ? Sort of covering what a 7 and 5 would ???? Once you are master you would probably go from it to a 3m F.B. ?
Kind of a wishy washy answer but an actual # would be hard to pick ?

I think once you get in to it you may feel that the Montana is actually a safer choice for the buggy. If you ride in a captive harness system I'm SURE you will find it safer !