Today was proof to myself that the 18m Phantom is definitely not an ultra low wind kite. When everything changed I found out you can jump HOOJ with it in 14kt winds though! :o :D

Quote: Originally posted by soliver

Quote: Originally posted by kiteballoon   It's interesting you mention a low wind kite. For many folks likt myself, proletiat, soliver, ssayre, and others, we don't have low steady winds. Rather, as soliver noted, it's 0-10 mph winds, with 5 being the average :-) I'm curious what the best kite is for these conditions, as you also cannot assume you have the room to work the kite forever to build apparent wind, or have a low rolling resistance (think grass, not packed dirt or sand). Yep, asking for the impossible, but it can't hurt to ask :-) Exactly the reason I like the 8.6m RII in my conditions. It's big enough where it will function in lighter wind, but small enough to sling around when it lulls... It can be irritating as H377 trying to fly in light wind around Atlanta, but in reality, it's more often light wind than high wind. I consciously don't even consider going out if the forecast is below 8mph, because usually if the forecast calls for 10mph it is actually 7mph when I show up. With the 8mph forecast it's usually 5-6mph gusting to 10 occasionally. Not to mention that neither of my favorite spots are more than the equivalent of 2 football fields... Let's just say I'm good at turning.... I can't even imagine trying to get a 13 or 16m to turn over in my local spots. ALL things considered, I think there's something to be said for the "smaller-big" sizes that allow you functionality along with maneuverability,... These elements are key for those of us soccer-field style riders.

I really like where this thread is going.

Now thing about how long lines can improve power in low winds in land, on soft sand, soft packed dirt ect.

I have had a 10 m on 15m lines, lines up a 5m on 30m lines and noticed similarities in torque, and speed down wind.

When I was a kid, the biggest kite was a 9.9m quadrafoil...not very fun to fly in light winds. But the 5.5 Q comp on 25m lines was!!!

Keep the list real. Those who don't know....just don't really know do they?

Quote:

I have had a 10 m on 15m lines, lines up a 5m on 30m lines and noticed similarities in torque, and speed down wind.

I don't have a light wind kite or long lines, but I do have more than one lineset. Should I try flying the 5.3 viper on a combined set to improve low wind?

Quote:

Should I try flying the 5.3 viper on a combined set to improve low wind?

Absolutely. What is there to lose? Another advantage of the long lines should be giving you a little more time to get your bum in the buggy - which I've found can be difficult in really light winds - I can keep the kite moving around while I'm standing....but when I go to get in the buggy, it's tricky to keep the kite moving.

Give it a fly and let us know how you get on. I used to often fly my 4m Beamer on 30m lines and every time I changed back to 18m lines, it was like someone had cut a meter off my kite!

I like the longer lines idea in theory, but if I get longer lines, someone get me a bigger field.... Like I said earlier, 2-3 football fields at most... Longer lines sounds cool, but it's really not a viable option for me.

I have seen people combine lines, or extend them for light conditions...

What's the best way? Do you just stick the loop through the loop on one line and then pull the loop of the next line through?

That's the best way. It is captive so it can't work loose. Also the absence of any knot makes it smooth to avoid tangles.

You can also use some short pigtails with a loop at one end and knot at the other - I just made some up out of 3mm cord. It does leave you with a knot though which is less than ideal but certainly much faster.

Great feedback guys. Original post has been updated!

If I haven't put in a vote for the 10.8 Reactor, count me in. It doesn't have to be Reactor II .

I owned the Reactor I as a low wind kite and it served me very well on beaches with room to build up speed. My issue with it was using it for snow kiting in gusty winds. Being so small it lofted me a couple of times. Higher than any lofting I had experienced.

I had trouble getting the most of it in our smallish park but think it had a bit to do with my lack of FB skills. Ken 3 has an R II and is loving in at GP . He is much better at looping + downturning it than I am though.

I think I see how the 8.6 would also be a resonable canditate but have no personal experience.

Nobody mentioned the large size bullets. I've never flown one but am curious if they would be good in low wind and more specifically inland wind.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Nobody mentioned the large size bullets. I've never flown one but am curious if they would be good in low wind and more specifically inland wind.

7m Bullet was my biggest kite in my 1st quiver. It was a good low wind kite but I ended up sitting out while others were riding with 16m Centuries, JoJo's etc.. Not a super low wind kite.

with recent discussions on low wind flying, I made this video to demonstrate how skill plays a major part in flying in such conditions.

XC's weather forecast was good, but looking out my bedroom window I could see no movement.

I have to add the Quadrifoil XXXL. If you have 5mph apparent wind you are fully powered up. I like my XXL too for light wind because it is easier on the back when winds are 0-7 mph and you are constantly relauching.

REDSKY- OMG!! Hilarious...the music just adds to it...LOL.

I have a little experience with low winds...and long lines...but after watching Eli's 19M Ozone Edge video, I may have a new "next kite" to work at getting into my quiver....thanks Eli...geeesh..

Anyway...I can attest to long lines being my primary low-wind session saver..

I've found a good balance of "getting more sky" for my kite and compromising with some "line-drag" in 55-60M lines...and the old trusty 24M Phantom II.

I get around and moving in 5-7mph.

Here's me with the above setup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTU46xiUwHc&feature=share...

Just curious - does anyone make a light fabric fixed bridle like the DLX's?

I think I recall some of the original model Flysurfers being able to be hooked to handles - are current models also able to be flown on handles? I'd suspect the SA's to be quite the ultra low wind monsters. God help you in the gusts though.....

Quote: Originally posted by crazyherb

REDSKY- OMG!! Hilarious...the music just adds to it...LOL. I have a little experience with low winds...and long lines...but after watching Eli's 19M Ozone Edge video, I may have a new "next kite" to work at getting into my quiver....thanks Eli...geeesh.. Anyway...I can attest to long lines being my primary low-wind session saver.. I've found a good balance of "getting more sky" for my kite and compromising with some "line-drag" in 55-60M lines...and the old trusty 24M Phantom II. I get around and moving in 5-7mph. Here's me with the above setup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTU46xiUwHc&feature=share...

You really are crazy herb. I've been watching your videos.
You're my kinda guy. :D