I know this has been semi discussed in another thread but I'm looking for some fresh opinions. I weigh 130lbs, and I usually fly inland, so I almost never go out unless the wind is at least 12knots and even then its usually dropping to nothing. Typical conditions that I fly in are 12-19 knots gusting to 22-29 knots. For my weight which would be the better kite? I don't mind changing the settings and trimming it down in the higher winds if the 15 would usually be the more desirable kite. You can decrease power but its harder to increase it. If I get a syn I'm also planning on using it on the water so I'll obviously want more kite there.

You'd be good with the 12 at your weight and the winds you describe.

The 15 would get you up more reliably in the lowest end of your wind range (9-12 knots) but would be difficult at the top end at your weight.

I'm still a noob with my arcs though... hold out for more informed opinions.

I'm 140 on a good day and my 15 Syn is quite a handful in plus 18mph ish.

But that could be because I'm not that skilled yet

Brian

When you say plus 18 are you talking about the constant wind speed or the gusts?

About 12-18mph constant; 18+gusts.

Yes i know 12-18 isnt very constant but thats the kind of crappy winds I deal with!

Brian

How well does it handle the gusts that are in the mid to upper twenties?

Quote:

Originally posted by power How well does it handle the gusts that are in the mid to upper twenties?

they both handle gusts well, but you'll definitely be overpowered on the 15 unless you have good skills.

the 12m flies a little faster than the 15m at 30+ sometimes i wanted something smaller because its easier to control a smaller than bigger. however of the flip side, bigger has more float.

if you get more midrange wind, i'd go with the 12m but if anything like what BR and I deal with in the summer, of low winds the 15m would be better.

ditch the Twister 4.1m and if you go with the 12m Syn.

Problem is when the wind is really worth flying in around here, its usually 15+ and then gusts. In the summer the wind is so bad except for occasional days that if there is 'low' wind, its always dropping to nothing.