I have seen people adding weights to their buggys. What does this do? How much weight should be added?

In the early days of buggying we believed that lighter was better, but we have since learned that weight is a good thing.

Heavy buggies and buggies with weighted axles have more traction therefore resisting sliding or drifting sideways.

The extra momentum developed from a heavy buggy also helps to increase its high speed capability due to the fact that the faster a buggy moves, the more relative wind it develops for the kite resulting in more kite power and again more speed.

Buggy races generally allow a max of 40 lbs. extra weight. Filling a PVC pipe with dirt and strapping it securely to the back axle works well. Lead pipes or bolted sinkers have typically been used on the front end.

But be careful...
The extra traction also means that it is harder to "bleed off" your speed. As it is more difficult to slide out the back axle, stopping requires more effort. High speed buggying with weights is not suggested in heavily populated areas.

As any given kite will develop more power while buggying at high speed using weights, there is therefore more chance of the pilot being lifted out of the buggy. Be cautious when selecting which kite size to use in combination with the wind speed.

So, ever get lapped by a big guy lounging in a Libre? Now you know why. :smug:

BC

I've found a little bit of weight, maybe 6lbs on each tire is just right for high winds. When you can't go staight, ad weight! :D And drop your tire psi.