I’m thinking about getting into snowkiteing this year and I was wondering if anyone had snowkited with a Method. I don't think I’m ready to spend $1,000+ on a frenzy only to use it 2-3 time a year so I'm wondering if the Method would be a good alternative.

i tried to snowkite last year with a 5m flow. i was a little underpowered but according to the ozone website it is a great kite to learn to kiteski on. i would asume that the method would work fine as well it travels a little farther forward in the window which should make upwind travel a breeze on a snowboard or skies

I'm sure it is doable. Perhaps not ideal, but definitely doable.

The majority of folks who ride on snow, use depower kites. I have seen folks on skis using fixed-bridle kites. Never done it myself. When I started learning how to ride on snow, I sold all my fixed-bridle kites and went totally depower. Now I fly depower in the buggy as well and much prefer it to fixed-bridle.

It really comes down to personal preference. I am sure there are some benefits to going depower, just as there are some benefits to going fixed-bridle.. I would suggest trying both, and seeing what you feel more comfortable doing (if this is an option for you).

*shameless plug* Why spend 1,000+ on a single Frenzy when you can spend 1300 and get two Outlaws to cover a much larger range of wind speeds?

I used fixed bridle kites for my 1st season.

I had 3, 4.5 and 7m kites.

Conditions often change as you move around. Often I was stuck 7m was good near shore , overpowered in the middle. Too little near shore with the 4.5 and lit if I got out there was often the choice. Very tough to find a single FB to assure you get out ? ( I would suggest around 5m ? )

I still had an amazing fun time. Even having depower I need more than 1 kite but have to trade out less.

If money is an issue I suggest buying + selling used.

You already have the method, it will work if the conditions are right so why not? It just won't pull you in deep snow unless it's nukin. But it will pull in firm snow in a good breeze I bet.

Unless you dress out at 250+:Ange09:

The only down side I see to trying it out with the method is that you have a pretty narrow wind range. On the upside it will teach you handling skills and kite placement in the window as your primary method of controlling the kite's power which is the way it should be. Sometimes I think too many people rely on trimming the kite out to manage the power.

Then if you decide that you like it and wan't to take it a step further track down a used, larger depow (7m ish) and give that a shot. They can be found readily here in the buy/sell and you have a good community to buy from.

Sorry I didn't look and see that you already own the 4m Method.

I have no 1st hand experience but understand the method likes a good bit of wind . It should be a good size for getting going . You will be forced to work it hard to ride in lower winds but will be able to ride in " decent " winds. Those between 10 and 22 mph ( ish ) should be best , depending on the snow. A good range for a fixed bridle.

My sad reality is that I only get out about 1/2 dozen snowkite days in a year and yet I don't regret investing money in making those days count !

Feyd and BR are right on. If you find a flat surface with the right snow and wind a 4m fixed bridle will get you going.

You definitely don't need to spend $1000, there are lots of good depower kites for less $$$ moving through the For Sale section of this forum that you can buggy and snowkite with.

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner My sad reality is that I only get out about 1/2 dozen snowkite days in a year and yet I don't regret investing money in making those days count !

Fully agree Blade. I bought the 14m frenzy and hardly ever use it but man when I use it I am just in awe of the size and power of it. It could be a little faster on the turning though.

Your 4m should work ok in decent wind. I have a scout II 4m and I have gotten going 46 mph on it on a crusty snow on a lake. If you have it, why not give it a try and see how it works for you?

Now if only we had snow so I could actually get out.