Hi everyone,

I am wondering if anyone has a recommendation for an open celled big (greater than 15m) foil for light wind. I'm thinking about something like my 10.5 Blade III but with significantly more power. Maybe an aspect ratio of 6 or more. I would like something with low end power similar to my Flysurfer Speed2-19 Silver Arrow but with open cells. Depending on the bridling, I can possibly make my own depower system as I have done with my Blades. If such a kite exists, I would like to know what it is. I really like a kite which has high L/D and hugs the edge of the window.

Thank you for any suggestions.

John

16m vapor is the only one that comes to mind. I dunno how big the flysurfer outlaws run, maybe an Ozone yakuza. But I don't know the sizing on those either.

Comabts, Yakuzas, Vapors.........................race kites will deliver what your looking for...................:duh::duh:

WOW. That was fast. I will start looking. Thank ou.

To be honest, I would really love to try a prototype of that Ozone single skin paraglider in an 18-22m size. If it hugs the edge of the window and has big power there is a chance that it would work as a monster traction kite and replace a big Flysurfer on the water (for those who don't care about relaunching from the water). I like stability, lift and hugging the very edge of the window (high L/D).

I have a 16.1 Vapor and that thing has massive power..way more power than my Speed 2 19m. Depending on the surface you can probably ride it from 3mph to about 10mph....For me, it starts getting scary around 8mph or so on the buggy on hard grass...That thing loves to drive forward in the window.

I really love the Jojo rm+ as well....

Thanks for the replies!

Lunchbox, how well does the Vapor 16.1 compare with the Speed 2 19 when it comes to upwind performance?

Thank you

are you trying to kite buggy or kite surf or land boardi?

Vapor 16.1 - handes
Elf Zero 19.0 - depower
FS Speed 3 19.0 / 21.0 - depower

the vapor has more upwind edge, IMO (its got a thinner profile over the S3) I can't comment on the Elf as I never flew it but from what I hear thats got more edge over of the S3.

depending on where you are, and if there is a local shop around who carries PL. I can try to ship over a demo.

My big passion is kitesurfing, and I am happy to use a nonrelaunchable foil. I use blades on the water as well as my SA2-19 Flysurfer. I'm considering going to an open cell kite for light wind, when my 10.5 Blade III isn't enough. I'd like to have S2-19 or S3-21 performance with an open celled kite if possible.

https://vimeo.com/14939587

me on a vapor 16.1m in next to nothing ... and if i had to right board i would be cruising instead (was on a FlyBoard Rip 128). so needed a door.

everything in the video are 16.1m (light wind weekend)

Quote:

Lunchbox, how well does the Vapor 16.1 compare with the Speed 2 19 when it comes to upwind performance?

Well I've only used the Speed on water and the Vapor on land but I would definitely give the upwind edge to the Vapor. Every time I ride the speed though I am really impressed by how well it goes upwind in the lightest of winds, but that Vapor is just amazing. I've been tempted to take it on the water but don't want to dunk it in the ocean...maybe one of these days.

BTW, have you tried a longboard or SUP with the Speed 2. About two weeks ago, the wind was blowing from 6-10mph...averaging about 7mph I think, and for the first time, I took out the speed with my 9ft longboard. What a difference a big board makes. I am about 220lbs with all my gear on and I was able to get some nice tacks....and had a blast believe it or not. Just something to consider.

HTH.

pl vapor 16 or ozone gt 14, pretty much it for the major low end go.
vapor 16 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRwZ07Zv_LQ

Hey Arkay...love that video...for me, that video really puts a visual on the kite's power....that long scud and just trying to keep the buggy in a straight line as the wind picks up...sick!

not sure what delivery will cost, but this german kitestore sells uturn nitro evo II for cheap:

http://www.kitestore.de/index2.html
http://www.kitestore.de/schnaeppchen.html

otherwise, zebra Z2 might be a cheap choice:

http://libre.de/typo3_2/index.php?id=14&L=1

here, nice video with 16 sqm PL Vapors in no wind:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya5dj7Ap7Ss

Okay.. interesting request. I would recommend staying to the Viper, or something like that. The open-cell, fixed-bridle kites are going to deliver more power than the large Flysurfer kites, generally speaking. Someone mentioned an Outlaw in larrge size? Yeah, I wouldn't go that route. The larger Outlaws can work as light-wind engines, but they are not going to have the power than the S2-19 has.

Good luck!

the skud that never ends.

Thanks again to all of you for the advice and information. Another thing that interests me is a kite where on each side of the kite all of the A lines join at a single connection point, as do all of the B's and all of the C's (like a paraglider). I can't seem to find a photo or diagram of a Vapor, but I know that PL often collects the A, B and C lines in multiple rows along the kite. I like paraglider style collection points as it makes it easier to adjust the AOA as the kite ages or as conditions change, and also makes a fixed bridle kite more amenable to an on-the-fly depower system like I've installed on my Blades.

Flysurfer collects the A, B and C lines the way I like. The larger Flexifoil Blades do it too starting with the Blade III. It looks like Ozone might. Ozone does it on their Frenzy and Manta. Any comments on which of these big race kites might fit the bill?

Thanks again,

John

It seems like the Vapor is just what I'm looking for if the bridles collect in the way I like.

have a look at the upcoming zebra Z3 - the prototype had an adjustable AoA . here are the prototype pictures:



https://picasaweb.google.com/108523162318853011798/Scharpena...

maybe the zebra z2 also has a adjustable bridle (but not sure)

Thanks herc that's exactly the kind of bridle collection I prefer. I wonder of a 16.1 Vapor is at all like that.