So I got skunked again after a long drive and want a light wind kite. My smaller half was riding fine on the big kite though, still couldn’t hold ground but wasn’t loosing much on the 14m rally. I just sat it out. I am leaning towards the 15m Speed3 because of the increased danger of a quick increase in wind speed on a 21m I guess. I kite mainly on water even though it's harder to get to. I almost never kite on land. Weigh 180lbs or about 80kg.

Right now I have 2 quivers, LEIs and foils. I want to stick with the foils for air travel and the LEIs for within driving distance mainly because foils cover a broader range, are easier to pack, and easier to fix. Would the 15m s3 offer enough of a power difference above the 14m rally I already have? What about above the 15m synergy? Would it allow me to get rid of the 14m rally due to the larger wind range? The two quivers I want:

LEIs (8m RPM, 10m RPM, 14m Rally (or sell)) + Flysurfer for regular use

Foils (10m PL Synergy, 15m Synergy) + Flysurfer for air travel

Thanks!
GE

No contest; definitely go for the 15 meter Speed. You'll have a much wider range to work with.
Theoretically, a 14 meter Speed would generate a lot more power than a 14 meter Rally LEI.

The 21m is an experimental ultra-super-light-wind kite that can only be used on a small number of specific days. And it's $3000.

What wind range are you trying to cover?
A 15m S3 may not give you much over the 14m Rally. The 21m S3 may be a lot to handle at 180#.
I would not even consider the 15Synergy as a low wind option, it probably compares to your 10mRPM(maybe a little stronger).

At 165# I can barely handle the 19m S3 8-16mph , If I was any lighter I would go with a 15m, and a 21m only if I was over 200#.
So I would say consider a 19m!
Hope this helps.

Quote: Originally posted by Sier_Pinski

Theoretically, a 14 meter Speed would generate a lot more power than a 14 meter Rally LEI

I have flown my 12mS3 back to back with a 12m Inflato and have to disagree with this statement. Yes once you are moving you may get a bit more power but have found that inflatos have very similar/slightly better low end on smaller sizes.
Once you get to the bigger sizes(17+) yes the foils have the advantage since they are way lighter.

I think a S315 will be a little better than the rally but not by much.

Hey Elnica,
I ride only on the water, and I don have any speeds, but I do have other flysurfer's and Peter Lynn's.

Im 150 lbs, so lightweight. But I have a 19 meter Psycho 4 (I know it's a "big guy kite" but I got it cheap) I can hold it right up till my 12 meter pulse 2 works. When it's in that upper range - holy smokes it sky's out. I can only imagine what the speed will do.

I had a 15 Psycho 4, but found that the 19 had way better low end and I could go right from it to the 12, so I sold it.

I have a 15 synergy, and like you, would compare it to like a 12 meter tube.

I've heard the 21 meter speed 3 has better high end than the 19 speed 3,
So if money was no object I'd go 21 then drop to a 12 meter.

But you really can't go wrong with either one.

Thanks for the quick responses.

I thought the s3 15m would compare to a 17m LEI like the Zephyr or Infinity? I want to cover 10-15 knots on a regular twintip.

Yes and more. *I've* ridden an S3 15 in 10-15 knots and had a good time...

I have limited experience and just bought my 19m SA2 . If I am correct the Deluxe material makes a lot of difference ?

I chose the 19m because I hope to ride in 8kt - 12kt winds on water and a large board.

The board plays into low wind almost as much as the kite. If money was no object then I would suggest 15m deluxe and a big door or race board.

I agree that the 15m Synergy is a good travel kite. Lots of range and it packs small.

Thanks Kami! I think I weigh a bit less than you so that makes me think the s3 15 is the right choice what board were you using in those conditions?

Syns have a great wind range. A couple of years ago I was learning on the 10m while it was gusting well into the 40s and felt completely safe while my friend was on a 6m RPM. So the 3 foil combo (2 Syns + Speed3 15) might cover any scenario I encounter. 10-40knots.

I made a plydoor in the shape of a litewave wing about 165cm long. It's called Don Juan. Haven't tried it yet but definitely bringing it along next time in case the wind is light again.

man, there is also that 21m DLX from magictat... could I jump from that to the 15 syn? Im pretty sure I could go from that to the rally.

its been awhile but i'll chime in since this is a common question i get called about.

i weigh 165 lbs too, and for me a 15m speed is plenty, a 19m offers little gain in overall use and a 21m is just way too big for my weight. with your plydoor and once you've learned how to more properly fly the high aspect S3, you'll do well with the 15m.

you cant pilot the S3 like other kites..... the S3 flys so far out on the window that you need to keep it away from the window edge in light wind or you'll kill the power. unlike other kites where you edge hard and it keeps grunting... the S3 will drive to the edge and you'll lose board speed. maintain the boardspeed, turn the kite before it gets to the window, keep the kite flying as fast as possible to create the lift/pull of the wing. this means you may have to TRIM THE KITE IN in light wind to avoid slowing it down . in light wind, think kite speed and board speed for best success instead of thinking raw power, grunt and edging... you'll be a better kiteboarder for learning this.

I was on a Flydoor3 XL - 170x50, the first model with the center fin (it helps) and while I was just cruising and doing pop tricks, I was amazed to be riding at all... nobody else was :D

Unlike today - was out on a 7m LEI. I was so amazed I went home and weighed myself to make sure I hadn't lost 50kgs magically

And +1 everything powerzone said1

My first upwind run on water was with a 19m Speed 2 (it was red which makes it faster :D ) I was riding the 159 Door which I later bought from Tridude. Winds were about 11 mph and I'm 230 lbs.

I'm the same weight as you and have flown a 19m S3 a couple of times in light wind. I hated it but it will get you cruising in 7-8 knots on a big board. and at 12 knots you can start getting decent sent jumps - Hang time is incredible. I didn't think it popped very well. Seemed to load up great but then is mushy in the release. Still working on my Pop though so could be down to my lack of skill but I can pop off my Naish Fly in 10 knots enough to do a back 360 and I couldn't on the speed.

I think Flysurfers are an aquired taste They are also ridiculously expensive. I would definately fly them a few times before you buy one - unless you are fortunate enough not to have to think about the cost

15m S3 on the way!