I used to have a full set of Flows and it was a very nicely matched set of kites. I could go up or down a size due to the wind no problems.

I don't have enough time on my 4 or 5 yet; but the 2 and 3.... Wow.

Let's say I'm flying just fine on the 2. Wind slacks and I don't have quite enough so I get out the 3. That kite is savage! I've been ripped out of the buggy at least 3 times with it and almost OBE'd twice more. I'm reluctant, leary, and hesitant to ever get out the 3m now because it is so raw.

I never had this problem with the 3m Flow.

Also; I don't think the Octanes have sold in tremendous numbers because everyone thinks it's just the new model of the Flow. Except this is a totally different kite.

If the Flow was considered a good intro or beginner kite; I'm going to have to say the Octane is more of an advanced to intermediate kite.

I'd feel comfortable having someone new to kite buggies flying the Flow. Not so much with the Octane on a really windy day. And the 2m needs wind. Me and the 3m haven't found the ideal wind range yet.

Much faster kite; quicker turning, more powerful; a lot more upwind. Really flies more forward in the window.

I was flying in some strange shifty wind today(SE then SW, sometimes S) and it was also gusty in the sense that it would be blowing really hard and then slack off(almost shut off) and due to the kite flying so far forward; experience helped deal with it and a new person wouldn't have had an easy day.

The Flow being more square and not flying as far in the window; NEVER had problems or bad manners. I'm seeing a lot of stuff now I never saw with the Flows. A lot of kite collapses and deflations from being so far on the edge of the window and the wind changing. Couldn't happen with the Flows and also the longer shape seems to make it maybe a bit more vulnerable.

It's definitely a more involved kite to fly. Keeps me busy. The Flow just flew.

Those of you with Octanes(2 people?); how have you been with them and what have been your experiences?

I have a 2.7m Yak that I never fly because when our wind gets in those wind ranges; it's really junky, trashy gusty wind. That's part of the reason I at one time owned over 20 kites trying to find ideal kites so I could fly in any and all wind.

I have the 2m Octane. I would agree it feels a little more 'solid' than the Flow in the air but I don't think I'd go as far as to say it's a totally different kite. Not had any collapsing issues. I think it's a solid, well behaved, low to mid aspect kite. Upwind doesn't seem much different to the Flow - both are quite acceptable. Mine's actually for sale as it's intended duties have been taken over the by NS2's. And if you have got really junky wind, the NS2's - and this maybe true of all Nasa wings - really do much better than my foils.

I guess I should say I only experience the collapsing in certain winds. The past ~10 times out; I didn't have any issues. Today I was seeing things like I saw the first time I flew it. Not great wind either time.


I'm still not totally sold on the Nasa kites. How great is the upwind compared to foil kites? How fast are they?

I'm also not big on having to fly them "on the brakes" and the extreme amount of bridle. Is all the bridle even an issue in actual use though?

I have been tempted to buy one before due to the low price and having never flown them before.

They're harder work upwind than a foil as they have a narrower window, but I only lose a degree or two when compared with a low aspect foil. Fast? Not! I've only nudged over 50kph once with them. They're brilliant for cruising, but not for speed. I fly mine on a bar, so brakes aren't an issue. On handles, I'd just mount a strop in the appropriate position. Bridle lines aren't an issue unless you drop it into a big pile of dried up seaweed!!!

I've flown my 4m NS2 side by side with a 4m Octane. The foil has the advantage in the top end of the wind range - 15 knots plus and I have the advantage in the lower end. Only a kph or two difference between them.

Having said that, with a set of Octanes, there's really not much you'd be left wanting for. Certainly more versatile than a set of Methods - which lack the low end and I tend to struggle with mine in the gusty conditions here - no problem on the beach though.

Hmm. When I die, I want to be buried with my Flows.