I'm planning to get a dedicated snow kite for next season, I've tried snowkiting on skis a few times this winter with my 9M LEI, but I felt a bit overpowered. (Also, multiple valves makes it a pain to set up in the cold)
My weight is about 75 kg and I usually have 10-15 mph winds (somewhat gusty since I'm a bit inland).

What would be a good kite to start with? I've been looking at the 7m PL Lynx, but then again I might be a bit biased because of all the fun I've been having with my Hornet

Does anyone know how the Lynx compares to, say, an Ozone Access?

Is 7m a reasonable size for my conditions? From what I understand, depower foils generally have a huge wind range.

Are you buying brand new? If so and those are your only 2 choices than I would say neither. Get a Montana because they are so darn cool looking.

I'm most likely buying brand new, used foils aren't that common over here in southern Sweden. I've heard good things about the Montana, but haven't really been considering it because of the higher price. (Same with Flysurfer)

If flying inland in gusty conditions, I'd be thinking more along the lines of an Access / Apex then Montana - but that's just me. Also, without knowing if you prefer cruising or boosting its hard to say whether a Montana or Access is better for what you want to do. Surface conditions also matter. I weigh 65kg and in 10-15mph winds on a smooth surface, I could be riding either a 10 or 6m depower. If the wind was turbulent, I'd probably go for my 6m. However if the snow was deep, heavy and slow, I'd be better off on my 10. If I wanted to jump I'd be on my 10. If I wanted to cruise, I'd be on my 6. If the winds were mostly around 10 I'd be on my 14 if the surface was smooth.

I think, at your weight, you'd be best suited in those conditions with 7-10m depower and go lower aspect if you want to cruise and stay on the ground and higher aspect if you want to jump and are OK fighting the kite in gusts.

I've not flown either of those kites but everyone on here likes the access and I'm sure the lynx would be a great kite as well.

If you are looking to save a little more money and are looking to just cruise around the HQ Apex is the best bang for the buck.

The overall best size is the 8m I often flip flop between the 8m and 11m depending on wind and snow conditions.

I'll say the linx is a very slow turner. It stays pointed where you are headed like a locomotive. Good pull though. I'm sure the steady nature of the kite was designed into it.

I've got some good experience with the new Montana and must say I've never gotten it to do anything bad as long as the wind blows. For some reason it falls out of the sky if the wind stops :D Seriously, no bowties, no nose foldovers, no tip tuck, just power. It also seems to have the power of it's size increase from 7 to 8m but comes with an expanded depower range as well. I've been faster in the buggy with the new Montana than with any other depower kite period.

I imagine you probably won't be trying to go over 60 mph on your skis, but my experiences will translate to other disciplines as well.

I've said for 3 years now that I'm not sure what niche the Apex fills, but price point must be the key. I've said the Montana has been perfect for the last 3 versions now but they keep finding ways to make it better.

Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob

I've said for 3 years now that I'm not sure what niche the Apex fills, but price point must be the key.

Do you say that because you think the Montana is every bit as stable in crap wind or because you don't see a need for a lower aspect, lower lift kite :puzzled:

If Markite doesn't reply you should contact him about the Lynx. He has lots of experience with them and won't steer you wrong. He is distracted at JIBE right now.

I think you need to decide if jumping is something you want to do with the kite. If so , I would not go with the Apex or Access.

If your winds are typically 10 - 15 mph even with 10 mph gusts I might have suggested a 10m since you have experience. Experience tells you that smaller will be better. I wouldn't suggest going smaller than 7m.

Just curious. What type / year of LEI was it ? Newer LEI have pretty amazing range ?

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc

Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob   I've said for 3 years now that I'm not sure what niche the Apex fills, but price point must be the key. Do you say that because you think the Montana is every bit as stable in crap wind or because you don't see a need for a lower aspect, lower lift kite :puzzled:

It's that the Montana is so stable and predictable, it seems to fill the niche I always thought the Apex was designed and marketed for. Having a less expensive well designed kite certainly has it's place in the market.

I'm with Bladerunner in thinking the 10m range would be better for those winds.

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

I think you need to decide if jumping is something you want to do with the kite. If so , I would not go with the Apex or Access. If your winds are typically 10 - 15 mph even with 10 mph gusts I might have suggested a 10m since you have experience. Experience tells you that smaller will be better. I wouldn't suggest going smaller than 7m. Just curious. What type / year of LEI was it ? Newer LEI have pretty amazing range ?

I don't see myself doing any jumping in the foreseeable future. The LEI is a 2010 Naish Charger, The range is good, but it's somewhat prone to backstalling in lighter winds. Also, it doesn't have single-valve inflation, and the valves harden up in the cold, so I've been freezing my fingers off.

There is a great deal on Craigslist in duluth mn for an 5.5m apex would work for windy days and low snow conditions

type kite in the search block on Craigslist it should come up, I would buy it but I all really have one.

Sorry I just looked it is gone

I've flown both side by side, but slightly larger sizes than you are flying. During our session, everyone who tried them out liked the lynx better for several reasons.

U2U sent

Quote: Originally posted by BigMikesKites

I've flown both side by side, but slightly larger sizes than you are flying. During our session, everyone who tried them out liked the lynx better for several reasons.

I'm curious, define "several reasons"?

several reasons

more power - same size
turned quicker
braked better
looked nicer
bar was a lot nicer