I'm curious about this vintage of kite. I see deals come up from time to time on silver arrow or silver angel. I'm looking for a light wind depower for the buggy and wonder how the depower is on these. I would be looking for it to serve gusty inland light wind around the 8-12 range but something that could handle the occasional higher gust.

Speed2 19 Silver Arrow was my light wind kite for a year or so, here on the lake. Easier to access low end than the 21, but not as stable in gusty wind. 8 - 12 would be fine, but it's it's really gusty it might be a handful in the buggy. S3 does the triple depower and it does make a difference.

S3 15 would be better, I reckon...

Thanks Kami, I'm still somewhat tempted but figured I would be better holding off for newer. If I was in somewhat clean wind, I think I would go for it, but my winds are just too unpredictable. If wind is forecast 10 or less, I have such frequent lulls that it's not worth going out. If forecast around 10-12 then I have wind with lulls around 5 and gusts to 15. the 6m peak does really well as long as there isn't frequent lulls less than 10 but it's still under powered until about 14.

I still have my speed 2 10m and it's an awesome kite. I use it for both buggy and kitesurfing.

I can't comment on the gust handling as we have coastal wind here, but for 8-12 (I assume you are talking mph) wind a 15m would be plenty. My 10m can start having fun at 12mph on buggy.

You could also could wait for a newer version as many people are jumping on Sonics now. I just made a really good deal on a S4 lotus 12m. Can't wait to try it out and see how much improvement they have made.

the speed2 way outpulls the speed3 size for size but lacks the top end of the newer technology. the SA fabric was only good for a year or 2 then it is too porous to fly right and not fit for water use. frankly i would totally avoid the original SA fabric...too many problems. even if one comes up for sale that is mint condition it may only gonna be good for a year or so. sorry , just being frank. only the SA2.5 (deluxe white or black) keep their value and performance now . the standard fabric is too heavy and slow for 12m and above sizes but the 10m s2 is a very good kite with amazing jumps.

low wind range i would say is 5-12mph on the 19mS2 and 9-15mph for the 15mS2

the Speed2 is a bit tricky to tune... they were inherently unstable at a neutral mixer and the ring lines need re-stretching 1-2 times per season.

definitely look for the LONG bar on the s2, 70-75cm for the 19m and 60-65cm for the 15m

we recommend the FDS for the speed2, seen too many repairs from FLS deployment on that canopy.

manual:
http://www.flysurfer.com/en/support/downloads/download-info/...

add into that psycho 4 as well . for its age and looking across the board for 8-12mph definitely a contender and i would suspect similar to peak, thats a guess.

They come at great price for sure, like below
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=30760

Flysurfers handle gusts well and larger sizes handle lulls well too. Smaller older wings might loose shape upon a lull.
But the low end on large wings and float Speeds deliver is just fantastic.
Lighter fabric counts - my 19m Speed3 in Deluxe fabric weighs only 8 lbs and stays in the air in 3.5-4 knots.