So I love my foils. My land foils. I like the idea of setting up easily, and unassisted launches. I have read lots and lots about Flysurfers, and I own some old ones. I like them, too, but havent really put them to their intended use, yet.

My question is what Flysurfer kites are good for what purposes, ie: float, pop, power, etc. I would like floaty, easy landings, and a kite that makes upwind runs pretty simple. The spots near me are generally 10-15 mph winds, I weigh 190 lbs, and I'll be starting off with a 151cm board.

I was thinking a 12m first, for all around use, and add to the quiver later (not enough cash to throw down right away), but I'm open to suggestions. I've been flying my foils at least once a week (usually two or three times) and have progressed nicely with landboarding, too. I'm ready to take the next step. Even ready to get a new kite, just need to know what the next one should be. Pulse? Speed? Psycho? I'll get a SA later... lots later. But which one will serve the most conditions nicely?

Thanks so much in advance, and Happy Kiting.

Quote:

Originally posted by dylanj423 I would like floaty, easy landings, and a kite that makes upwind runs pretty simple.

that sounds like a Speed2

simple equation:

pulse= medium/low aspect ratio: forgives more, turns faster, wave riding
speed= high aspect ratio: better upwind, jump and more float, low wind, cruising
psycho=medium/high aspect ratio: freestyle, jump

For 10~15mph and your weight, get Speed2 15M. Then get Psycho3 or Pulse2 10M for high wind.

What about the 14m Pulse II that Powerzone is selling :?:

Oh! Buzz Broke it out nicely
Speed II 15 m for sure

I notice you have a psycho 2 for sale bladerunner... You think that would be more for high winds?? How high wind would that be, just curious?

15m seems a bit big for my first real water kite, but I also think y'all probably know better than me. Been watchin the for sale area, havent seen a speed 2 yet... bet theres somethin to that.

Then with a 15m speed, I would have to get th 19m SA to compliment that, huh?

The 10m is going to be a bit small for that wind. It will fly but won't quite be at the sweet spot.

I think you will find it flys a whole lot better than your older Flysurfers but to satisfy your 3 requirements the 15 Speed II seems purpose built !

dylan

10-15 mph of wind on water is what we call low winds

at your weight with a 151cm board, it takes a 15m. you dont necessarily need a 19m, if you dont want to do marginal winds

the board is more important. I guess your board is the liquid force proof ? It's good board, will give enough float for light wind

if you want to kite in less wind, than pick a door board or build one

with a 10m kite, like bladerunner's psych02, you need at least 15mph to start having some fun.

a 10m + 15m kite is a nice combo

Alright, then 15m it is. Let the search begin. If anyone has one for sale, I would like to know... good condition used gets priority for my pocketbook.

Thanks for all the advice guys, I appreciate it.

not many flysurfer deals left now especially in bigger sizes like 15m.

The speed2 15m ususally does not stay long for sale.

Sites to check for used FS are:

PKF (here) of course
foilzone
ebay
ikitesurf

Interesting deal now are:

- bladerunner psycho2 10m

- friend of mine in Quebec has a 2007 speed2 10m (one repair) for 900$

That 10m Speed 2 sounds like a good deal

How big is the repair??

I really like the Speed 2s - I used a 19m SA2, 15m SA2 (only a few times), and 8m Speed 2 this winter on skis. The upwind performance is wild with the Speeds :o

i agree... speed kites will float and go upwind better. although they do not like gusty wind, so your spot better be mostly clean wind. are you Coastal or inland lake?

since you're just getting into it and want the best bang for you buck:

get TWO speed1 kites and mod them... both kites for the price of the speed2 15m then you have lower and upper wind ranges covered. the "1.5 mod" turns the speed1 kites into nearly the performance of the speed2 kites for usually half the price.

let me know if you need help finding some used speed1 sizes.

Well, I will be flying both inland, and coastal. I live in Austin Texas, there are some good lakes around, but the coast is only about 3 1/2 hours away... I'll be doing that, too. But lakes are closer. Should I consider a fatter kite than the speed, then?

You could take a drive up to dallas or down to corpus and Mike Hutchinson of northtexaskitesports.com will help set you up and let you try some flysurfers! He's got a nice collection