Power Kite Forum

Light wind and heavy guy

mougl - 2-3-2013 at 06:48 PM

Hi all! I have been thinking about trying my hand on the water. I buggy and land board, have a skimboarding, surfing, and wakeboarding background so it seems like the logical progression for me.

Problem(s):

Usual wind here is LOW (8-15) and I weigh 220 lbs. I really don't want a directional board so a door makes sense, too bad they are scarce on the preowned market. I fly PL FB and Arcs now but I see a LOT of guys going the LEI route. I know next to nothing about LEIs. What should I be looking for in a low wind kite? I prefer used as I have to watch the budget. Thanks guys!

martinipro - 2-3-2013 at 07:26 PM

I'm sure the big Blimp guys will chime in about the North Dyno, Ozone Zephyr, Ocean Rodeo Flite, Core Riot LW, etc.

That sounds about the same winds we get in NJ.
I would say I easily doubled/tripled my riding days with the 19m Speed3 dlx.
A Spleene X19, flysurfer speed2/3 19 SA, or flysurfer speed3 21 would be my top choices, though they don't come cheap =/.

stetson05 - 2-3-2013 at 07:40 PM

I have had 2 sessions with my 19m with no LEI's out. Once a zephyr was already inflated but the rider never even tried. I was bummed cause I was hoping to get a comparison. The second time a 13m Cabriha with a guy about (170lbs) couldn't get out and I was getting some small jumps (205lbs).

g-force junkie - 2-3-2013 at 08:46 PM

mougl, Go with the 19 Ozone Edge if you are serious

Snake - 2-3-2013 at 09:05 PM

Flysurfer speed's 2 or 3 dlx in 19m or 21m would be my picks. Or maybe that 26m flysurfer psycho2 on foilzone.

mougl - 2-11-2013 at 08:48 AM

Should have asked about board sizing as well. Found a deal on a 138x40...too small?

martinipro - 2-11-2013 at 08:54 AM

At 8mph I would go big and flat. At least 150cm+ and wide.
Even that at 220# may be a struggle with a 17m inflato.

BeamerBob - 2-11-2013 at 09:00 AM

I was able to buy the 159 door I got my first upwind ride on. Yes it was also on tridude's 19m FS Speed. Winds were maybe 10-11 mph. I'm usually about 230 lbs. That's your magic combo. The door I bought from him is a 159. That's a good solution for your size and your typical low winds.

mougl - 2-11-2013 at 09:48 AM

I figured a big door would be best but those are rough to find second hand!