Power Kite Forum

speed 3 19 vs 21 choice

shaggs2riches - 15-3-2013 at 05:32 PM

So I'm getting really close here to affording a big speed 3. I'm stuck on the choice between 19 and 21. Factors are availability (when will a 21m come on the used section again) and price (21m is guaranteed to be 200-400 more than the 19m). I'm 190lbs- 200lbs depending on day, and want this mostly for snowkite and landboarding in the light mid season winds. Quite often I can see 12km/h through to 20km/h and no higher on my available to kite days. I also want to not be in a dangerous situation should light winds turn to 12m speed 2 winds. Water riding is something I will definitely be attempting, but hope to replace my recently sold 12m inflato for a bigger one that might suit my size better. I keep seeing things like the 21m is the best ever and lots sold their 19m for one. But given the timing and price will I be missing a lot by going 19m?? I guess the other thing is if things go right next winter I could always sell the 19m and pay the difference for a 21m should I find it wasn't the right one. If anyone could enlighten me on wind ranges, flight characteristics etc betweeen the two I would be forever grateful.

shaggs

Donaldgould - 15-3-2013 at 06:02 PM

Watch this shor video https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=13&...

erratic winds - 15-3-2013 at 06:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Donaldgould
Watch this shor video


cleaned the link up for you. all it is showing someone riding in 4-8 knots. it doesn't show the board, so I don't know if I should be impressed. (There is video of a guy riding upwind on epic infinity at 3mph wind....but he is on SUP board...cheating...)

shaggs2riches - 15-3-2013 at 06:20 PM

The end credits said it was a 21m. Wondering how much lower than 19m it would go.

erratic winds - 15-3-2013 at 06:42 PM

I look at it this way. Most of us seem to miss days because it's too light, not because it's too heavy. Therefore, we need as big of a kite as our skill level allows. The super-duper low end is more a factor in water, because if you're not moving, you're sinking. Low-end is a little different on land, eh? I think the number of used 21s you see tells you something...it tells you people keep it for a reason. ;) I think I see a 21 in your future!

Now I'm finally skilled enough that I think I could get larger than my 15m...

Kamikuza - 15-3-2013 at 06:50 PM

The 21 is actually a Speed 3.5 - it's a teeny bit different that the others; no WAC line in the mixer, for example. No ELCs either which alone is worth the price difference :lol: difference in bottom end probably isn't that much... in theory.

If you're going on the water, given your weight, I think you'd be looking at 5 to 15 knots or so with the 21, depending on your board. If the wind is not gusty, I'm happy up to about 20 knots BUT it is big and slow, so I'd rather swap to a smaller kite. Sweet spot for me is 12 knots - big jumps, lotsa hang-time, smaller board, effortless upwind. So probably 10-12 knots for your weight.

It's nicknamed "Cable park in a bag" for a good reason - awesome pull but it's not agile at all, and I doubt the 19m is much faster :D

Bladerunner - 15-3-2013 at 06:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by erratic winds


Now I'm finally skilled enough that I think I could get larger than my 15m...


Interesting ?

I think I'm saving for a 15m? I am not thinking I'm wanting to go bigger because I am light and feel I'll get overpowered too soon if I go bigger ? I'll be mostly on low resistance land. Hard pack beach and snow.

Are you finding you want to move up for water or land ? Does the 21 decent wind range on land ?

Donaldgould - 15-3-2013 at 07:05 PM

This was Attached to the YouTube video


(The wind vary between 2-4m/s. (4-8knots) My weight is about 120kg may be more.
A took my board Slingshot Crysis 137cm which I normally use for very big wind.)


Thanks for cleaning up the video i am not very handy with the computer

erratic winds - 15-3-2013 at 07:22 PM

I meant larger than 15m depower in general, I do not have a speed.
I am wanting to go bigger for snowkite days when it is very light.
The wind range for the speed3 21 on land is smaller than water, but that mostly means you'll be coming in to switch kites earlier, not flying later!

shaggs2riches - 15-3-2013 at 07:24 PM

You guys convinced me thanks. My gut was telling me the past few days that a 21m would be the way to go. Especially considering my luck with wind any time I go out. Hope one shows up in time for my tax return. Just need to get kiting.

erratic winds - 15-3-2013 at 07:29 PM

Though, this means you'll need a 17 eventually. :spin:

Donaldgould - 15-3-2013 at 07:33 PM

I want a 19m speed 2 DE in all black

erratic winds - 15-3-2013 at 07:38 PM

Talk to John at PZ, he's the man at tracking down FS!

(I figure I might afford a used Speed4 15 in oh about 5 years LOL)

stetson05 - 15-3-2013 at 08:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Donaldgould
I want a 19m speed 2 DE in all black


I will keep you in mind when I decide to sell mine.

Donaldgould - 15-3-2013 at 08:35 PM

I will wait but I will not hold my breath

shaggs2riches - 15-3-2013 at 08:35 PM

PBKIteboarding had a 19m SA2.5 DLX in the rare black and gold. But it was going for $1900, so I figure it would have been a person who always wanted one that bought it . Don't know if its still there.