Well, seeing as my 7.5m has met an untimely death I need some ideas on a replacement. While my quiver would tell you I like handles and speed. This kite was a favorite of my sons. He's not into speed, likes laid back low drama cruising. Probably needs to fill in the 8-15mph wind range.

I'm thinking depowerable so he can back it off when he needs to. The ARC's were amazing at eating gusts and being forgiving when it gets gusty. I"ve gotten a ride out of my old 16m Venom in 5 gusting to 35. Wasn't pretty but it was possible. Yes, I know the old arcs like 10+ mph.

I guess the question is seeing as no one makes arcs now days, what should I be looking at that has similar qualities. I know Flysurfer Speeds have a pretty good depower range.

Thoughs and ideas???

Try and demo a single skin at SOBB.

Seems it is replacing the arc?

I'll put a quick plug in for the HQ4 Empulse - sounds like a pretty good fit for the type of riding you're describing. It's a pretty laid back and low drama kite that I've found handles gusts well and has good depower. Not quite as lifty as other similar kites, but is pretty efficient.

I did a write-up on it a few months ago if you're interested in more info:

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=35925

I'd have to agree with Bladerunner. having transitioned from ARC's (Venoms, Phantoms) to a Peak. They are very similar. Come to SOBB. There will be no shortage of Single skins. as well as many other kites to fly. i personally have taken a liking to the Ozone Blizzard/Subzero. Fabulous NO drama kite.

Thanks for the link, the Empulse looks like a good contender. What size would you run if you wanted a one kite does all for say 7-8ish mph up to 15mph winds? That's our typical average conditions. I have small and large stuff for the extreme ends. Main use would be in a buggy.

I think the plan with SOBB so close that nothing will arrive in the mail in time is going to be to try some stuff out while down there if there happens to be any demo's around.

Quote: Originally posted by Pablo

Thanks for the link, the Empulse looks like a good contender. What size would you run if you wanted a one kite does all for say 7-8ish mph up to 15mph winds? That's our typical average conditions. I have small and large stuff for the extreme ends. Main use would be in a buggy. I think the plan with SOBB so close that nothing will arrive in the mail in time is going to be to try some stuff out while down there if there happens to be any demo's around.

Great advice about testing out SS kites at SOBB! Sadly, you will not be in position of trying the ultimate SS kites, the Born-Kite RaceStar and RaceStar+. These single skin beauties come complete with a 6:1 aspect ratio, something those puny Peaks just can't muster. I know, because I sold a lot of my old Peaks to the guys that will be at SOBB when I GRADUATED up to my preferred SSs. :evil:

I can't believe how far LEIs have come. My Core Section Wave kites are only 3 strut. In gusty conditions, I was fully expecting them to feel like I was operating a jack hammer. But, they are so smooth and so predictable with tons of range. Amazing kites!

Quote:

Thanks for the link, the Empulse looks like a good contender. What size would you run if you wanted a one kite does all for say 7-8ish mph up to 15mph winds? That's our typical average conditions. I have small and large stuff for the extreme ends. Main use would be in a buggy. I think the plan with SOBB so close that nothing will arrive in the mail in time is going to be to try some stuff out while down there if there happens to be any demo's around.

If you plan on using it mostly with a buggy, I'd say the 10m would be fine since you don't need as much power. Otherwise, I'd recommend either the 13m or 16m depending on your weight and whether you prefer to be on the high end or low end of the power range (sounds to me like you'd want the low end).

To give you an idea, here is HQ4's stated wind ranges. I would say these apply more to landboarding or snow conditions, so for buggying you could err on a smaller size:

7m: 15 - 33 kts
10m: 11 - 29
13m: 8 - 24
16m: 5 - 18

Not sure if Chris from HQ plans on being at SOBB? If so you might be able to demo one there. PM me if you want his contact info, and I can get it to you.

I've flown LEI's, both C and bow style, great products, I'd have a good look at one if I was on a beach like Seaside has. Sadly my area is covered with these nasty little shells, some sort of invasive species. My fear is that one wrong bounce on the beach and you're shopping for a new bladder. You can slap a patch on a foil and keep on trucking.

I'll start with seeing what shows up at SOBB to try out, If nothing good shows up I'll start shopping around after the event.