Hey all.

I weigh about 165 pounds and am trying to figure out what kite would work well for buggy/snowboard in very light winds.

I typically use a 5m apex 2 for the buggy and pump up my 9m or 11m kahoona when I snowboard but if the wind is wimpy, then neither of these choices are ideal.

In your opinion what is your best bang for your buck low wind kite for a 165 pound dude?

I am familiar with the bar set up from HQ, so would the Montana be a good choice?

Are light wind LEI kites on land generally a bad idea? I can imagine them falling out of the sky in a lull and popping themselves on some random piece of death on the ground.

What do ya'll think?

Thanks!!!

An 8ish meter HQ Toxic or PL Reactor would really open up some sessions for you. If you are willing to spend a bit more, then the larger Montanas would be a sweet solution with a wider wind range.

14m Montana 7. Mmmmm

14m montana is wicked awesome. it's been a big game changer for me. It saved lots sessions on those low wind days.

Does it really matter what version of the montana ya get? Is there a huge performance difference in the newer montanas compared to the older v3,4,5 montanas?

I started calling them perfect at version VI. get as new as your budget will allow.

If you really want bang for your buck get an peter lynn f-arc 1600. It will fly in 2mph and you will be riding at 5-6mph. It starts to get overpowered at around 10-12mph. You should have some Arc flying experience before you try out this beast or it will just frustrate you with endless bowties. The best part and you can get a new one for less than $250!!!! The kites other's have listed are fine choices too. But if you are looking for bang for your buck I can't think of a better choice than an f-arc.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=24606

A large nasa wing will work.

Susan (npw goddess)

Best bang for buck for a light wind kite has to be a Nasa Star 2 7m. Park 'n ride in the buggy from around 6 knots. Last time I checked it was 179 Euro's for kite only. You won't be the fastest on the beach, but you'll have more change in your pocket!!

Do you know of any stores that carry Nasa Stars?

I can't seem to find them.

Thanks!

I got mine directly from Born-kite.de in Germany. Took 9 days to get to Australia. There is someone in U.S. that stocks them - I can't remember who but I think there's a post from them in the Nasa Star review section...

edit: it was Crash Then Swim that said he was the local distributor for the Nasa Star 2's. I don't know what his shop is though..

LEI are a bad idea in low winds i think. even the light wind specific models need 10kts to work well.

I don't have a problem flying them over land though. particularly snow. I wouldn't recommend one to a beginner but if you are a competent pilot you hopefully wont be driving them into the ground at speed anyway! for extra safety you can leave the stoppers free of velcro etc. an impact will pop the stopper and not the kite usually.

I like flying big high aspect fixed bridles in light winds but if I was really serious about light wind flying i would get a 21m Flysurfer...