Hi there
could someone tell me the main pros & cons of using a tube kite and a soft kite for kite skiing?
i already have a 14m tube (kitesurfing)and a 3m soft (for a bit of fun with my inline skates)
Thnx

It seems kiteskiers are evenly split between tube kites and foils where I winter. Generally speaking, I'd say that tube kites offer more lifting power and foils offer more power for there size and are easier to launch/relaunch while kiteskiing on your own. Personally, I use a tube when going for big air and foils when I'm after a long, fast ride.

When it gets down to it, it's all a matter of personal taste. You'll need something larger than a 3m foil for snow though. Try a 5m.

Price for a tube is alot more than a foil of the same size

set up and take down for a tube takes longer to pump and versa visa and to take along the pump and repair kit and the size of the kite bag

+ for foil and its size is that you can strap another size up or down to your back, for just in case for the out back country or you can take along the pump and another H2o foil , Hummm. sounds like a butt load of stuff
not to mention the cost of a repair if you happen to poke a hole in the tube

if all else fails you can let go of a foil and it will wad up and fall back to earth but with a tube will drift and slide on the snow, hence repairs

thnx for ur replies!
but here's my dilemma: i want to buy another kite around 10m but i want to use it for both: kitesurfing and snowkiting. the problem is that the foils which are suitable to use on water are in fact a lot more expensive than a tube in a similar size.
do you know where i could get cheap peter lynn kites or flysurfer?
to doomwheels: do u think any of my 2 kites would b gd for kiteskating (just about to finish building my first pair ?
cheeeers

Quote:

foils which are suitable to use on water are in fact a lot more expensive than a tube in a similar size.

It is very difficult to compare tubes and foils by size. Tubes generate far less power than foils of the same size and I would guess that a 5m foil will offer the roughly the power of a 10m tube (depending on make and model). When you are shopping for traction kites by price, you should compare their power rating rather than physical size.

The main differences between the two styles are the type of power and lift that each kite offers, its ease of launch on a particular surface, and as Kyte Slinger mentioned, the amount of setup time required to get you in the air.

When shopping for a new kite, you should consider what type of performance and control you are after, what wind range you expect to use it in, what riding surface you will primarily use it on, and what type of kite best supports your personal riding style.

When you know the type of kite you want, you will be able to decide what size is needed for the conditions you plan to use it in. And after all that, you still have a plethora of kite models to choose from. As always, narrow down your choices, then try before you buy. Best way is to hook up with a local dealer or club.

As for kiteskating: your 3m will work well on a windy day and hard surface. Have fun!

keep an eye out for the Pegas Gryphon if you're looking for a reasonably priced foil that is water-launchable and useable on snow - www.pegaskites.com