Which Kite?

[Chris Klohn]

Hey Guys,

I've got a quick kite question for the heavyweights. I've currently got a Spleene Monster Door and Slingshot Turbine 17m that works great for me in 10-25 mph winds. I'm going to pick up a 2014 6'1 Tyrant from KPS, thanks George I'm looking at the RPM or the Rally to go with it.

My question is............what's the next size down I should drop to coming off the 17m turbine wound out in 20-25 mph? Are the RPM and Rally pretty similar? The kite will be used in 25-35+ mph sideshore winds and 3-15' surf on the new 6'1 Tyrant.

I'm 6'4, 245lbs and have been kiting off and on since 1999 if it makes a difference. I've been mainly windsurfing the last 4 years and I'm out of the loop equipment wise in the kite department. Thanks in advance for any info.

Cheers,

Chris

[Alton]

Hey Guys,

I've got a quick kite question for the heavyweights. I've currently got a Spleene Monster Door and Slingshot Turbine 17m that works great for me in 10-25 mph winds. I'm going to pick up a 2014 6'1 Tyrant from KPS, thanks George I'm looking at the RPM or the Rally to go with it.

My question is............what's the next size down I should drop to coming off the 17m turbine wound out in 20-25 mph? Are the RPM and Rally pretty similar? The kite will be used in 25-35+ mph sideshore winds and 3-15' surf on the new 6'1 Tyrant.

I'm 6'4, 245lbs and have been kiting off and on since 1999 if it makes a difference. I've been mainly windsurfing the last 4 years and I'm out of the loop equipment wise in the kite department. Thanks in advance for any info.

Cheers,

Chris

Hey Chris - I also have my eye on the Slingshot Rally which has more drift better suited for wave conditions - preferred by kiters in the Oregon coast and the Gorge. The Slingshot RPM is better for freestyle. My perception is that Slingshot are tough kites (also my favourite kite lines) which is great for you being in remote parts of the world.

I'm not sure which size is best suited for you in 25-35 knots but for me (at 190 lbs) it would be 6m or 7m.

[Chris Klohn]

Thanks Alton. I'd just like to park the kite overhead and surf over here. I'm used to the Compstick on the Turbine and like the setup. Sounds like a 9 or 10m would be the next step down. The Turbine has a crazy wide wind range for the size of it. KPS has some sweet deals on the 2014 Rally right now

[Alton]

Hey Chris - I can't find the 2014 Rally on the KPS website. Only the 2013 Rally which is only available in 9m - only $700.

I'm looking for a 10m Rally to replace my 10m North Fuse which I use 95% of the time.

[Chris Klohn]

2014 Rally was on there 2 days ago I'll send an email tonight and ask what's up. I'm going to go for an 11m Rally.

[Alton]

2014 Rally was on there 2 days ago I'll send an email tonight and ask what's up. I'm going to go for an 11m Rally.

KPS clearance items can go quickly.

[danram]

Hey Chris,
I'm a kiter and I weigh around 205 and I usually ride a small twin tip. I have a 14, 10 and 7 and this covers me from low teens to around 35. Even though new kites have a much better range than the old ones you don't want them space too far apart or you will have the options of being overpowered on one kite or underpowered on the next size up. Windsurfers rig for the lulls but kiters rig for the gusts. Nobody likes being tea-bagged. For your weight and given that you have the 17 I'd go 17, 12, 9 and that should keep you going into the mid 30kts without too big a gap. As the kites get smaller you want less of a gap between them. When I get blown off my ten I want to be in the middle power band of my 7 so I can still jump pretty high and have the power when I want it. A smaller twin tip also greatly extends the top end of the range on a kite. I don't really like the big boards unless I'm just trying to get on the water and make it back to my starting point. That's my 2c.
Daniel

[Chris Klohn]

Thanks Daniel. I was wondering about the 7 meter drop. Good point rigging for the gusts............completely forgot about that. I'll have a look at picking up a 12 instead.