NT
166 posts
g'day, have mate whose interested in getting a tribal 13, he weighs about 70-80 kg, we kite in 10-25knot winds average about 12-15knts. Would the 13 be suitable or should he go a 15?
He also asked if the kite was easy to self launch like the older c kites, sand on wing tip method etc? or is there a different method that is easier?
ta
QLD
398 posts
I'll be honest I dont have a Tribal but have a friend that does. I've also thought about buying one for myself. Id go with the 15m if you getting those average wind speeds. I think you want at least 17+kts for the 13m and be using a 132cm+ board. The F-One kites seem to be great for stronger winds...they have alot of depower. I've heard some F-one riders say they would much rather have the 13 then the 15. I've watched the guys self launch the Tribals...you can launch them like a C kite but the technique is slightly different. I can't remember the way they did it but whatever it was it wasn't hard at all. Im sure a F-one user will add that info to this thread.
WA
1802 posts
go the 13 tribal, i take mine out in about 12 kts on a 122 flx board, in 17 you will be fully-lit, i would say id be going upwind in 17 kts on my 9 meter impact.....
the launch method i use is the normal sand on the wingtip.
have you thought about the impact 13 aswell?? might be worthwhile demo-ing both to feel the differences.
WA
1802 posts
PS in light winds < 15kts, the line extensions are worth putting on!
SA
2898 posts
Dachopper, the Impact has the line extensions.
the Tribal is already about 24m.
The bottom end of both is about the same, the extra speed of the inpact helps overcome the shorter lines at the bottom end.
launching the Tribal is as per any 5th line kite, with a bonus.
the bonus is the Stop&Go. Some can use a suitably useful anchor point to attach C/loop then go and set kite in the launch position and it stays there. walk back to bar and hook in and Go.
At yourfriends wieght the 15m will start to lose fun appeal 20-22kts
the differnce at the bottom maybe about 2kts over the 13m.
QLD
398 posts
The 13M is definately the go
How well does the Tribal jump? does it have the big boost and hang time? F-one claims it to be a solid jumper.
WA
1802 posts
If your wondering about the tribal performance you can also go to the www.f-onekites.com website , and watch the tribal intro that auto loads and see the depower and small chick riding the 13 in 30kts etc... or download the entire tribal video that features jumps, stop and go, passes and pretty much everything out of the download,video section
