Had a discussion on weekend re kite quivers, some have all one brand/maker while some have a mixed quiver, pros and cons ?

My current quiver is 5 kites, 4 brands, 4 sizes (7-17m), 2009-2011.

An analogy raised was - If you had a girlfriend/partner quiver, would they all be from one family or a bit of variety ?

Me thinks you need to get back on ya medication

what?! only 2 boards? something has gone wrong there!

Saffer said...

Surfer62 said...

Had a discussion on weekend re kite quivers, some have all one brand/maker while some have a mixed quiver, pros and cons ?

My current quiver is 5 kites, 4 brands, 4 sizes (7-17m), 2009-2011.

An analogy raised was - If you had a girlfriend/partner quiver, would they all be from one family or a bit of variety ?

I prefer one brand for bar interchangeability (practical reason). If a bar/line breaks, it doesn't end your session. It also means you're used to one safety, one way of relaunching etc.

That said, I've just moved from 3 kites and one board to 2 kites and 2 boards which I believe will cover majority of conditions in Vic unless you start talking sub 12 knots.

I use one quality bar ( so ive got a couple of as new spare bars ) for three kites (9,12,17) a benefit of all being four line bridled kites, your right no real need for 5 kites but why not, I actually use two kites (9,12) 95% of the time.

I vote same brand. 9 and 13 combo, Suits me I've never thought of getting a bigger one as I'll find something else more thrilling if it's not 13+ knots. I have only a handful of time gone, **** that's too windy for me.

Back On topic, same brand my vote but know that some people like to ride different styles for wind speeds. May require different kite shape kite, but the same brands for the reasons mentioned by everyone else would be ideal

Surfer62 said...
I use one quality bar ( so ive got a couple of as new spare bars ) for three kites (9,12,17) a benefit of all being four line bridled kites, your right no real need for 5 kites but why not, I actually use two kites (9,12) 95% of the time.

I guess the issue is ensuring that one bar is compatible with all your kites which is not always the case. For example, mixing a North Rebel and a Cabrinha Switchblade doesn't allow this option. Also, all four line kites will not necessarily be able to use the same bar (Cabrinha bar won't work on most 4 line kites).

... from what I can work out, designers take a fair bit of time to get the kites flying exactly how they want it too and then to keep the pedigree or feel right through the sizes with tweaks to suit the biggest/smallest kites ie you don't want a 7m too fast or 17m too slow. So if you get a quiver of one brand, they all will feel/fly the same no matter what size it is. Added to that, you can use one bar across your whole quiver and get exactly performances as the designer intended. I surpose that if your not happy with the over all package feel of the kite then changing kites will be necessary for different sizes.

It takes me ages to get the complete 'feel' of a kite, to learn all the nuances where it becomes one with you and I figure if you chop and change you don't learn those nuances. Mind you, by the time I think I've got it all figured out the kites usually worn out!

For me personally, I share my quiver with my family. I use the biggest with the missus on the medium size and son on the smallest and as wind picks up we shift along (and the little one said, roll over,,,,, roll over). Only problem is the son is getting big now and is using same sizes as the missus so the quiver has to get bigger ($$$$$).

Anyway... cheers for now,

Robbie

I think there is someone to be said for the design of the kite suiting certain sizes. Most kites designs have a sweet spot or wind range to be more precise where the flying characteristics match the wind and conditions you are in. For instance I'd go a delta shape in the lighter wind range but not in higher winds. They don't like being in their top third. Some hybrids have countered that. It the DNA still holds reasonable true.

Sooooooo Saffer... whats this about lines breaking?? wouldnt be the North 5th line would it? he he he

so... is this how it works? one kid is worth how much kite gear?