4 m is a big gap. I have 8, 10, 12. It depends on the kite of course. I like to stick to the same brand and style when I'm happy with them as the size change doesn't feel like a style change as well.

At 100kg I have an 8m, 10m and a 15m.

The 15m gets me going on 136cm board in about 13knots and I can use til about 20knots

The 10m is getting most of the use with a range of 18knots to 35knots max

The 8m was a freebie and I really need it to be over 30knots to even consider taking it out of its bag.

They are all slighty different styles, 15m designed for light wind cruising/racing but the other two are more for freestyle

Jumbo I've a zephyr covers you from 9 to 20+ knts but id stick with the same brand ,makes sense similar feel interchanging brands doesn't make for progressive kiting in my view

i have 15,13,10,6.... need an 8!.

First off, your choice of kite:

If you're riding a lithium and like it, why switch to a Cabrinha? I'm not saying this because I like the Airrush or dislike the Cabrinha, I ride North, I'm saying this because from a practicality perspective it makes no sense to have two separate brands.

If you ride one brand, you have the interchangeability of bars if one bar breaks. Sure your one bar may be smaller or larger, but it still works with the kite. If you get a cab and a bar breaks, thats the end of your session. The reason for this is that some kites use unique safety methods. The Cabrinha bar is not guaranteed to work on a Airush and visa versa.

Next to consider is other similarities like safeties, repair etc. If you have two kites, you need to take two sets of repair kits (yes, the one pump systems work in different ways so the repair requirements and accessories will be different), not to mention different feels to the kites, and different ways of engaging and disengaging your safety if you get in trouble.

Next, lets look at sizes:

You generally have two choices, a 3m or 4m gap. 2m gaps are great but very few people can afford them. People will tell you a 4m gap is possible but it will often leave you in no man's land. I.e. the wind is sitting between both kites and you're not sure which one to take. The 3m gap seems to leave a bigger comfortable overlap so there are less issues with which kite to take.

LiveToFly said...

Dude this sport is so addictive. You'll soon find that no matter how many kites you have you always want another. It's kinda like girlfriends. Your first two or so kites will be good for learning the basics but it probs won't be until your third or fourth kite that you'll actually notice and appreciate the difference between models, and then know exactly what type you need/want.

LiveToFly, yes, you are right! Now I just need to find a pair of suitable twins and my quiver will be complete, almost.

7, 10, 14 keeps me on the water in just about any wind.