I'll tend to use the squeeze test rather than a pressure gauge as it gives a more consistent hoop stress between sizes. But in general its probably about 7-8psi on the gauge depending on the time of year and size of kite (Duotone Rebels).

Other non gauge related methods like the fold test and ping test are also available.

Your question should probably be - what effect does inflation pressure have on my kite and why might I want it higher or lower?

Pumps are improving.. Check the un-boxing video - hand pumping to 15-18 psi
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Foiling/Gong-HIPE-5-3--review

Most anytime you are low on inflation and kite hits the water the shape will sag - making it harder to relaunch and slower especially in lower wind strength. In the air - well if the air-frame is not as rigid the sail will have a marginally higher drag profile and will distort the shape more on the turning side. It will not turn as crisply and you can loose precision - mostly unless really obviously floppy a non-issue until you start doing tricks. I used to own a Rebel which when slightly over inflated ( I assume - hard to tell until..) it sometimes inverted (+ fully de-powered the 5th line involved here too - it never returned to normal shape). It would still fly "A about T" and get U back to shore... flew well the rest of the time.

WeeBBy is on the money - chuck the gauge and try. If the pump is getting a bit of a struggle to use - suck in (by pumping) silicon spray into deflate opening and give a few extra pumps to remove any residue before using on kite.. (I do not know if this is bad for any of the components has not been for me to-date).
Cheers
AP
A re-think is to buy a Peak4 kite (no inflation required) - but be warned they are addictive, not designed for water use, flap, require 3+ sqm down-sizing and can sink but are still addictive.

Smaller kites need more pressure. I have a 2.5m kite and is practically impossible to get it inflated hard.

I think the real question is whether overinflation shortens lifespan of the kite?

These from a Cab large pump look too low for me, I'd add another 1-2psi

As per peahi s response been kitei ng for years and never realised smaller kites need more pressure. I've always pumped all sizes similar.
I would have thought the bigger ones may need a bit more as being larger more likely to bend flex.
I think he's on the money with the cabrinha chart but with the plus 1 or 2 psi. My 14 enduro would be slightly soft and flexible at 5 to 6 psi, but 7 to 8 rock solid canopy.

dkeating said..
I normally pump my ozone kites to about 6.5PSI this is the end of the green on the pump gauge. Other people tell me they pump to up to 9PSI about max standard pump will go, resulting in a stiffer frame and better flying kite.
What brands and pressures do other people inflate to?

I've always pumped my Ozone kites to the end of the green on the pump for my 6/8/10/12 Reos and to about halfway into the green on the 14 Enduro and Zephyr.
Too much pressure will damage all inflatable kites, refer to instructions for each brand, but in general around 7-8PSI should be the max unless the brand specifies more.
High pressure does not always equal better performance, and the downside is damage.

Always flick it, gives a certain tone, it's as accurate as those guages

Imagine you have a big beetle on your knee cap. Using the thumb and index finger flick technique you flick the beetle off your knee with as much gusto as practical.

That is what I do to the leading edge. When the beetle flick sound goes from "thud" to "twang" I am good to go.

glasstraxx said..
i go to 10ish bar but i am using the reedin kites which can tolerate high pressure (
its frightening to see how many people are flying underinflated kites....if its not pumped up enough the frame wont be rigid enough. you may not notice when your mwing the lawn but as soon as you get agressive you can feel the delays in the bar response

10bar being 145psi

Mark _australia said..

glasstraxx said..
i go to 10ish bar but i am using the reedin kites which can tolerate high pressure (
its frightening to see how many people are flying underinflated kites....if its not pumped up enough the frame wont be rigid enough. you may not notice when your mwing the lawn but as soon as you get agressive you can feel the delays in the bar response

10bar being 145psi

haha psi ... easy does it.
was waiting for this thanks Mark.

With 10bar if you could design for it the kite would literally become a lethal wing exploding on impact.