G'day,

I am wondering why there arent more twin-skin kites used in kitesurfing? They are a pleasure to fly, stable and bounce like a beach ball off the water if it eva hits the water. Are people scared of trying them, or dont want to cause they might like them?

Or is it because there is so many LEI manufacturers on the market, and only one for twin skins (peter lynn from NZ)? I fly a Cabrinha Co2 12m LEI, and i am just wondering, not wanting a debate or anythin.

Thanks.

p.s. Kitehard, i'd like to hear your view especially

And what happens to pump ups in the surf? Inflatable toys are for kids.

I think it comes down to a) fashion and b) personal preference.

Personally I use flysurfer kites. I converted early on because I wasn't having much luck with inflatables. I found the foils very easy to fly, and their relaunching is fantastic. Obviously now that I'm better I don't use the relaunch as often, but I find the flysurfers to be a great kite which keeps me out in a wide range of wind with a single kite.

They are more expensive if you buy them new, and yes there are a lot more LEI manufacturers. I guess its a mix of everything, some people dont' want to change, others don't want to be the odd one out.

quote:

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Originally posted by SHEPPO3930

G'day,

I am wondering why there arent more twin-skin kites used in kitesurfing? They are a pleasure to fly, stable and bounce like a beach ball off the water if it eva hits the water. Are people scared of trying them, or dont want to cause they might like them?

Or is it because there is so many LEI manufacturers on the market, and only one for twin skins (peter lynn from NZ)? I fly a Cabrinha Co2 12m LEI, and i am just wondering, not wanting a debate or anythin.

Thanks.

p.s. Kitehard, i'd like to hear your view especially

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Peter Lynn "arc" style kites have changed a lot in recent times, the new Venom is nothing like the older "Standard arcs".
The older ones did not fly well for people that unhooked, and they were different to what was being promoted by a dozen or so windsurfer origins "new" kite companies. Not so with the Venom, they can be ridden unhooked, jump high and are give great hang time with very floaty landings, most forgiving kite on the market if you underswing the kite on a jump!
There were other (always fixable) issues with early arcs, same as there were plenty of issues with early inflatos, some of which could be fixed, others like hindenberging, bladder delam, etc, could not.

Things are very different today though, the new Venom is a superb kitesurfing kite, I know because i have flown them, and I have also flown a huge variety of inflatables. (as well as 2 and 4 lined foils and dual line sport kites for nearly 14 years now).

Keep an eye ot for Venom demo days, got along and try one. At a recent demo day in Sydney, we had a large turnout, and the open minded people who did try them were all impressed, and a few have bought them and been very happy with their purchases.

The acr style kites are super stable, same goes for the latest version the Venom. On one occassion my pro limit spreader bar got caught on something and released, normally with an inflatable this would have been a kitemare and I could have lost my kite, but with the Venom I put the kite at the top of the window (where it will happily stay by itself unlike any inflato) and re-attached my spreader bar.
It has less pull at the extreme edge of the window and so is very easy to walk with. Relaunch is excellent, but the technique is different to inflatos.
Extremely safe when let go to the leash, vitually no power and very easy to self land, and launch. Can be used on land and snow too, much easier than an inlfato, provided you have good wind at ground level to inflate the kite.

If you see one, try to blag a go, you will be surprised.
I have a 13M and 16M demo in my shop for those that would like to try in Sydney, and I think there is one at the Geelong store too.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve McCormack

Kite power is right, the Venoms are a huge leap forward in the Peter Lynn range of 4 line foil kites and I think they are still comparatively a bit cheaper than most leading brand LEIs. I've just bought a Venom 13m, my 5th PL kite, and although I've only flown it in marginal winds so far its exceeded my expectations. Flys in bug fart wind, kite loops no worries, turns are fast, doesn't stall/luff and delivers really smooth power. Self launch, landing and water relaunch are all easy as. And imho you can't get a safer kite, especially for beginners. Fk knows why people get off on bagging em so much, I've ridden several LEIs over the years, they're good kites and have their advantages(and disadvantages) but I don't bag em, I just prefer my arcs.

At risk of being accused of serious "commercial interest" HTL is able to offer a Venom 13 and Venom 19 for demo use. The recent lack of wind has prevented any demo fly-days since the new Venom arrived.

It's always interesting to see the so-called "humourus" comments from people who have never flown one!

As for pricing:
Naish Torch 12m outfit is $1900
Slingshot Fuel 13 outfit is $2000
Peter Lynn Venom 13 outfit is $1600

where do you guys get your numbers from???

Bear in mind that a 13m foil has over double the area of fabric (and sewing)in it than an LEI (although no bladders).

As Rod says..... they have excellent low end and also a much larger range (15-18 knots)than most LEI's.

They don't break. They self-inflate faster than you can run out your lines. The Venom is a massive improvement on the slower-turning earlier Arcs. Like earlier Arcs, it is also a much easier kite to learn on than an LEI (they don't luff!!!) whilst still giving huge air for advanced fliers.

Interestingly, virtually all Peter Lynn Arc Fliers have flown, or do fly, LEI's and therefore can make sensible comparisons.
Sometimes the LEI's have come out ahead...............not any more.
Don't listen to dickheads who have never flown one!!!!!!!!!!!!

Incidentally, I have done over $10k worth of kite repairs in the last few months or so......... they were ALL on LEI's !!! Please keep'em coming......... I got bills to pay!@!!

Life would be boring if we all drove Commodores............... or even, God forbid, Hyundai's!!!!!!

all the best

NeilT

9387-5676 (days)

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Originally posted by gls

Your right Neil. My life's not boring after all since I gave up Commodore's and I got into a G2 11m.

But now I'm looking for even more adventure. I'm in the market again for a bigger kite for lighter winds. The options which interest me are the new RRD's with the amazing depower system on the 5th line, or a Venom which I have been reading awesome comments about. But ... everyone I've spoken to seems to buy the Venom 13m. I want something larger for the lighter wind range. Can you get Venom's around the 16m size and have you any ideas on their turning and performance?

Graeme

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Hi Graeme
I have a 16M Venom demo, and which is also my own kite by choice. I find it easier to use than inflatos, although I still like inflatos too. The Venoms have a softer ride, good for old knees, jump really well, give great height and hangtime (as good or better than most inflatos), turn tight and fast, depower heaps (more than any inflato I have used), fly fast and can be ridden fast which they prefer.

I have sold several 19M Venoms, and its amazing to see Victor out on his at times when everyone else is on 12-16M inflatos, the 16M inflatos are looking worked while Victor is still having fun in control - the 19M has huge range.

I would agree that their bottom end is not as good as an inflato, if you come straight off inflatos and have never flown an arc or venom, but I can get virtually the same bottom end as any inflato, so can all the other regular Venom users round here, and the number is growing.

Drop in and see Neil, take one for a ride, they are easy to launch and land.

Cya and

Goodwinds


Steve McCormack

I reckon the problem is no one sees the awesome arc riders so they don't see the huge potential of the kites. I think all the awesome arc riders are hiding on the NSW North/Central coast. This seems to go with the attitude of the good arc riders, no B.S. and nothing to prove, just enjoying kiteboarding.