Hi, I've just joined the site and found some very helpful tips on here so far. Basically I'm at the stage where I'd like to add a second kite to my quiver. Bit of background, started kiting this January with the end goal of strapless riding in the surf (being from a surf background this appeals). I'm still on flat water now though but getting on well and loving every minute.
I'm only 63 kg, currently have a LF Envy, 10.5, great kite and wanting to keep this, but being light anything over 23 kts gets hard work (but great fun) . Looking at a smaller kite to increase wind range and thinking of something like the BWS Noise Pro or similar. Can't work out if the 6m will be the right size, or too limited in wind range? Or would I get more use out of the 8m, or would this be too close in size to my 10.5? Maybe I should just choose a 7m from another brand? Dilemmas!

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Thanks for the offer but I am Qld, Sunshine Coast

Just be aware the smaller kites have a smaller windrange that they work well in (eg a 6m would have a wind range of 4-6knots ie 24knots to 28/30knots), . whereas larger kites have larger wind ranges (eg 14m would have a wind range of 8 knots ie 12knots to 20 knots.)

Remember that the power of the wind is a squared mathematic function. So double the windspeed is 4 times the energy.
Steve

Some great advice there, thank for the responses lots to consider-

Daniel1973- yep I know what your saying there, some of the smaller local guys are riding small kites <9m even on lighter days, sinening heaps and riding bigger boards, so with a quiver of boards opens up the window with a small kite a bit. Nice to hear that the small kite works well for you, and given me a bit of confidence to go and blow some cash on the 6m!

Jim621- yep that was my fear initially about buying a small kite under 7m, lack of use, especially if we don't get enough windy days to use it, however from my understanding is when I start doing the long downwinders (which is my goal) not as much kite is needed, just don't want it stuck in the bag that's all.

mbuckley- that's good feedback about those kites- my Envy is the 2014, and the BWS Noise Pro's I have my eye on are 2014 models, I have read that they have made quite a few tweaks on these (namely not as much pull on pivot turns to keep the turns on waves feeling more like surfboard turns rather than getting pulled off the face). To be honest I haven't tried a lot of different kites, just slingshots during my two days of lessons, then went out and bought the Envy (got a great deal on it) and been on that ever since January so it's all I know, I have ridden it in everything, from barely able to get the thing flying through to 28/30 knts survival runs, so I feel I know the kite well, however haven't started in the waves yet. I've been on a twin tip on flat water so far, and just starting to use my surfboards in flat water, want to try and get all gybes, tacks, turns etc dialled on the flats first. I do have heaps of surfboards though to try, from 5'8 stumpys through to semi-guns etc, and have old ones I don't mind smashing about so hopefully this will help with having not very many kites!

I guess I had my mind set that 7m would be a good size, but seeing a local deal for thes BWS's has me thinking that maybe a 6 will be OK........desicions............sorry about the long post but good for the thought process!!!

I vote for the 8m BWS Pro over the 6m. Better overlap and you will have the optimal kite size for ideal conditions (~17knts).

mbuckley said...
I vote for the 8m BWS Pro over the 6m. Better overlap and you will have the optimal kite size for ideal conditions (~17knts).

That's a good point and I'd prob get my moneys worth with that a bit more so think that'll be the go, probably be better conditions for riding waves too on 8m weather rather than blowing it's nuts off!!

I'll always be jealous of guys shredding on small kites though when it's really nuking and I'm stood on the beach...........oh to have the cash to buy more kit.......

cauncy said...
Talent makes a good rider not the kite, some of the best riders I've seen arnt riding specific style kites, the isn't any reason why an envy wouldn't work in the waves as say a catalyst, you've got the bar so money saved there, I'm not a believer of multi branded quivers, it'll stall your progression especially as a new rider

Good point! Bit like on thise trips to Java when I see the kids ripping on surfboards made from 2 broken boards stuck together and made as one, shredding better than most ever will, time on the water is everything.........

2014 kite is what I was referring to a very different performer to the 2012,

said..
I can confirm few points above.
I’ve used my LF bar and lines on the 2014 BWS pro – works a treat including safety.
The 2014 Envy is very very different to the 2012/13. The 2012 has much better low end, and the turn and bang that is mentioned is much less evident on the 2014.
The BWS drifts better, but the Envy is fine for average rider in the surf, it is generally more forgiving and water launches heaps easier.
BWS takes ages to pump up when you are used to LF.

Yep that super wide pump is a joy! I'm normally rigged super quick compared to others and kite is always rock solid pressure, low end is an issue, even for me as a light rider but has taught me how to milk the lighter wind days. Self launching/ re-launch in light winds is a sh**ter (but isn't any kite?). Great to learn that the LF bar works, that'll save me heaps, nice to know theres people out there with the same combo of kites as I have in mind.