This post just re-surfaced and I thought of something to add. The attraction of light wind gear is not so much riding in light wind. It has more to do with going to the beach on lighter days and being there when the wind kicks in.

The day before yesterday the wind was forecast to be strong and it was a bit of a nightmare to be riding in crowded conditions.

Yesterday the wind was not forecast to be strong, but it came in at about 18 knots. It was perfect and the beach was deserted. We had a lovely session and went home happy. I was overpowered on my 13m and big board. I could have happily rode my 10m.

If we didn't have light wind gear we probably would have stayed home like everybody else.

i got a light wind kite for island hopping and because i had a job so missing that one day off a week of kiteing wasnt an option.

it was a 13m crossbow light weight edition. worked well in 8 knots think i was 70kg back then.

i cant even imagine getting a 16 or 17 etc etc everytime ive flown a zephyr it was just boreing i could kite but so what. the 13's enough of a yawn fest for me as it is.

but it did pay for itself on those stupid trips to xxxx island from yeppoon on those windless days when i only had 1 day off to do so.

i would never buy another light wind kite tho unless it was a large foil kite for ridge soaring.