Hi All,
A simple question - which kite (current or 2008) has the widest useable wind range?
I know there is more to a kite than just this but I think this is my main concern when looking to buy.
Would appreciate your thoughts...
I'd say you'd have a tough time comparing a lot of kites. Most of kites these days are going to give you a similar range when it comes to bows/sle's. Some may be gruntier, but they lose on top end so ultimately its the same range.
Yep, a can of worms....
One answer would be "a small one". Small kites can be flown quickly for more power, and obviously have a better top end, eg, I can use a 9m on a surfboard in 11 knots but still fly the same 9 in 25+ knots.
The Ozone's have always been famous for behaving themselves over a wide wind range, but there might be better, I don't know...
I think you need to think about size as much as which model. Don't go too big.
Easy one,
11m Ozone Instinct Edge II.
It's not a kite for everyone, you need to know what you are doing, but it's wind range is ridiculous so won't even quote it here.
Good winds,
Not sure if it's the widest but the RRD Obsession has a pretty massive wind range (no I don't fly one and I don't sell kites either, just for all the flamers). 
D
I agree with Tobes, just about every brand will get a mention here so take your pick.
But it will be about 9m & bridled.
most sle or bow kites have a good windrange these days, but the odd one can be grunty and not have the top end. try before you buy is the best way. if your after a kite with reasonble bottom end and a massive top end check out Genetrix v3 hydra.
Ozone EdgeII or SportII in 9m or 11M, but the biggest factor in enjoying more wind range is having 2 boards.
Today was a perfect example. Wind onshore, approx 12-14 knots.
Kite - Ozone Instinct LightII and Airush Switch 1.44x44
I was the only kiter able to ride upwind and stay away from the beach (up to 500M) and there were large Rev/Cab/FS kites there. Most other kites were smallish around 12M and they were not getting away from the beach. The 12M Dos really does not have any better bottom end than 12M bows, several people tried on it, but it never made it further from shore than 50M.
The LightII is an awesome light wind kite and matches anything from 08 in 16M, that I rode or owned last year.
The secret to my success today was matching a good kite to a really good light wind board, which that Switch is!
An Ozone EdgeII in 11M for the East Coast or 9M for the West Coast, combined with a similar sized board as the Switch for light winds and a smaller 'everyday" ride to suit your weight when you are powered on the 11M/9M would give you a useable range of near around 20 knots, for REAL!
Cya and
Goodwinds
Steve
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the responses. I'm totally convinced about the 2 board theory - in fact that is what lead me to the question. I've got a 138 & a massive 156 board. The 156 was the board I bought to learn on. The best investment I ever, ever made. I learned so much quicker because my big board is so easy to keep upwind on.
I now figure, I'm going to try to maintain a couple of boards & maybe try sticking to a 1 kite quiver ($$$!!!)
Ive been eyeing off the Ozone edge kites - seems like lots of guys where I kite love them. Maybe there will be some cheap ones when the new model comes out... hmm. But I don't like the idea of 5 lines - probably great for flying but doesn't that mean another line for me to untangle as I run it out!!!
Another vote for ozone edge II 11m.. at 90kgs I can hold position when it's gusting 15kts on my 132x41 board, & yet to discover the upper end of it's windrange. Works for me as a 1 kite 1 board setup
Wind Range?? 9m T3 from Slingshot has a truly impressive usable wind range.
most of the range will come from board selection of course but,
me =109kg 6'4 Rawson or Nobile skim board , T3 9m easy up wind at about 12kn.
Go for some footstraps at about 20 -23kn, 5'8 Jimmy Lewis Surf or Rad F Mutant 142, Shinn wave Mutant or a 666 134cm .Hang on till 30kn
Too Many toys
Choicey
North Rhino!!
from what i have ridden so far.... Cults and Crossbows are good too.
"I still get a laugh out of people that think its harder to lay out and hook up 5 lines rather than 4."
I find my new 4 line kite much less hassle than my old 5 line kites to set up. For a start its 20%less line to tangle, then there are the issues with bowtieing when riding,relaunching issues ect ect. Less lines means less hassles full stop.
By the way I get a good usable 15-20 knot wind range out of my 12m cab switchblade, with two boards. That being said, just because I can ride it in 25+ knots, doesn't mean I would'nt rather be on an 8m in those conditions
north rebel has a exellent wind range, fellow kiter has a 12m and when im on my 13m waroo his on his 12m rebel, when im well powered on my 7m waroo he is on his 12m rebel.I am 45 and 95kg he is 72 and about 70kg. Bloody good kite I would say.
"Wipika Airblast 11.8 "
haha... I learnt on one of those, and the depower cleat was stuffed - so the wind range was about 19-21knots! Wicked!
Hydra v3
12 meter
10 to 34 knots
can handle over 30 without touching de-power.
simple bar, no pullys,
