Advice needed on kite size?

cjbpdx · Since 15 Mar 2005 13 Posts

I'm a beginner/intermediate kiter who prefers flat water and/or some chop to big swells or waves. I want to move up from old-school C kites ('05 Fuels) to a newer hybrid C/bow style kite that I've been hearing about.

So I need advice on what sizes to purchase. I'm 200lbs and 6'2" (if that matters)...
I would prefer to stay with Slingshot as I've always had great luck with them, enjoy the way the old Fuels fly, and want to stay with local company (I live in Portland).

A friend mentioned Slingshot's RPM kite...any thoughts? I think I'm looking for a lighter wind kite and a 'middle of the road' moderate wind kite. (High wind kiting is still something that I'm not comfortable with.)

And I don't want a kite that once I progress in skills, it will feel 'too beginner' (if you know what I mean).

Thanks (in advance) for any advice...

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

The convention I think is that a C- kite will always need to be a size larger than the bow to have the same power (i.e. 11m C kite = 9m bow/hybrid kite) because of the flatter profile.

Also, once you get used to the bow kites, high-wind kiting is no problem, bows/hybrids eat gust like nobody's business!

Also, I highly doubt any sort of post-2007 kite can make you feel beginner. I've been riding 2007 Turbo II's since I began, and don't feel that they are limiting my progression in any way.

Tony · Since 28 Aug 2006 940 Posts Portland Opinionated

8, 12, 14 RPM...

Cool

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts I give out bad advice.

RPM's

My favorite kite is the Rpm 10. Doesn't make a difference what board, tt or surf, the 10 is the money kite at my weight. Wind speed at 20 to 28 I'm dialed in!! I have em rigged for free ride.
8, 10, 12, 14

SST 6-2

Frenzy 137

Slingy is the shizzle