Snowkite

North BoUND · Since 30 Nov 2010 22 Posts

You hear some companies say that one of their kites in particular is a great snowkite. What makes a kite a better snowkite than another one in their lineup? I'm thinking particularly of LEI kites bc thats all I really look at bc I ride water as well. What are the best kites out there right now for the winter side of the sport? Answers to this question are obviously going to be really opinionated but I'm just as interested in the justification for why it is a good snowkite.

-Chad

craz z · Since 01 Dec 2008 130 Posts Montana Stoked

To answer your question a Snowkite is a fancy name to promote foils primarily. Neither a LEI or Foil has any better or worse advantages or disadvantages. Its been discussed and beat like the dead horse it is.

At this point in time only reason to buy a foil aka "snowkite" would be pack and freeride multiple times per day if your dead set against pumping all the time.

Its not a topic of debate because both foils and LEI's are doing all the same exact things and its dependent on the rider as to how high and far you wanna take snowkiting.

I believe there were a few companies trying to promote LEI's as snow kites but again it boils down to marketing. Snow is not rougher then sand and ice is about the same as rocks and tomahawking any kite in any condition is bad for a kite. I've read and heard complaints of nipples being a pain in the cold but have never experienced in myself and i've been on snow for many many years flying both kinds of kites.

The real thing to watch out for coming from water to snow is how much power you use coming in from a boost. I've seen super badass water kiters get a beat down because they are so used to coming down powered. depending on snow conditions it can work or be a injury waiting to happen. Take it slow when first going for it and step it up slowly once you feel comfortable landing and taking off less powered up.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

I would say that stability is maybe more important on the snow since the wind can get pretty shifty around mountains/hills. If I had to guess I'd say that's one of the reasons companies might promote one kite over another for snowkiting.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

I have a quivier of 09 Vegas I prefer for water use., however I still have my 2007 Waroos and 08 Rebels from my early days. Would one type make more sense to use over the other(SLE or C type?) I would rather thrash the old Waroos then damage my favorite Cs.

craz z · Since 01 Dec 2008 130 Posts Montana Stoked

Bailey · Since 13 Apr 2008 87 Posts

A great feature in a snow kite is the abillity to reverse launch of the snow by pulling both back lines and not all LEI kites will do this. for example a 13m Rev will reverse launch in about 7 to 8 kts of snow.

craz z · Since 01 Dec 2008 130 Posts Montana Stoked

Great point bailey many lei's and most foils do the reverse launch thing epic kites are one that comes to mind on reverse launch also if that doesn't work out fifth line systems are a godsend in the snow as wellas flow bindings k2 cinch or the old school clickins

Sol-flyer · Thu Oct 20, 11 5:48 am

I think any kite that is good on the water is going to be good on the snow...with the exception of gliding Cool

I've found snow & ice to be especially hard on the Leading edge and pulleys. Its a good idea to tape your seams across the leading edge and also spray de-icer on any mechanical parts. (Pulley's, Swivel's & Safety releases)

Same rules that apply to high aspect kites & low aspect kites apply to snow...I.E. A higher aspect kite will be good at going fast, upwind and tend to be a lil more forgiving. Low aspect kites will help get you outta the gullies and behind trees were there are wind shadows. Also good for light winds, and going uphill. Low aspect kites tend to be more stable and turn slower.

If you really want to feel the difference between kites try gliding them Wink

I have found that Higher aspect kites have a good glide ratio but when your coming down it'll feel like your falling cause of the speed. High aspect kites turn fast, also are less stable (but a lot of this depends on the size of the leading edge). Low aspect kites glide quite a bit differently, They provide good lift but dont get the same wind "penetration" so it'll feel like your sitting in one spot and not coming down. Slower turning means throwing the kiteloop higher up to come down softly...this took a lil getting used to.

Sol-flyer · Thu Oct 20, 11 5:53 am