the cloud kite

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

I had the opportunity to ride the new cloud 13m kite the other morning at my local spot.
wind was marginal probably in the mid to upper teens based on the local wind sensor.
I'm posting up on this forum, not neccessarily because I think alot of people are going to go out and get one of these kites for the gorge, but wanted to give my perspective and also show you a video for those that might have some curiosity around the no strut kites, but I know there are those that will be interested in a lightwind kite for either sauvies or even snow kiting. I'm just going to discuss the 13m mainly because I have zero experience with the smaller sizes.
I know they make them, and have been testing them in the gusty maui conditions. that leads me to believe that they have a good performing kite for all conditions.
I've had the opportunity to meet the designer behind the kite, greg drexler. some of you may have known him previously as one of the main designers at naish.
anyhow he is the guy behind the kite and a great guy to talk to.
I think greg has addressed some key issues with big kites and responded with a great product.

first of all big kites can be heavy. sometimes its a challenge to keep a big sheet of fabric in the air especially in the lulls. due to lack of struts, this kite weighs in around 6 pounds.
big kites have been known to turn slow. as with many other newer kites, they seem to be making these kites turn much better than in the past.
the cloud seems to pull very nice through a loop. I am impressed with it's turning speed.
large kites always take more effort to pump up. yeah this "one pump" kite takes about as much effort as my 10m park.
I'll add that I've been flying a 14m naish park for the past couple of seasons and absolutely love that kite.
the cloud is a bit different than the park, but both have pretty good low end. the cloud really sits back in the window and bar pressure is more prominent when compared to the park.
I think the major advantage of the cloud over most other kites of its size, is this kite seems to handle the lulls better than any other kite I've experienced in lighter winds.
I have only flown the 13m so I can't give you feedback on how the smaller sizes perform.
I like the size when rolled up making it a great travel kite. I used this with the naish control bar, but have also flown it with the blade unibar. both bars work great. just about any 4 line control bar will work, however the jury is out whether it performs as well with a bar with short front lines (north, cabrinha, best) or if shorter lines limits its performance.

www.boardridingmaui.com

this video demonstrates how it performs with self launching, self landing, water relaunch and how it can flag out when releasing it to your leash.

Link

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

cool, saw your post on KF
maybe tell us first next time, ha ha.

interesting board. I made up a pad
that could turn your old twin into a
wake skate. NSI didn't bite at the time.
It was before anyone was kiting with
wake skates. 2005 iirc.

Maybe they should revisit the concept.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Nice video Thumb's Up

But mid to upper teens is 6m - interesting concept seems like that would work really well in the snow or flat water

- wonder if some wave action would challenge the relaunch

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster