High Wind Kite Recs

<Wolverine> · Since 07 Jul 2013 71 Posts PDX

I know we had a great thread on light wind kites last month but now that the wind Gods are waking up and I have sold my 6m kite I learned on last summer I am looking at replacing it and wanted to see if there was some agreement on the better high wind kites. Was looking at a Park or RPM but would respect some of the comments from those who have had the opportunity to fly and feel the advantages of one kite over another.

Thanks!

Windstoked · Since 21 May 2013 43 Posts Norcal

Good question. This relates to my previous posting about publishing power specs on kites so you can get a more accurate idea of a kite's range. A wide range is especially important in The Gorge, where the wind variability between the launch, channel and hourly changes are as dramatic as any place I've kited.
The RPM and Park are modified (bridled) C kites and have less range in my experience.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

wylieflyote · Wed May 21, 14 7:31 am

A feature of this discussion is also: Just because make & model kite "A" is the perfect machine in the 12 meter size, does not necessarily insure that same make and model "A" is the kite you want in the 6 meter size.
With windsurfing I always felt that if I liked my Ezzy in 5 meter, I would stick with the same throughout the quiver... not so with kites.
Do the mfgs just take a design that works perfect in 12 meter, and simply "shrink" it for the 5 and 6 meter?

Example (and trying to avoid kite vs kite grumpiness): Loved the Naish Ride in 6 meter, hated the heavy tractor pull of the Ride in 12 meters.

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

Windstoked · Since 21 May 2013 43 Posts Norcal

Agree with all. We were kiting Doug's one time and I was on a 9m 2012 RRD Obsession and it started nuking (40+ avg. on the shore). I didn't want to kite back up to Rowena to downsize, so I trimmed it in about a foot and did fine. That kite had a tendency to depower too much though and could drop from the sky if you weren't careful to keep it powered slightly in light wind.

<Wolverine> · Since 07 Jul 2013 71 Posts PDX

Pepi · Wed May 21, 14 8:59 am

Different styles of kites definitely work in different conditions.

I used to like to have a one kite style quiver from small to large, but have since been adjusting my quivers to match the conditions that come with certain wind ranges.

Like G said, a bridled c style kite with some shape to it's curve (ie - not a flat kite) can be a bit better performance and handling in higher, gusty winds, while a flatter or lighter weight kite can be much more rewarding for lighter wind/big kite conditions.

Also, knowing if you like a kite that depowers either via bar pressure better or board speed (ie using the rail of your board), and whether you want a kite to sit further forward in the window or further back with drifting characteristics (better for swell or wave riding).

JeffT · Since 07 Jul 2012 238 Posts Deep Southern Portland Stoked

Both the RPM and Park have multiple bridle connection points on the LE that give it some flexibility in power. I have utilized these the past 2 weekends on the 12m Park. When the wind picked up (most were out on 9's & 10's) I just moved the bridle to the forward point on the LE to give it the most depower and I was able to ride through the peak period of the day without rigging my 10.
The RPM & Parks also have multiple TE connection points to allow you to change your steering speed / bar pressure.

They are both very versatile kites. You couldn't go wrong either way. One thing to consider though, the new RPM's have the triangle reinforcements on the TE that should help with the material fatigue when the kite is sitting on the beach flapping in 30+mph winds (especially helpful on smaller sizes).

Have you considered the Cabrinha Switchblade?

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Thanks jeff, I was going to switch back to RPMS' from Rallys' for the waves, nice to know they will hold up better on the beach. I tried a 2014 and they seem faster turning too.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

O.R. STORM 5.0 meter
Hard to believe how nice it is in 50mph
45 mph so easy

seems stupid Cool

Freeride Kiter · Thu May 22, 14 7:02 am

The 5m Storm flies exceptionally well in the 50 ~ 55 mph winds through Turnagain Arm. Nice, solid and stable with easy relaunch however there isn't much drift to it. The 5m Razor drifts (sits) back nicely and performs very well in the high winds too.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

when it's blowing 30 plus
I'm not too worried about the kite having slack lines?

But I keep the kite low when I can

I thought the 5.0 was just available in the in the Storm
no?

Freeride Kiter · Sat May 24, 14 9:00 pm

Last year OR made a 5m Razor. This year the smallest is a 7m

zig zag 158 · Since 16 Jul 2012 19 Posts Vic BC Canada

I second the O.R. Storm 5m... but you might also consider the 5m Prodigy!

the Storm is over built and stiff with many struts to take those variable winds of storms... where as the 5m Prodigy is a very stable gust soaking machine... my 7m is excellent in the big winds!