Advice on moving from bow to C-kite

jcohenx · Since 28 Aug 2007 250 Posts Portland Obsessed

Any advice for a kiter considering the jump from a 4-line bow kite to a 5-line C-kite?

--differences in skills
--things to look for during kite purchase
--durability

thanks,

jc

Sol-flyer · Wed Sep 26, 07 7:56 am

just get a slingy Thumb's Up

i think "C's" is the only way.
It will make you a better rider, learning how to edge against gusts, bearing off in the lulls. and the feeling of the kite in the bar....marvelous

edit: Im serious about the fuels, i've flown a ton of kites....sold em all and bought a quiver of fuels<-there that good

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Unless you're going all out throwing crazy ass, Ruben style loops and unhooked shit... are you sure you really want to move to a "C"? I've been on Fuels since forever and never thought I'd change until I rode the REV. Just talking from Slingshot's line (it's what I know best), I'd say try demoing a Fuel, then try a REV or most any hybrid for that matter.

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

I'm with sol-flyer on this one; get the fuels. Idea

I'm going to buy some Rev's this year but will only use them for riding at the coast, and they will also be the kites for my girlfriend to use.

also you can probably find some 07 fuels pretty cheap this time of year.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

I probably sound like a broken record on this, but... Demo. C kites and SLE kites are basically about bar feel these days. Overall I'd say range on bridled kites are still better, but some of the new bridled kites are designed more for performance than range.

I like bridled kites because I think 9m SLE's feel sweet, whereas if I was on a C in the same wind I'd probably be on a 11m more of the time. For awhile last year I had a 9m C kite along with my SLE's... I ended up taking both my 9 SLE and 9 C kite to the beach more often then not, so I was ready for anything. Taking two 9's to the beach and asking myself: hmm is it 9m (SLE) or 9m (C)? That got old fast.

C kites are sick when they are in their range, but its so tough in the Gorge with the wind all over the place. You could ride super under all the time like Hein with more efficient boards, or you can ride overpowered on a wakeboard with bindings like Joby. Hitting the sweet spot is tougher with winds changing constantly, it can be done, but it’s a lot of work in my opinion.

For boosting C kites seem to go up fast and come down fast, SLE way more hangtime, but less yank off the water. Getting big boosts on C's usually means being real overpowered. Trevor goes way bigger on SLEs then he did on his C kites. Most of the kiters I see on C kites seem more interested in handlepasses and unhooked freestyle than boosting.

Might be cool to get another C kite this year though... Real small one, I think 7m. Twisted Evil

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

pkh-

you can borrow my 7m fuel anytime you want (as long as i'm not riding it).

shastadogs2 · Since 28 Mar 2005 336 Posts Obsessed

i agree with some that the c-kite will teach you (out of necessity) important kite skills.

do not be fooled by manufacturer's claims of 100% depower. when any kite, including sle/bow kites, are flown at the top of their wind range, or when a big sustained gust hits, you better know how to get your kite to the edge of the window. c kites teach this, because of their inherent limitations.

i wonder about newbies (or oldies) whom have learned on sle's and never really have developed good board skillz. knowing how to keep a c kite rockin is a great skill to have.

having said all that, there is no doubt that my sonics have given me tons of new fun with kiting. they rock in the gorge. but as pkh says: "demo."

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Sep 26, 07 12:40 pm

I learned on old and very mean Fuels. When the bows came out and got them and never looked back...until I bought a 06' fuel on a whim. There is something to be said for the nice clean power and blistering high end that a C kite like the fuel can deliver. Instead of the on off on off on off of the bow kites, it was a nice steady..and STRONG at times pull. It may be my technique, but I seem to boost better on C kites. They definitely explode you off the water too!

just my 2 cents

MEwing5000 · Since 14 Nov 2005 34 Posts Seattle

I learned on old fuels as well. I like being able to control my kite with mostly board input and less bar input which is why I like C kites. I have to admit I do get frustrated with changing conditions on a C kite. I am also a dedicated stopper ball rider. It is almost impossible in my opinion to ride against a stopper ball in gusty wind on a flat kite. Its more about personal preference, and conditions you kite in most. Seems to be more leg work involved with C's. some random thoughts

forrest · Since 21 Jun 2005 4329 Posts Hood River Hick **CGKA Member**

What are you wanting to jump to C kites for? There is a good chance that you don't need to make the jump at all. All the 2007 SLEs are awesome for just about anything a beginner to intermediate rider would want to do.

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

jcohenx · Since 28 Aug 2007 250 Posts Portland Obsessed

forrest · Wed Sep 26, 07 6:58 pm

Then it's really just a question of range. You'll be just fine on any modern C kite that is popular with other riders in your area.

If you're curious, I'd go demo a 2007 Fuel. For me, coming from Waroos as a beginner, demoing the 11m Fuel left a huge impact on me. It made me a better rider the minute I touched it. Keep in mind, I was at that stage where I was craving a more freestyle kite, had a few tricks locked down already. This might not be the case for you. I would have spent the entire season on one instead of the Torch2s, but I just didn't have the funds for a brand new kite.

I haven't ridden the Revs, but people are saying it's the best of both worlds. If this is truly the case then I see no reason for me to ride C kites anymore as the SLEs have the range I wish my C kites had.

Sol-flyer · Wed Sep 26, 07 7:21 pm

a lot of SLE's are looking like C kites with bridles these days....

check out the new yarga, or the Liquid force havoc Question

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

C kites are less if you ask me. Why do you want to swith? ARE you going to unhook and bust moves, bar passes etc..

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Sorry dude, couldn't let all this insight go to waste. Wink

Hein's kind of a grump sometimes, but his riding style is extremly unique and not only works but he thrives on it. 19m lines, pulley bar, and a C kite that's usually at least a size smaller than everyone else on the water. He's a light guy so that helps, and his boards are uber efficient. But watching him ride around unhooked half the time and throwing some big moves down makes you wonder.

I think his setup takes more skill to operate but possibly more reward too.