Kite Contenders
In the 8 years since kiteboarding’s official birth, five kite styles have survived design sketch books and customer loyalty. Each with unique characteristics, they are slowly fusing together. Here’s a brief recap of what is on the water today and what makes them unique:
ram air foils
(i.e, Ozone Frenzy, Flysurfer)
Going back in mass production as far as the 1970s, these are the original power kites. Bridled dual-skin kites) where wind “rams” into cells through the leading edge, are top ranked in Snow Kiting and KGB (kite groundboarding).
Using bridles allows the most control over shape. Ram Air kites are known to be some of the most efficient wings world wide. They pack more power, and depower, than their inflatable rivals. However, lacking floating capabilities, they are rarely seen on water
The Cs, Mild & Progessive
First created back in the 1980s, safety is their number one purpose. Known as LEIs (leading edge inflatables), inflated bladders allow better re-launching and self-rescue success. However, the large “air” framework comprises performance with additional weight and less shape control. In order to fly, they must take on a arc shape. More kite is used for structure rather than wind retention, giving Cs less range than Ram-Airs. They have since developed into two categories:
Mild Cs
(i.e. Liquid Force M80, North Toro)
Lower aspect-ratio (a shorter fatter shape) offers very stable and safe performance. Usable wind range is generally small due to less de-power control. They are favored by new kiters and technical riders wanting steadiness
Progressive Cs
(i.e., North Vegas, Flexifoil Fusion)
Performance built for aggressive kiteboarders. Tend to be higher-aspect giving kites a razor like wing shape. Faster forward speeds and more precise control allow larger wind ranges and riding adaptation. Quick turning, good upwind and huge lift are usually linked with these
the bows
(i.e., Liquid Force Assault, Ocean Rodeo One)
In pursuit of Ram-Air efficiency and LEI safety, the first generation “flat” kites resemble bows. The combined inflatable frame and bridle system gives more structure, allowing a flatter kite to “catch” more wind. Complex pulley control systems offer control over more areas, much like a Ram-Air, increasing usable wind range and depower safety. Since introduction, many argue the Bows are great wave riding kites, however need more development for less advanced riders.
SLE Hybrids
(i.e., Flexifoil Ion, GK Sonic)
Part second generation Bow, part C and part Ram-Air. SLE (supported leading edge) hybrid flat kites have a bridled leading edge with simple bar systems . They evolved in attempts to super simplify the Bow kites, increasing safety and performance while keeping the direct C-Shape feel. With a flatter structured center, the bridles and control systems are much less complex than Bows. Many hyping the SLE Hybrid Flats say they are usable in more kiteboarding styles than any other design. They chant this design has LEI safety, Ram-Air efficiency, C-Shape feel and more tuning options.
The Versatile Nominee
Whoa! With opinions flying everywhere and companies hyping the latest design…what do you choose? Well, kiters told us what they would take if they could have only one kite to use worldwide by rating, ranking and explaining their opinions.
When traveling, most felt moderate winds would mainly rule across the globe. Mid-sized kites (around 12m) won optimal size all around. Usable wind range was the key decision maker. Because riders wanted more security in unknown areas rather than having tuning options, safety beat versatility. Other than that, designs fitting various riding styles better were a huge hit. Here are the results:
44% SLE (supported leading edge) hybrid flats.
Largest wind range spread and increased safety pulled them into first place. “Best of both worlds” and “serious hangtime” were mentioned as top traits. Kiters like the C-Shape feel, the Ram-Air wind range and the LEI safety.
41% Progressive C-Shapes
Riders indicated these Cs have the largest sweet spot range. “Better adapts to more riding styles” was commonly hear. Also, these Cs received the highest total rating score giving them top second choice.
12% The Bows
Kiters love the wind range and instant depower. However, many noted the indirect feel, control / system complexity and advanced riding style was geared mostly for wave riding. The specific riding style left this kite back at home.
2% Ram-Air
The almost absent water safety pulled Ram-Airs to near bottom. It should be noted they ranked high for easy rigging, and wind range.
1% Mild C-Shapes
Limited tuning options placed them dead last. This in turn gave the kites the lowest spread on wind range and sweet-spot.
What about the boards?
Twin-tips won the unanimous vote over any other board shape out there. Lengths favored 130-135cm paired with 39-41cm widths. Other than fin options, controlled flex points were top picks. Riders noted boards with more flex around tips and edges would offer better all around performance. Also, stance adjustment came up as a tuning option not to leave home without. In rough conditions, simply widen your pads.
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