Hi I have (newish) North Reach 7m and 9m kites, and Peter Lynn Swell 11m (as yet untried) and a North Commander bar. I would like to get a second hand smaller kite for those rare days when my 7m would be too much for me to handle, when it's high 20s gusting 35. I'm on a twin tip and in my 70s but would still like to be able to get out there but with the right equipment. There are a few 4m Motos, new and used, and a 4m Vision Y25 2020 available. But I am wondering what shape is best in high winds? And also is 4m too small and twitchy? Probably twitchier than 5m? I haven't found any used 5m kites but there's no hurry so should I hang back and wait for one. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
You might want to consider just dropping one meter and buying 6m , a flatter kite with less pocket will handle higher winds. Possibly the North Orbit/ Naish Pivot, core xr6, Duotone Rebel or the Ozone big air kite.,
Try the kite mag ultimate kite test 2021/22 for bar pressure and turn speed information.
Good luck buddy
Hi I have (newish) North Reach 7m and 9m kites, and Peter Lynn Swell 11m (as yet untried) and a North Commander bar. I would like to get a second hand smaller kite for those rare days when my 7m would be too much for me to handle, when it's high 20s gusting 35. I'm on a twin tip and in my 70s but would still like to be able to get out there but with the right equipment. There are a few 4m Motos, new and used, and a 4m Vision Y25 2020 available. But I am wondering what shape is best in high winds? And also is 4m too small and twitchy? Probably twitchier than 5m? I haven't found any used 5m kites but there's no hurry so should I hang back and wait for one. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
If you're just after cruising around in high winds (not boosting big airs) then I would not recommend you get a 6m boosting kite.
a 4m or 5m all-around & stable low to medium aspect ratio delta-shape kite would suit just fine.
There is no need to go 5-struts either with your body weight if you're not looking at boosting big airs while being overpowered.
We'll have a handful of 4m and 5m Airush kites arriving next week. brand new. prices will vary between $469 and $1k depending on the model/year/size.
It will take some getting used to flying such small sizes. Not a huge difference in turning speeds between a 4m and 5m. You can make some adjustments on the kites to make them turn slower and use a narrower bar to slow them down as well.
Christian - KiteBud
Hi I have (newish) North Reach 7m and 9m kites, and Peter Lynn Swell 11m (as yet untried) and a North Commander bar. I would like to get a second hand smaller kite for those rare days when my 7m would be too much for me to handle, when it's high 20s gusting 35. I'm on a twin tip and in my 70s but would still like to be able to get out there but with the right equipment. There are a few 4m Motos, new and used, and a 4m Vision Y25 2020 available. But I am wondering what shape is best in high winds? And also is 4m too small and twitchy? Probably twitchier than 5m? I haven't found any used 5m kites but there's no hurry so should I hang back and wait for one. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
If you're just after cruising around in high winds (not boosting big airs) then I would not recommend you get a 6m boosting kite.
a 4m or 5m all-around & stable low to medium aspect ratio delta-shape kite would suit just fine.
There is no need to go 5-struts either with your body weight if you're not looking at boosting big airs while being overpowered.
We'll have a handful of 4m and 5m Airush kites arriving next week. brand new. prices will vary between $469 and $1k depending on the model/year/size.
It will take some getting used to flying such small sizes. Not a huge difference in turning speeds between a 4m and 5m. You can make some adjustments on the kites to make them turn slower and use a narrower bar to slow them down as well.
Christian - KiteBud
Thanks Christian, I appreciate the advice and understanding. I'm in Qld so will contact you at kitebud. Cheers,
Any 5 mtr kite is a disappointment, there like an angry wasp, regardless of wind they need to be flung around, even for storm winds ive always had a 7/8 as my smallest, usually go for a 5 strut design, look at your board as well, reducing in size and type (ie edging ability) ps im not a kite dealer whos 1st reaction is to sell you stuff
I went through a winter when I used my 5m more than any other kite. After a few uses it was my favourite kite. But it's super hard coming off an 11m.
a 4m or 5m all-around & stable low to medium aspect ratio delta-shape kite would suit just fine.
There is no need to go 5-struts either with your body weight if you're not looking at boosting big airs while being overpowered.
I have to disagree here. A good 5 strut kite like a Rebel is always going to handle strong/gusty winds better than a low to medium aspect kite, period.