Sport, Trick and Freestyle Kite Flying Forum

Moderators: Craig, Andy S, Jason

 
Ferplexed85
Topic Author
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 10:25 am

Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 9:09 am

Hi all,

Just wondering whether, in general, does a larger wingspan mean you can fly the kite in lower wind speeds?

I noticed most of the kites ive seen above 200cm wingspan can fly in winds as low as 3mph.

Out of curiosity, why? Is it purely because the sail catches a bigger area of wind resulting in more lift?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
User avatar
Vee
FA Supporter
FA Supporter
Posts: 989
Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2004 7:46 pm
Location: Next to a flying field in Northamptonshire

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 10:05 am

Hmmm, if you're looking at the manufacturers recommended wind levels, that may be a bit misleading.

However the principal is correct (roughly). Flyability in a given wind also includes a power to weight ratio, so a really heavy kite will need more wind to fly than a really lightweight kite even if the sail pattern is identical.

If you're expecting just any full size kite to fly in 3mph, you'll be sadly disappointed, most flyers would expect to use an ultralight kite for that wind.

Likewise, there is a maximum that most kites can manage and that occurs well before the kite implodes in a ball of broken spars and ripped sail. A kite will have uncomfortable pull and become difficult to control much earlier than damage levels. There are vented kites, designed to spill some of the wind power through holes or mesh in the sail. These will go up to higher wind.
Love Veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Needs to fly more, now that I can.
 
User avatar
SteveC
Posts: 762
Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2008 1:55 pm
Location: Lincolnshire

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 10:28 am

Generally speaking, small kites - below 150cm - tend to mass produced in cheap materials designed for families to use in the park or on the beach. Usually cheap ripstop sails, fibreglass rods and stretchy nylon lines and the frames tend to be very flexible.

More serious stunt/sport kites are generally around 200-250cm with much better quality ripstop or polyester/Icarex sails, better stiffer carbon fibre frames and much better fittings, contruction and design. A bigger kite with a stiffer frame and well designed sail will let the kite in lower winds and with more precision than a cheap flexi kite. A bigger kite also tends to fly more slowly so you have better control and can see what is happening and have time to react to that.

You don't have to spend a fortune to get started ( you'll probably do that later!...be warned!) as you can get a new ready to fly set up that will fly well, let you start getting into tricks with decent dyneema lines for around £80- £110ish. Once you have the kite costs are minimal - wind is free!!

As a first kite look for a good 'standard' kite around 2-2.5 m with carbon frame and a Dyneema lineset as this should let you fly between around 5-18 mph winds which is ideal for a beginner. Once the bug has bitten you'll soon be adding more specialist kites to your kite bag.

Ask lots of questions before you buy, you'll get plenty of answers here.

If you want a copy of a very good kite flying E book PM me your email address and I'll send you a copy.
Current Bag:- HQ Shadow, Spiderkites Zodarion, Flying Wings Soul, Old blue HQ Jive , 'PAW' modded HQ Maestro II, Delta Hawk,
 
Ferplexed85
Topic Author
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 10:25 am

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 12:04 pm

Brilliant info their from both of you. Really, really appreciate it.

Ive currently got a Spirit of Air Impact which only cost me £28 and is, in my noob opinion, pretty damn good.

Only problem is that in low wind it just doesnt want to fly.

I really need someone to tag along with tbh.

I will be getting a bigger kite soon but unsure which. Max would be £100 budget.

I'll defo PM you now. Thanks!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
User avatar
Flying Fish
Posts: 1002
Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:01 am
Location: Hampshire
Contact:

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 1:33 pm

People will probably suggest several good kites within a £100 budget, but have a look at the Dream On, from Skydog kites. Available in the UK via kiteworld, costs £85. Wide wind range, very decent trick ability and precision. Good value for money IMHO.
 
User avatar
SteveC
Posts: 762
Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2008 1:55 pm
Location: Lincolnshire

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 2:34 pm

Flying Fish wrote:
People will probably suggest several good kites within a £100 budget, but have a look at the Dream On, from Skydog kites. Available in the UK via kiteworld, costs £85. Wide wind range, very decent trick ability and precision. Good value for money IMHO.


+1 on that suggestion, also check the Skydog 'Jammin' a 'new' model loosely based on the old HQ Jam session which looks very capable and has had some good reviews Stateside. Around £90 at Kiteworld
Current Bag:- HQ Shadow, Spiderkites Zodarion, Flying Wings Soul, Old blue HQ Jive , 'PAW' modded HQ Maestro II, Delta Hawk,
 
Ferplexed85
Topic Author
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 10:25 am

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 3:00 pm

So im best looking into a SkyDog then? Prism and HQ put out some really nice designs though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
User avatar
SteveC
Posts: 762
Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2008 1:55 pm
Location: Lincolnshire

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 3:12 pm

In your price range the Prism Quantum is OK but a bit heavy so will need a bit of wind to get it going, also a bit restricted on tricks - you'd probably want to upgrade pretty soon. The Prism Hypnotist is a better kite but more expensive.

HQ have the Jive 2 which again is OK and tricks quite well, if you can run to an extra £10 over your budget the HQ Maestro 2 is a very nice kite, tricks well, flies well, I have one and use it a lot.

Skydog are good - simple designs that fly well and are easy and cheap to fix.

Best have a look at a few kites online and see which designs you like.
Current Bag:- HQ Shadow, Spiderkites Zodarion, Flying Wings Soul, Old blue HQ Jive , 'PAW' modded HQ Maestro II, Delta Hawk,
 
Ferplexed85
Topic Author
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 10:25 am

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 4:27 pm

Thanks again Steve and for the ebook.

I really like the Maestro, looks badass! The Skydog is growing on me and has some really good reviews.

The other 2 i like are the HQ Atomic and the Spirit of Air Kaos.

Theres alot out there i like but im not 100% on which makes are best. Im guessing Prism, HQ, Skydog are the bigger names as they pop up most.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Ferplexed85
Topic Author
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 10:25 am

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 4:29 pm

To put it simply:

I want a kite thats ideal for a beginner (learning from Youtube videos,) has good trick potential but is easy to control and is low wind capable up to high wind (im in a town where winds can be low in one area or high in a field 2 mins from me).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
User avatar
SteveC
Posts: 762
Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2008 1:55 pm
Location: Lincolnshire

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 5:11 pm

I wouldn't bother with the Atomic - I had one, it's a nice looking kite and flies well enough but it's designed for higher winds so needs a bit of wind to get going, I also found it hard to get tricks out of. The SOA Kaos I don't know much about, it's an old design that you don't see around much.

Either the Maestro or either of the Skydogs will fly from around 5mph to highish teens which is plenty. If the wind is more than 18mph or so you either need to have a special high wind kite or be packing up to go home - lots of wind isn't good for flying! about 6-12mph is ideal.
Current Bag:- HQ Shadow, Spiderkites Zodarion, Flying Wings Soul, Old blue HQ Jive , 'PAW' modded HQ Maestro II, Delta Hawk,
 
Ferplexed85
Topic Author
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 10:25 am

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 11:12 pm

Thanks again Steve.

Theres 2 kites for sale on here - a Vortex and a Bill Lancashire one.

Would they be worth an investment?

Also, can someone point out common abbreviations used? For example, why do some kites have "UL" after their name??


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
User avatar
Craig
Site Admin and Supporter
Site Admin and Supporter
Posts: 5241
Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2003 6:46 pm
Location: Epsom Downs, near the red cross.

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 11:18 pm

Ferplexed85 wrote:

Also, can someone point out common abbreviations used? For example, why do some kites have "UL" after their name??


SUL - Super ultra light. For very light wind, 0 to 5
UL - Ultra light. For light wind, 2 to 7
Std - Standard. For normal wind, 5 to 12
Vent - Vented. For high wind, 12+
 
Ferplexed85
Topic Author
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 10:25 am

Re: Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 11:19 pm

Legend!! Thank you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
User avatar
misterbleepy
FA Supporter
FA Supporter
Posts: 2864
Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2004 10:29 pm
Location: near Newquay, Cornwall
Contact:

Large Wingspan

Sun Aug 17, 2014 11:21 pm

UL = Ultra Light - for lighter winds
you may also see
SUL = Super Ultra Light - for very light to almost no wind
and
Indoor - for zero wind

Doh! - too late
Keith B
--
Kite Tricks mind map

bleep bleep bleep