How low can you go? 12m flite

SmallWaveSteve · Post by **SmallWaveSteve** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 1:23 pm

I'm trying to decide which two kites to take to Panama my 9.5 for sure, and I have a 2011 15m caution or a newer 12m fite
I've never gotten them in the same year, so I'm curious how much more efficient the flite actually is? (I'll be riding a crazy fly skim, so I'll gain some low end on that too

Atomic-Chomik · Post by **Atomic-Chomik** » Sun Jan 15, 2017 9:54 pm

No questions, take the flite.

letsflykites · Post by **letsflykites** » Mon Jan 16, 2017 3:53 am

It would depend on the wind range for me. I think the 15m Spitfire can get you out in 10 knots according to their website (based on weight, board etc..). If the whole purpose is to kite every day, can your 12m Flite get you out in 10 knots? Can you stomach driving a monster kite in low winds vs. sipping cocktails on the beach instead...or more likely, just surfing when theres no wind?

SmallWaveSteve · Post by **SmallWaveSteve** » Mon Jan 16, 2017 8:59 am

letsflykites wrote:If the whole purpose is to kite every day, can your 12m Flite get you out in 10 knots? Can you stomach driving a monster kite in low winds vs. sipping cocktails on the beach instead...or more likely, just surfing when theres no wind?

That's the big question, I haven't had a chance to take the flite out in conditions low enough to test it's low-end

juandesooka · Post by **juandesooka** » Mon Jan 16, 2017 12:39 pm

I have 17m flite, friend has the 12m. There were not many days that I was riding when he wasn't at least able to get out. Though at very low wind, it was iffy if he could stay upwind. I think that 12m flite is magic.

From what I've seen:

At 6kt, the 17m flies but hard to stay upwind.
At 8-10kt, I can stay upwind on 17m, the 12m can fly but it's a challenge to stay upwind.
10kt plus, I think the 12m can probably do it ... with a skim, paipo, or high volume surfboard.

So I'd bring the 12m. Below 10kt, go do something else! ;-)

SmallWaveSteve · Post by **SmallWaveSteve** » Mon Jan 16, 2017 1:06 pm

Gracias Juan

Tha'ts exactly the type of info I was hoping for.

I think I'll bring my fly rod too

Atomic-Chomik · Post by **Atomic-Chomik** » Mon Jan 16, 2017 6:25 pm

What juan said

Fluffy · Post by **Fluffy** » Wed Jan 18, 2017 7:13 am

I have an 8 and a 10 flite and I LOVE them. With the foil I can go out in minimal conditions and be very happy. I bought them specifically for foiling and they have been AMAZING. As to how little wind hmmmm can't quote the numbers but hardly anyone else is out and I'm doing just fine

SmallWaveSteve · Post by **SmallWaveSteve** » Wed Jan 18, 2017 10:56 am

anybody have any idea what the wind was like for the one design races at windfest? I just realised I have flown 12m flites in lighter conditions, just not mine.

nanmoo · Post by **nanmoo** » Wed Jan 18, 2017 1:20 pm

It was pretty windy during the one design event this year as I recall it.

SmallWaveSteve · Post by **SmallWaveSteve** » Thu Jan 19, 2017 8:46 am

Maybe it was and there was just a shore bubble by the slalom for a while or something. Oh well doesn't matter. 9.5, flite and skim it is

OtLunch · Post by **OtLunch** » Thu Jan 19, 2017 3:37 pm

bring your line extensions

SmallWaveSteve · Post by **SmallWaveSteve** » Thu Jan 19, 2017 4:09 pm

Do you guys sell them separate? I'll have to double check my bars I have left but I think they're all 23 or 21m

Ned · Post by **Ned** » Tue Apr 11, 2017 1:46 pm

Normally we don't sell separate, but right now we have some extras.

How low can you go? 12m flite

How low can you go? 12m flite

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