LF Solo 12m Kite Pressure?

Slappysan · Since 13 Jun 2012 309 Posts Obsessed

What pressure do you guys pump your LF Solo 12m kites to?

I've been pumping mine to 8.5 PSI and it still folds too easily during ground handling IMO. Also the one strut doesn't push up off the kite strong enough. It flies fine though.

I do all my other kites at 8.5 PSI and they are fine, all are 3 struts though.

jerp · Since 22 Feb 2013 453 Posts Obsessed

I have the 15.5 solo. I have never used a gauge, I just pump it until you cannot bend it over. also, have you compared gauges, maybe the one you are using is not working correctly.

I think with the solo its even more important to get it pumped up well.

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 600 Posts Addicted

i have the 12. and i also do not use a gauge. I pump until i feel it start to get difficult, then try to get 10 halfs, then 10 quarters. or something like that. And, Ive had a problem from time to time with the strut kinking on tomahawks and shit like that, but it always works itself out.

So, I guess i dont have a specific answer to your question. Sorry. Can only offer the way i do it, which is basically to pump it until it pretty much will not take any more air.

On this kite, it would be nice if the strut had a seperate inflate valve. I think its a solid kite otherwise

Pepi · Wed Oct 21, 15 12:43 pm

I fly the Solo kites primarily, and do play with my pressure levels a bit, but can't comment on exact levels (sorry I don't use a gauge)

When the winds are super light and I am concerned about relaunching the kite in no wind conditions, I pump the kite with a tad bit less pressure so that the leading edge is not rock stiff and can bend enough to roll the kite over easier (again, we are talking super light wind where I am foiling ).

When the winds are stronger (Or if the water temps are very cold) , I usually pump til the kite pings, then force in 2-3 more pumps (maybe more if I am not using the LF pump as this pump forces more air than the average kite pump). Even when I have pumped my kite up super hard, I have taken grief from the LF kite reps that I can and should pump the kite up harder (they, like most pro's, seem to like the kites rock hard when flying)

A_Ron · Since 19 Mar 2009 29 Posts PDX

8 psi on my slingshot gauge with dubious accuracy.