C kite VS. SLE sizing

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

Now that we've been living with SLE kties for awhile, I think most people are getting savvy to the kite size difference between C and SLE kites. When you are choosing what size kite to go on, (assuming equal sized riders and boards) you have to figure SLE kites generally have 2m extra low end per size. For example Trevor's on C kites and I am on SLE's, if he goes 13m I am usually on my 11m, if he's on his 11m, I am on a 9m.

I also have a C kite 9m which has about the same range as my 7m SLE. So it’s a bit weird going to the beach with two 9's, but range wise it makes sense.

A 13m SLE will absolutely dwarf a 13m C kite if you look at the two in the sky. The projected area (lift area) of the SLE will be much much larger. So if somebody says they are going out on their 13m C, and you have SLE's, maybe consider going smaller. The C kites size for size will generally be faster, so your friend could be having more fun on his C kite than you are having on your SLE if you pick the same size. Even though the depower benefits of SLE's are huge, the real beauty is in the extra low end, so I'd say take advantage of it.

Though SLE's depower more than C kites with the same lift area, I wouldn't use that as an excuse to go big. You can't really ride well with your kite fully depowered. Where you want to be at is riding fast and nicely powered on a smaller kite. Its easier to do with more efficient boards and technique, but getting used to rigging small I think is a better habit to get into then going big.

Its all probably too confusing but I still think its better than when kites were sized for projected area vs. flat area. Then you had 8m kites that were actually 12's. Just too weird...

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

Nice summary. I think this is helpful for new kiters like me who are trying to figure out what to rig by looking around and seeing what is flying. It also confirms that you do think about kiting 24/7 if at 6am you are already composing an essay about the differences of SLE and C kites Laughing

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1735 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

You must be sick, you didn't take your medicine and posted the dreaded "VERSUS" thread---- Shocked

Mark · Mon Jun 11, 07 8:34 am

Yeah the power in a SLE is much better. I use to fly a 14 m C when others were on 12m C kites. Now I fly a 9 SLE when other are on 12m C kites.

Hope that helps.

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

PKH wrote:

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2062 Posts PNW Bigfoot

[quote="pkh"]Now that we've been living with SLE kties for awhile, I think most people are getting savvy to the kite size difference between C and SLE kites. When you are choosing what size kite to go on, (assuming equal sized riders and boards) you have to figure SLE kites generally have 2m extra low end per size.

IMO it is more like a difference of 3.

forrest · Mon Jun 11, 07 9:25 am

On paper it's 33%

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

EdG · Since 19 Dec 2005 424 Posts Just a Kook that's Obsessed

Very true Trevor. There is too much difference between todays kites. Not that I have been around long, but in the time I have kited, I see the difference Shocked

Always compare apple and oranges correctly!

mjc · Mon Jun 11, 07 11:34 pm

Here's a question for you....

What if two riders having equal ability and board size are both riding C kites, what weight disparity would require the larger rider to rig larger? 20lbs? Any thoughts?

It seems when most guys riding(165-185lbs) are on a 10m C, it's a 12m for me(~215lbs). ALWAYS a 2m increase for me over the majority on the water....when looking at Bows, makes the call even harder. It's easier to rig smaller as my skills continue to improve, but it's still pretty hard to look out on the water and make a quick call cuz of all you malnourished peeps. Eat up!! Very Happy

It'll make my life easier....

I always ask what size, bow/C/SLE, and most importantly....how much do you weigh?

Ps......I never ask the ladies that last one Shocked

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Yeah, that's probably better for your own safety. Although kiteboarding chicks are cool. I've asked them that question before and instead of a slap in the face they actually answered. Whether the number they gave me was true or not is another story...

Anyway, back to the main point. I heard back in the day that 20-30lbs extra warrants a kite size increase. This is consistent with me and my kiting buddy since he weighs about 30lbs less and rides a size smaller than me. Don't feel bad about rigging bigger if you weigh more than the average rider. You'll feel even worse if you're mowing the lawn out there while everyone else is boosting over your head.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

I've been on SLE Turbo D's, now on TDII and I weigh 220(fat ass) and I'm 6'3'.

My board is a 138 liquid force.

It it is blowing an average of 18 to 23 I'm on my 11meter

If it is average 16meter and below I'm on a 14meter

If it is average 26 with gusts into the low 30's I'm on a 9 meter

In general I like to be in the middle of the range for my sle kites. I rarely use the cleat to lock the depower.

I notice that most folks I see at the beach do rig smaller and that's because they eat less ice cream.

kitekid · Since 15 Apr 2007 170 Posts Stoked

I ride a 9m in every thing from about 10-45 mph I fly a rapture2. but I weigh 130lbs. iv also noticed that because the sle/ bow are shaped more like a wing when you get on plane and up to speed it is really easy to stay on plane Because of the shape. as with a c it is more of a dive and go dive and go.

Btw I ride a 130/37 board in all conditions

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted