12/11 Skyline 15M Manta II

[Kenny]

Arrived to semi-whiteout with 15 mph wind and snow. Visibility was poor for the first 90 minutes. I went up on Bosco and I was grateful for the small weeds to give some definition amongst the white. It then started to clear and you could make out the parking lot from the hill. Storm was clearing out as I left. I would guess that Skyline received another 8" of fluff. The only rocks left uncovered are the rocks left over from the parking lot construction (we may want to go up and move them this summer). It was my first shot at Skyline this year and all in all I am very pleased. The Manta II performed very well.

[jason morton]

Kenny-
If you were in my shoes and weighed 235 lbs. would the 15m Manta work for you in light winds? I am on the fence over this as the 15m Instinct may offer more power pound for pound. Ya I know, the SA 19m would be a great fit for me in light wind. I need to demo these as well but was just wondering what you thought?

[Kenny]

Jason,

I have not tested the Manta II 15M back to back with the Instinct 15M. However, I suspect that the Manta is going to generate more power since it is a bridled foil with a flatter profile.

I did get the opportunity to do some gliding and the Manta II 15M did work for me. The glides were faster and lower to the ground. It is a tradeoff when it comes to the kite size, the SA2 offers huge float and slower airspeeds resulting in huge, easy glides, but it turns slower and is more cumbersome as a kite. More like a paraglider on long lines. On the water, it is the lightwind king. The SA2 is also an expensive kite, don't even consider the regular Speed 2 19M for the snow because it is so much heavier that you lose too much of the light wind advantage.

I like the Manta, it handled well in light wind, better than the Speed 2 15M, but not as well as the SA2. The Manta is stable, jumps well. Not, as much hangtime as the Speed 2 15M, but close.

The only issue I had with the Manta is the release on the chicken loop can be inadvertantly tripped. I had it happen to me a couple times at Skyline. I imagine that Brian has already figured out a workaround, but if you have the new bar, attach a leash for now to the handy little loop in the middle of the chickenloop.

I am planning on heading to Skyline on Saturday. Since you are an experienced rider, I will let you demo my FS kites as well as the Manta II 15M. I think it is always good to try before you buy.

Kenny

[jason morton]

Thanks Kenny. I'm planning on going down sat. as well. I appreciate your post and offer to demo your kites. Jason

[Jon Manwaring]

Jason,
The Frenzy doesn't come in a 15M only the Manta II , I have a 08 13M Frenzy that you are also welcome to fly. I may not come down on Sat, but call me if you want the 13M I'll let you take it. Billy B and I kited at Strawbs today, very lite wind, Both of us moved about the same. I went back and forth between the Manta 12 and FZ 13, he was on a Bularoo 16M. He got little jumps I just cruzed along, BUT, I'm a heavier rider. Moral is, the bigger foils work almost as well in light wind as the 15-16 M LEIs. Neither one was great, but both worked. Both have their +'s and -'s. I'm not sure the 15 Manta II will be much better in lite winds, (bigger is ALWAYS slower) but once going you will get a faster ride when the wind is over 10 -12 MPH, real or apparent, with more glide when flying. You have to work (fly) the Manta to get the most out of it, and since it's slower than a 12M it may not preform all that well in the really lite stuff. Just my 2cents. Take my 12 Manta as well to compare.
Jon Mzee

[Kenny]

Jon,

You bring up a good point. The bigger kite doesn't help much if the surface is hard and smooth because you can't work it as much. However, if there is any surface resistance at all (i.e. softpack or powder), the bigger kite does offer more grunt.

I think it is a really good idea to compare the 12 or 13 M Frenzy or Manta to the 15M Manta before buying. Of course, I always go with the bigger kite - rig big or go home!!!

Kenny