Snowkiting Gear

[Kenny]

Fred asked me about the Speed 3 21M Deluxe and the 3B 179cm snowboard. I will answer his questions here and tell you about a couple other pieces of gear that I have found to be helpful here. Please feel free to post on your favorite gear.

Speed 3M 21M Deluxe - this kite is available from Flysurfer USA. I did not demo one first, however, I have been flying Flysurfer kites for around 7 - 8 years so I knew what to expect. The range of the 21M is around 5 - 20 mph for a rider my weight (180 LBS) on the snow and 10 - 20 mph on the water. Yesterday, the wind was probably exceeding that at times, but the kite never felt like a handful. I found that when snowkiting if you are getting worked on the hills, just drop down to the flats for a rest. On the water, you don't have that luxury. The kite is expensive, close to $3000 retail and is built in Germany. However, you can buy a 19M Speed 3 Deluxe for around $2000 or less if you hunt around on ikitesurf/kiteforum, foilzone or talk to the US distributor. The 21M came out last fall with a few tweaks from the 19M. It has a little more low-end (necessary only on the water) and it tad more stable. What sets apart the Flysurfer Speed from Ozone Kites is that it is a closed-cell kite allowing you to use the kite on the water and the snow. One other local rider has a Flysurfer, Ralph Sorbonne has a 19M Speed 2 which is the previous model to the Speed 3.

3B 179cm Snowboard. I picked this board up from Don Losee this winter and I love it. The rocker allows the board to stay above the surface without any effort on my part. The more I rode it the more I preferred it over my longer Tanker Boards (182 and 192cm). The 3B is light, fast and carves nicely.

The other gear that I have found to help out are K2 Boots with Clicker Bindings. They are a cinch to get in and out of. The only downside is that it is hard to find decent Clicker Boots since they are no longer manufactured.

I also bought a Skullcandy Boothtooth wireless helmet this year and it is awesome. At the ski resorts you can still hold a conversation on the lift chair and take phone calls. It is sweet!

I use mittens for snowkiting and I have found that models that have a wrist leash are the best bet. I am using Hestra mittens this year and they work perfectly. I also bought a box of hotties handwarmers at Costco and I drop a pair on cold days into my mittens.

Goretex Proshell is the best material I have found for jackets/pants. I use an Arcteryx Alpha SV Jacket and a pair of Arcteryx Proshell bibs (I like the bibs because they keep the snow completely out of your pants even if you get dragged). Proshell is great because it is super strong and it totally repels water. You can ride all day and the snow literally falls off your jacket before you get in your car.

[PeterMiller]

Costco Hand Warmers
Kenny gave me a pair one day when it was freezing
Thanks Kenny
I have purchased a box

[fredishlarsen]

Thanks for answering all my questions and adding even more things to my never ending list of things to collect. I have just a couple more questions about the Speed 3. Is the Deluxe worth the extra money? I have read that the kite does not back stall. Is that true? Does the triple depower help in when the wind gets gusty? It seems like the kite has a lot of safety features. The reason that I am so curious is because I am I little bigger guy. I have about 40 pounds on you. My biggest kite is a Manta 15m. It is a great kite but I tend to be dragging butt when others, less gravity impaired, are powered up. I am willing to sacrifice for my addiction. I'm just trying to figure out if it's going to be quicker and easier to loose some weight in the wallet or waist.

The only gear that I have added this year is a Shadowbox. http://www.shadowboxlive.com I have had it out a few times. It's not quite living up to my expectations. I don't think they have all the kinks worked out for riding up and down and off snow covered hills.

Anyone have any recommendation on goggles? Need a new pair that will work in all conditions.

[Kenny]

Fred,

The triple depower does not add more stability to the kite, it adds additional depower. 5 - 20 mph is great range for a kite that large. The tradeoff on the Speed 3 21M is that it will turn slower than a Manta 15M which is to be expected since it is so much larger. It is also a high aspect kite, so it has a wide turning radius. The plus side is that it will give you a lot more float for your glides and a lot more power. As far as the decision whether to lose weight or buy a bigger kite, remember that I was rocking the 21M while you were on the 15. I have a 15M Speed 3, but I figured it would be lot more fun to have some extra power on tap instead of working the kite all day. If you are considering on dropping down to the 150 - 160 LB range, then a 15M Manta is the ideal size kite for your large kite.

I bought a couple pairs of Oakley goggles on Steep and Cheap last year, I have had zero problems with fogging.

Kenny

[Kenny]

Fred,

The deluxe fabric is definitely worthwhile if you use the kite on the snow. The lighter fabric actually makes the kite more stable. If you only use it on the water, the deluxe fabric allows the kite to stay in the air through all but the biggest lulls. Yes, backstall has been pretty much eliminated on the 21. However, it was hardly noticeable on the 19. The only thing I do not like on the 19 is that the tips sometimes tuck. It is not a big deal, just slightly annoying. The tip tuck was eliminated on the 21.

Kenny

[fredishlarsen]

Kenny,

You have been great to answer all my questions. You more than deserve a commission on the sale. Now all I need to do it track one of these Goliaths down and negotiate the terms... first born... subprime loan To bad Americans are so well fed, we have driven down the price of a pound of flesh. At very least I might have to trade some windy days for work. Who is the US distributor by the way?

Thanks again,
Fred

[Kenny]

Fred,

Flysurfer USA is the distributor. The contact is Ted Bautista. I don't receive any commission on sales. I just like the product.

Another trade-off I thought of yesterday. The 21m setups fairly quickly for such a big kite. It does need to be inflated using wind power. However, it takes some time to roll it up because it deflates through two vents in the trailing edge of the kite. There are YouTube videos on setup, launch, and landing of the big Speed 3 kites. I would also be happy to show you how. It is a specialized kite and optimized for light wind, so it does take some getting used to.

Kenny

[Jeremy_Brodhead]

Hey guys,
I am 5'10" 175lbs and I have been riding a shorter board 155 only because it is what I had laying around. What would you recommend for a snowboard for me. Longer better?? A newer cambered board like the Banana maybe?? I was going to try to grab a board from backcountry that would suit my needs. I would love to get something sick like the 3B Skyline board but I just don't want to spend that much cash.

Thanks guys and I hope to see you out there around the greater SLC area!
Jeremy

[Kenny]

Jeremy,

The size and style of your board should reflect the type of riding that you enjoy. A 155cm board is a good size for most riding. Of course, for powder you might want some more length. Personally, I like a longer board as I ride a board in soft conditions and skis on hard pack.

Kenny