The engine of technological developments in the kitesurfing industry is running at full speed. Kites need to be lighter and at the same time stronger, more stable and more reliable. Material and production processes must be more environmentally conscious. It usually doesn't make the kites cheaper, but the properties improve enormously. We focus on what we call 'lite surf'. The concept by which we state that kites are on a diet.
Diversity in riding styles and wind
Let's Slingshot take it as an example. Slingshot currently has 6 different kites to choose from. Slingshot is no exception to this. You would think this isn't a bit much. Yes and no. Yes, because it is difficult to choose. No, because every kite is designed for a specific purpose and for a reason. This is precisely to support the diversity of kite surfers and what they are looking for. Kite surfers with different sailing styles who want to get out on the water in many different wind strengths. Something for everyone and a suitable kite for everyone.
'Lite surf' which kites compared
In the context of 'lite surf' we have selected three kites for comparison. Three kites because we have not been able to find out the weight of similar kites from other brands. We are not going into special kites for little wind or kite foiling here. The compared kites are the duotone Evo SLS, Ozone Enduro V3 and ocean rodeo Rise A series. All-round kites with 3 struts and 12 meters in the version so that the comparison is as fair as possible.
When comparing these kites, we specifically look at the frame of the kites. However, the process of lighter, stronger and better isn't just about the frame.
Literally everything is under development. Think of spinnaker cloth, lines and attachment points attached to the kite, bladders, valves etc.
Compare Duotone Evo SLS, Ozone Enduro v3 and Ocean Rodeo Roam A-series
Duotone Evo SLS 12m. Weight: 3.08 kilo
To achieve this has duotone among other things, replace the dacron. Dacron is mainly used as a frame around the tubes. Now the dacron of the main tube and the center tube has been replaced by Penta TX. Penta TX would yield a 15% reduction on the total weight of the kite. In addition, it would stretch 50% less than standard dacron and has a 5 times higher tear resistance. Penta TX is also very stiff, which leads to less distortion of the overall structure of the kite.
Ozone Enduro v3 12m. Weight: 3 kilos
De Ozone Enduro V3 uses the specially developed triple rip-stop dacron for the struts and leading edge. It would be 15% stronger and also make the kite a lot stiffer and more stable. In addition, an ultraflex coating has been used that should also help to transmit it more gently in gusts of wind. Furthermore, the material would be firmer, which would break less quickly and extend the life of the kite.
Ocean Rodeo Roam A-series. Weight: 2.18 kilos
This should be the lightest kite ever within the criteria we set: 3 struts and 12 meters. The Ocean Rodeo Roam A Series kite weighs 2.18 kilos. The frame would be 50% lighter due to the so-called ALUULA material and twice as strong as normal. The development of the met ALUULA composite equipped kites can be called revolutionary. In addition, every detail has been literally thought through, right down to the stitching.
What good is a lighter kite?
You may be wondering what is the point we want to make. What good is it if the weight of kites decreases. Why do kites have to be lighter and at the same time stronger, more stable and more reliable. We have listed a number of advantages.
- A lighter kite falls out of the sky less quickly with less wind and a combination of little wind and gusts. Especially when kite surfing in the waves, a kite that is as light as possible is important. If you want to do this with an all-round kite, then a light all-round kite is recommended.
- A stiffer kite helps you time a jump or trick because every steering movement is picked up more directly by the kite.
- A stiffer kite helps to control the kite more accurately and is therefore more reliable.
- Some materials that make a kite heavier such as rubber bumpers, reinforcements are not necessary for the advanced kite surfer. They no longer allow their kite to be dragged on the beach.
- Lighter, stiffer and ultramodern kites have a greater wind range. We previously kitesurfers often had 3 kites to be able to kitesurf as much as possible, with the new generation of kites you could do it with 2 kites. This saves costs and space.
- Last but not least: a lighter kite reduces your kilos of luggage if you want to go on a kitesurfing holiday.
Conclusion weight of kites
First of all, a compliment to the three brands because they are transparent about the weight of their kites. Duotone, Ozone and Ocean Rodeo are developing very hard. They attach great importance to technological development. In terms of weight, there is actually hardly any difference between the Duotone Evo SLS and Ozone Enduro V3. The Ocean Rodeo Roam A-series is the lightest kite worldwide within the set criteria. Even the 5-strut Ocean Rodeo Rise 12 meters weighs only 2.95 kilos. look at the Ocean Rodeo Rise review. You already read, it is a neck-and-neck race and it has not yet been run.