The only Bow kite trainer kite in the world….The Method Trainer Kite!
 -Learn to kitesurf in half the time
-Practice on your own 4 line c-kite or bow-kite bar
-Use the trainer kite with the INCLUDED 2-line bar and line system immediately
-Hone your jumping skills on the beach before trying new tricks on the water
-Practice unhooked tricks
The Method Trainer kite is the world’s only 2 or 4 line trainer kite.  Using its patented bridle system, it can be used with any regular C-kite or bow kite 4-line bar system so riders can practice flying with thier own bar and safety system!!  On average this decreases student lesson time by 50% saving you time and money.  We have Method Trainer kites in stock and are shipping world-wide.  

More more information see the company website: http://www.methodtrainerkite.com

There has been a lot of talk about light wind kites for summer riding and everyone has an opinon on what to get and what works the best.  Here are a few things to consider from a guy who has been on most of them. 

In light winds you want the following characteristics in a kite:

- Light Weight (for easy relaunch)
- Grunty pull to get up on the board and up to speed quickly increasing power using relative wind
-Enough canopy support to keep the kite ”open” when it is in the water…meaning enough struts
-As fast as possible so you can easily pump the kite through the window to produce power

A lot of the above items are probably contradictary to what you have experienced in very successful light winds kites.  This is because you cannot have all of these things in one kite there are trade offs for each.  An example of this would be the enormous bar pressure and slow turning of the Cabrinha Contra (2007-2009) were two negatives that were traded for an extremely grunty kite with great relaunch.  Another example would be the North Rhino 20m (2004-2005-ish) which had low bar pressure and lots of grunt, but was super slow and would not relaunch unless you had magical powers. 

What is up with the sizes?  Why are some light wind kites 25m and other are only 12-14m?  Well anything over a 17m or so is probably a C-kite, so the projected or working area of the kite actually a lot less than the kite size.  Bow kites are much better in light air because of the relaunch factor…C-kites are next to impossible to get out of the water unless you are a Jedi-kite-master.  If you’re 200lbs and under a 14m bow kite is the largest size you’ll need and will even accomidate riders up to 240lbs if they are efficient and experienced on their board and kite.  If you weigh more than that, you’ll have to move to a even larger kite 17m-20m bow, these will be slower and harder to pump but heavier riders will need the lowend grunt to get up on the board initially.  Smaller kites are actually usually better in lighter winds becasue you can pump them very fast provided you are on a larger board.  I’m sure many of the locals have seen us at the Levee on a light air day (10-13mph) pumping a 7m or 9m and riding the Litewave Wing board around out there with everyone else on 14-16m kites.  This is possible becasue we can pump those little kites and loop them really fast making up for thier size.  That being said most riders will need a larger kite in the 14m region to provide enough power to get on the board and up to speed.  

So what is out there now?  Every brand has a light wind kite, but not all are created equal…some brands consider anything under 18-20mph light winds.  On the gulf coast light winds are under 13mph.  Brands like Naish, Best, and Liquid Force have never made a really good light wind kite no matter what their marketing says…not to say their kites don’t work well in more wind:)  Cabrinha, Slingshot, North, GK, Airush, etc have always tried to make light wind products, which brings me to the light wind choices we have today: 

Cabrinha: After they finished production of the Contra series the beginning of 2009 the next best light wind kite is the Crossbow IDS.  Very slow and gruty with one of the largest wind ranges of any kite.

Slingshot: After they finished production of the T3 series in 2008 Slingshot came out with the RPM in 2009.  The 14m RPM is the best light wind machine on the market right now.  It has the perfect fusion of Speed in the air, lighter bar pressure, and low end grunt to make riding it in light winds a joy.  The RPM only has 3 struts and an over sized leading edge (light most light wind kites) giving it more lift in slow flight and the ability to relauch easily in only 8-9mph winds off the water.  The kite is designed for the rider to get up on the board and up to speed so it is a better choice more experienced kiteboarders.  Newbees will have to stick with the Key kite, little slower and heavier, but cheaper and a lot better if you are having a tough time getting up on the board and riding.  

North: The North Rhino has always been their go to light wind kite and nothing has changed.  The Rhino is still the best choice for light wind flying but is now a Bow style kite instead of the old dumpy C-kites. 

Airush: Their making great strides to get back into the game after a few years of slacking on thier kite design.  The new Airush Lithium light wind kite is great except for 2 things (adjustable bar and the missing middle strut).  Flys great, but will not relaunch in light air…also do not adjust the bar while in flight!!  See the full review I did of that and most of these other kites a few months back. 

GK: The V-sonic or Sonic comes in a 14m size and is the new light wind machine from GK.  The Sonic doesn’t relaunch the best in really light air because of its bomber construction but flys and pulls great in 10-13mph. 

Foil Kites:  Foils are great light wind machines! Bad news is no matter what the manufacturer says they will not relaunch in light winds…maybe medium light winds..15mph or so but not summer on the Gulf Coast light winds.  Another downside is they’re hard to produce with a lot of stiching and bridle work so they are very expensive.  But, for experienced riders who want the best light wind kite made…go with a foil…go with a Flysurfer!   

Don’t forget the board!!  For light air riding you’ll need a big board like the Litewave Wing 161cm, Liquid Force Proof 161cm, Flysurfer Spleene Door 164cm and similar boards.  You can also use a skim board or surf board if you have skills on either.

The final day for The Litewave/Globekite demo was Yesterday 28Mar10 Sunday.  Winds were great from the North West at 22-32mph or so varying all day long.  We had a very good turn out and definitely had the most riders that the Pass riding location has ever seen.  Most of the demo gear has already been sold but we still have a few boards and kites left and they are going for sale at the demo price the rest of this week. 

We have a 12m Sonic, 11m Trix, 9m Trix, 132cm and 144cm spirit boards and 5′8″ surf shape surfboard.  All demo equipment is at least 20% off retail and has only been used for the last 2 days during the demo.  Call 281-508-6485 or email houston@xlkites.com to buy or inquire. 

Enjoy the pics of the madness at the Pass:

2010 Slingshot Key kite reviewed and available for sale

The new buzz from slingshot is the debut of one of the easiest flying kites on the market for 2010.  The Slingshot key is a delta hybrid kite.  We were able to demo the new key a few weeks ago in various wind conditions.  The reason we’re so pumped about it here in Houston is because of its light wind ability for our summer teaching season. 

So here is the skinny:
They Key’s bar pressure is more than the RPM but a lot less than the T3 so it provides feedback to the rider but not fatige.  In extremely light winds the kite will reverse relaunch by pulling on both rear lines at the same time.  In high winds the kite depowers as much as a normal bow kite.  In the air the kite is slower than any of the other kites slingshot is making this year, so it is a good choice for beginner to intermediate riders.  I do have to say I was surprised by the jumping ability of the kite when I took it out in higher winds.  The kite comes with a super simple bar and lines set that has a below the bar leash attachement that is similar to the Cabrinha IDS system.  I personally self rescued on it and it worked great.  The normal Slingshot stopper ball has been removed which is great for new riders and will avoid accidental power lock from a sliding stopper. 

Overall, very impressed with the kite and believe it will be the best kite for new kiteboarders for 2010.  Super stable, easy to fly and depower, with plenty of performance.  The kite price is the best part!!!  You can get a complete setup with slingshot board and kite for less than $1560 totally complete.

The new 2010 RPM
WE GOT THEM…Give us a call and get yours…281-508-6485 or email us at houston@xlkites.com

Slingshot is proud to announce its
second generation RPM. The RPM is changing
kiteboarding with its innovative 3 strut “Open
C” Canopy design. It delivers limitless high end
performance options for all conditions. Excel
your riding regardless of your style. Discover
what the pros already know. The RPM is the
one kite that allows for top performance while
executing un-hooked freestyle, wakestyle and
surf style.
“The kite has a great low and high end range.
For me it is perfect. It has explosive pop for
unhooked tricks. It has massive boost so I have
time for double handle passes or powered kite
loops. The new refinements shine where I can
feel even pull, increased stability, and
forgiveness. Relaunching is also fast and
effortless. The RPM has accelerated me up the PKRA podium.* – *The RPM is the first and only non “C” kite to take a PKRA championship podium finish ever.

New for 2010:

• Our full suspension bridle has been refined to perform in two critical
modes of flight.
A. When the bar is sheeted out, and increased depower and passive stability become desired, performance requirements of the bridle react automatically. This auto adjustment of the bridle allows the kite to take on a latent role by transferring flying loads to the LE.
B. When the bar is sheeted in, the bridle kicks in to what Slingshot kite
designer Amery Bernard calls “Full Suspension Mode”. In this configuration
the bridle is in overdrive. The kite now becomes more, powerful, fast and
responsive giving it an overall feeling that is very intuitive. The bridle can
read and predict your every move.

1. Refined Sizing (New 4.5, 6, 8, 10,12 ,14 meter)
• Allows riders to precisely build quivers to their specific riding conditions.
2. NEW Compstick Control Bar\Compatibility
• The NEW Compstick Control Bar offers the highest level of safety,
performance and convenience in a single system. It is the most versatile control bar you will ever own. NEW features such as the Surefire Spinner, Auto Indexing Chicken Loop, Active Stopper Ball and Push Up Center Safety System makes it the first choice for freestyle riders who demand more.
3. Progressive Power Steering (industry first)
• Progressive custom line lengths synchronizes rider and kite to match
wind conditions. Benefits include optimum tracking ,precision feedback,
custom power and range.

Check out this video detailing the all new Slingshot Comp Stick bar control system

Call 281-508-6485 or email houston@xlkites.com to use your local or student discount, these kites also qualify for a free board with purchase.  Buy local and save!

The 2010 Cabrinha SB is the best kite for the Texas Gulf coast out of their 2010 line, it is fast responsive but has the stability that Cabrinha’s are known for.  If you’re looking for the best you’ve found it.  We have all sizes in stock give us a call today. 

Now in it’s 5th season, the 2010 Switchblade IDS remains the premier Wakestyle Freeride kite. The Switchblade is designed to perform in a wide range of conditions, hooked or unhooked. The steady predictable pull and it’s ability to fly forward when unhooked makes the Switchblade perfect for hitting kickers, sliders and just about any wakestyle trick in the book. In 2010 improvements have been made to increase the Switchblade’s turning speed and relaunch.

For more pics hit “Continue Reading”

Took the Airush Lithium out with a few of the guys in fairly light winds.  We wanted to test it in 8-10mph but it ended up being 12-15mph instead.  Overall, the kite flew very well but the 6 strut (missing middle) strut prevented it from relaunching from directly down-wind.  The missing strut help the kite produce more lift because the middle section of the kite was flat instead of curved like a normal bow, so that was good.  
Here are some of the kite’s specific specs:

Kite:
-Somewhat confusing rear bridle attachment  (why is there like 4-5 inches of extra length with markers on it?)
-Similar bow kite shape as the Cabrinha Contra, but different strut configuration
-6 strut design with no middle strut
-One pump system
-Super long bridles (wrapping problems??)

Bar/Lines:
-IDS type emergency system (leash brings kite down to both front lines)  Same as GK and Cabrinha kites, not great for teaching or self-landing.
-Cabrinha style depower straps above the bar
-Great sliding stopper ball
-Push away primary release that works great (could be improved to be reloaded with the red release either way instead of just one)
-Good large CX finger slide in/out for unhooked tricks
-Slick push away bungee leash works great, but hard to reload even with two hands
-1:1 bar system
-Aluminum bar that is adjustable with pushbuttons to become larger or smaller.
-3 piece line system for many length options

The most unique thing about this kite was the adjustable bar system that used a pushbutton-type mechanism to adjust the overall length of the bar on the fly.  The rider is able to adjust the bar length while the kite is in the air just watch out it is easy to let go of the bar ends.  Leaving the bar ends out loose was also really fun, it felt like paragliding except in reverse.  Overall, good flying kite with some light wind relaunching issues.  The overall ease of use of the kite is good but needs to be more refined and will be better in the second version.  If I could change one thing about the kite, I would switch it to 5 struts and put one back in the middle to help with the downwind relaunch issues.  More specifically the kite will wrap up in light winds and the middle of the kite will sag into the water once directly down wind.