Light wind boards

Stay connected in the wind. This forum is for anyone who rides the wind, winter or summer, on whatever board suits their fancy. Share the stoke, find out where people are going, ask any question, share your discoveries, and discuss any esoteric idea you may have related to the pursuit of wind. Please keep it positive.

Moderator: MK

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reutersju
Posts: 108
Joined: Sun May 31, 2009 3:44 pm

Light wind boards

Post by reutersju »

I am looking at purchasing a light wind board, either the spleen or the lite wave. I have heard the lite wave is better for chop so I'm leaning that direction. Can you guys and gals give me your input on the spleen door vs the lite wave wing? I'm also curious about size to get...the lite wave comes in 161, 153, 145 and the spleen comes in 166, 159. I'm 6'0" 170lbs and not sure how big to go?! Any input is welcome!

Chad
Geo
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Joined: Sun Dec 01, 2002 12:03 pm
Location: St. Paul
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Re: Light wind boards

Post by Geo »

First board I got was a Door 154, and I still have it, and it is great when wind is light. It is not as good for when the wind drops when you are using a small kite (10m or smaller), since the tips kind of catch on the waves. But, I've had a lot of good sessions with my biggest kite only 13m. (I'm 175).
The outline gets you upwind early, the main board thickness lots if float, and the tips are thin and help a lot with the flex and ride. Mine has been super durable. Those tips grab pretty well for jumping, but the shape isn't as good as a more rounded shape with more aggressive release or spinning types of tricks...i.e. mot a slippery shape. I'm able to ride the Door, a 137x41, and a surfboard as my only boards.
Warning: it's not cool to ride a Door, apparently, but I think a lot of people haven't really tried one...but no one would ever accuse me of being cool anyway.
Size: I like the 154. 160+ is kind of limited. Less than 145 or so, and its is not light windish as much.
JRN
Posts: 2001
Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2005 6:38 pm

Re: Light wind boards

Post by JRN »

I tried all the "Big'uns," and unlike Al Bundy, I went for an allaround shape ( I'm 205#). Try the big Crazyfly or my 148 X46 UG which I felt was the liveliest of the bunch. You can test drive it anytime I'm out.
WARNING:
I AM AN UNREFORMED SERIAL FLIRT!!
(please respond accordingly ;^{})
MK
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Joined: Sun Jan 01, 2006 12:04 pm
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Re: Light wind boards

Post by MK »

Come demo the 153 Lightwave Wing. I'm surprised to toe side ride so easily.

KB 2011 review:
http://www.thekiteboarder.com/2011/02/l ... rd-review/

Big boards are session savers, this board offers more use than simply planing out. You should try it.
davepark
Posts: 99
Joined: Mon Dec 06, 2010 9:32 pm
Location: Golden Valley

Re: Light wind boards

Post by davepark »

I rode the Epic Oxygen in Padre last fall and it was great. I did buy one but have not yet rode it this year. My comparisons were a 164 Spleene Door and the Cabrinha Plasma (146 I think). Both the Spleene and the Plasma got you out riding in light wind but the Epic at 137 x 47 was a lot easier for me to control for the transitions. It also popped out of the water easier. And no, 137 is not a typo, it is short but wide.
JimPat
Posts: 298
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2007 10:09 am
Location: Deephaven /S.Padre / Hood River

Re: Light wind boards

Post by JimPat »

I rode both the lightwave and the door/spleene down in padre on ultra light wind days. Note- there will not be any chop on lightwind days.
You would only be concerned about chop if you rode this board when the wind picks up and I always go to a smaller board as soon as possible. The lightwave didn't come close to the lightwind riding ability of the spleene/door for two reasons. The Lightwave had quite a bit of rocker compared to the door which made the board ride shorter than the door since the door is very flat(the more board on the water the more lift-keeping you above the water). When you ride into a hole (even less wind) the door allows you to ride thru it without turning down wind (the lightwave would stat to sink in this situation). The lightwave was also softer in flex than the door so it adds even more rocker to the ride making the board ride even shorter. This comparison was done in 2010 and the boards were each a year or two older than 2010. If lightwave has drastically changed the board design there may be hope for it!
Jim & Patty
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MK
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Re: Light wind boards

Post by MK »

I rode the 2012 166x50 Door on a kite recon from the middle of the lagoon in April. Going that far out and away I needed as much assurance as I could to make it if the winds dropped. I believe it was a perfect choice.

However, it's fair to consider what you are looking for. The bigger the board the less maneuverability. I would say the winds were relatively light when I rode the Door but I had some chop and I felt it. It would be good to do a side-by-side. I know of a few with 2010-2012 Doors. I'm happy to have anyone demo the Lightwave. Note I sell Spleene too but I'd enjoy the comparison.

Winds up Saturday.
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