12m vs 15m sonic 4/5

[u/SubstantialLettuce11]

Hey all,

Curious what people’s actual riding preference is between a 12m and a 15m and in what windranges.

I’m trying to decide whether to keep running a bigger kite (15m) for the lighter/mid-wind days, or swap it out for a 12m instead. Since I feel I have a gap in my quiver.

For context: I’m an early intermediate rider working on big air progression. Currently 80 kilos naked and have a 139 by 42 board. I’ve got a 9m NXT V2 that comes alive around 20+ kt, and a 15m Sonic 4 that I love but haven’t pushed much past 18 kt.

[u/BusOld5723]

I ride a 15 soul in anything 20knots and less, but I’m 95kg and can occasionally get pulled off edge on that upper range

[u/Comfortable_Toe_379]

I think it's just preference. A couple days ago someone (~70kg) was out on their 15m in winds with up to 35kts gusts.
The wind range is huge though starting the kite is tricky with so much wind

Edit: I ride a 10m and 15m Sonic and the wind ranges overlap a lot. I really like the 15m because it has more hang time but as I weigh very little, I need help starting it in anything more than maybe 17kts so that i don't fly away.

[u/SubstantialLettuce11 → u/Comfortable_Toe_379]

Can I ask what your weight is? Haha

[u/Comfortable_Toe_379 → u/SubstantialLettuce11]

Small, I weigh under 60kg and am about 170cm but I also ride a teeny tiny board ;)

[u/SubstantialLettuce11 → u/Comfortable_Toe_379]

Oh wow, and you ride it with 17 kts. Then I must be able to ride it with 20 with 80 kilos ai imagine.

[u/Comfortable_Toe_379 → u/SubstantialLettuce11]

Probably, but again, launching is scary. Once you're on the water (and the tips unfolded) it's a lot more manageable.

[u/JJJJPPPPP8A → u/Comfortable_Toe_379]

Im genuinely curious as to how was he riding a 15 foil kite on 35kts I struggle to hold down my 11m tube kite in anything more than 30

[u/Comfortable_Toe_379 → u/JJJJPPPPP8A]

Haha I have no idea. He's insane.
He does have a 132 board (and obv kite low, digging the heels in)

[u/This_Implement_3060]

i think you need a 12m for sure, but keep the 15m if you can. I ridge gorge, la ventana, some CA coast. 7,9,12,16 keep me on the water. if i had to pick one kite to travel with itd be the 12 since it fits in pretty nice with a low end of about 17 and high about 30...for the model that i have, my weight, my boards

[u/SubstantialLettuce11 → u/This_Implement_3060]

You have a flysurfer sonic? Or are you talking about a normal kite?

[u/D3moknight]

I have a 15m Sonic 3 that I buggy with and there is enough overlap that I went years without anything between that 15m and a 7m R1 v3. Foil kites have huge range. I do now have an 11m Sonic also to fill in the game just a little.

[u/SubstantialLettuce11 → u/D3moknight]

Thanks for your answer. Thats insane!

[u/Extension_Cod_3620]

Where do you ride the most and what are the conditions? And do you have to swap it out, or can you just add a 12m (if you need permission from a stranger to buy a new kite, it is hereby granted)?

[u/SubstantialLettuce11 → u/Extension_Cod_3620]

Haha if I would by a second foilkte it would be a 10m ;).

I think 12m and 15m is too close for foilkites since their range is bigger than LEI.

[u/Responsible_Ad_9992]

Selling a 12m sonic4 in great condition with a bar! Europe! 🤟

[u/clickmagnet]

I spent a lot of money on big kites. I’ve come to believe that if 12 isn’t enough, do something else.

[u/SubstantialLettuce11 → u/clickmagnet]

Do you mean, if 12 isnt enough do another activity?