What are advantages and disadvantages of kite flying?

Answer 1

Advantages and Disadvantages of C-kites

The C- kite is considered as the original kite used for kiteboarding. Until today, it is the sole inflatable kite available on the market. It consists of square corners; it forms a deep C-shaped arc in the course of flying. Its lines which are attached at the four corners of the kite give its unique characteristic.

This type of kite has advantages and disadvantages.

Some of its advantages include a 'direct' feel when riding. C-kites constantly pull and put pressure on the rider enabling him to feel more attached with the kite. C-kites also turn faster than the bowkites and they tend to turn around a pivot instead of an arc which is the case for the bowkites. Whether this is an advantage or disadvantage can be discussed, but the fact that the c-kites turn faster make them easier and safer to loop and they do not generate as much power in the loops as the bowkites. Bowkites can't be looped as quickly as the c-kites, the result is more power in the loop and at the same time more likely to crash in the water (since they need a bigger looping radius).

C-kites also offer more performance for their specific wind range. They can only fly well in their hardly specified wind range; thus, prepared to be fine-tuned for a precise range.

These are very specialized kites completing a higher performance kite. These kites are also great for unhooked riding; it means that the kite doesn't need to be slipped in and out more often.

The shape of the C-kite also maximizes SLED boosting; thus, improving jumping performance.

C kites also have some disadvantages. First of its disadvantages include having a very specific wind range. It means that more kites are needed to cover all possible winds which can be very expensive. To cover all wind conditions, around three to five kites are needed. But even purchasing five of the cheapest kites is also expensive.

A smaller wind range also means that you will need to put together kites more frequently. It also involves water re-launch. To be able to re-launch, these kites need to be spanned onto their back and directed to the rim of the wind window. With the limited sheeting ability, C-Kites can be unsafe for beginners. It means that they can't be de-powered just like bow kites.

To fly the kite, there should be more power to control it. It is very disadvantageous for beginners because they do not have enough experience.

C kites consist of safety releases; however, they don't have the ability to plunk a lot of power by sheeting out.

Kites continue to evolve, so the pros and cons will keep on shifting. But one thing remains; these kites are outstanding performers. Not many kite manufacturers design pure c-kites nowadays. Most of them try to design kites that benefits of the advantages both from c-kites and bow-kites. These kites go under names such as Hybrid-C, Delta-kite, SLC-concept kites etc…

Answer 2

If you're interested in kite boarding, you will have to make a decision between an airfoil and an inflatable kite. The inflatable designs have a few advantages and disadvantages when compared to the other type. This article will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of an inflatable kite.

Advantages

One of the advantages of an inflatable kite is that it will hold its shape better. Airfoil kites rely on the pressure of the wind to maintain their shape. An inflatable kite maintains air on the inside, so it will always hold its shape better than the airfoil design. This allows allows the inflatable variety to float better in the water.

Another advantage of an inflatable kite is that it is easier for you to relaunch. This isn't the case with airfoil kites. If you have an airfoil kite, you will have to swim back to shore if you don't relaunch the kite quickly. This is a major inconvenience.

One of the final advantages of an inflatable kite is that they are usually safer to use. The safety leashes used with the inflatable variety are more efficient than those used with airfoil kites. You can completely depower an inflatable kite whenever you activate the safety leash.

Disadvantages

While there are certainly advantages of using an inflatable kite, there are also disadvantages. They can be more difficult to maintain than airfoil kites. If the bladder of an inflatable kite gets a hole in it, you will have to remove and patch it before you can use it again.

Another disadvantage of an inflatable kite deals with the setup. Inflatable designs will take longer and more effort to setup than airfoil designs. An inflatable kite is also not as easy to launch by yourself from land, especially snow. Airfoil kites are easier to setup and launch by yourself.

One of the final disadvantages of an inflatable kite is the cost. Inflatable designs are considerably more complex than airfoil kites. Since an airfoil kite has a simpler design, it will be easier to make. Therefore, they will cost less than inflatable kites.

These are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using an inflatable kite. These kites will hold their shape better because they don't rely on the wind to maintain their shape. The safety leashes also work more efficiently with the inflatable variety. However, an inflatable kite will cost more and will be more difficult to maintain.