What are Jet-Flaps? They are channels that are sewn into the Kite, and which equalize the pressure between the upper and the lower sails. The benefit of this technology is that it allows the kite to be more strongly powered up without causing it to backstall. Additionally, the cells beside the channels work like a hinge: If line tension is lost, the trailing edge moves upwards and the kite sails back into the wind window.

With the development of the SONIC-FR we gained lots of new experience and technologies which we still use today (for example improved software, cordwise ballooning, sewing techniques, etc.). These developments provide the same advantages of Jet-Flaps and render them unnecessary. Because of this, we are able to optimize the construction of the kite and streamline the production process.

The SPEED4 Lotus should have actually been much more expensive when we introduced it, but we decided against increasing the price and instead to cover the product price increase on our own. The Lotus cloth has given the slightly-changed SPEED3 construction a huge added value. The features of the Lotus cloth are undisputedly good. But multiple factors (procurement, limited colors, production expenses, material costs, and so on…) convinced us to not use the Lotus cloth on the SPEED5 at this time. The completely-new construction of the SPEED5 with its improved DLX+ cloth brings a noticeable added value to the overall performance of the kite while keeping the price reasonable.

For all the people who see the benefits of the Lotus cloth (especially because of its increased durability due to the tightness of the cloth) and have come to love the SPEED4 Lotus or who are still waiting to try it, we will continue to leave the SPEED4 Lotus in our product line until further notice. We should mention at this point that the SPEED4 Lotus is the first choice for hydrofoilers especially. Also, the sizes 8.0 and 10.0 are very popular and they are not available for the SPEED5. Finally, the characteristics of the SPEED5—with its significantly-more-agile turning speed—are so different from the SPEED4 Lotus that it makes sense to keep it in the program. Lotus cloth is slightly lighter and more durable, but it also gives the kite a more squishy feeling and some other disadvantages (longer drying times, slippery, more complicated to repair) DLX+ is somewhat stiffer and gives the kite a more direct feeling. For everyday use this cloth is simpler to maintain (drying, repairs, packing).

As you probably know, in China and throughout Asia, the Chinese New Year falls sometime between late January and late February. During this time the production facilities in Asia are closed. In order to have a product release of all sizes (6/9/12/15/18/21) simultaneously, we would have needed much more time in advance in order to be prepared for the huge demand that occurs especially at the time of a product introduction. For a simultaneous release of all sizes, the product would have had to be completed and ready for production much earlier (around October) or we would have had to push the release date back (to sometime in May). To benefit everyone, we decided to execute a “split-size-release” and first release the smaller sizes which are more common for snowkiting 6.0/9.0/12.0, and release the larger sizes 15.0/18.0/21.0 later in the summer since they are perfect for light winds.

LOTUS -> larger turning radius + low steering force + very-low bar pressure = the kite feels like it has indirect turning. The turning radius is wider before the kite stalls compared to the SPEED5.

SPEED5 -> tighter turning radius + medium steering force + low bar pressure = predictable turning, much better while your kite is depowered (user friendly), this helps a lot in higher winds or while wave riding.

LOTUS -> AR 5.8 / thicker profile / less weight / more grunt = The Lotus likes to be “parked” while riding on your board. This comes from the lower AR; the kite has more lateral force (pulls you leewards).

SPEED5 -> AR 6.15 / 5% thinner profile / more glide ratio = The SPEED5 has less lateral force and stays more at the edge of the wind window, and therefore offers better upwind performance. Both kites are super easy to ride in light winds, but the SPEED5 shines in higher winds where it offers better control. If you have to decide which kite is better for you, then ask yourself if you’re an active rider (SPEED5) or a more relaxed, casual one (LOTUS).