u/Environmental_Lie516

Light-wind kite for a 75 kg beginner on a twin tip: Airush Ultra/slingshot Ghost 17 or 15(14 ultra) vs Flysurfer Soul 3?

Hello everyone,

I live in Lebanon with many 8–12 knot days and am looking for a kite that would let me get more time on the water as a beginner.

The local spot is the sea rather than a flat-water lake, so there are waves and the wind can be inconsistent, with frequent lulls. Also, humidity is hovering around 60% to 75% and the air density is approximately 1.17 kg/m^3 to 1.18 kg/m^3, which is slightly less dense than standard atmospheric air due to the heat.

I weigh around 75 kg / 165 lb with my wetsuit and currently use an Airush 146 cm twin tip.

I have a Cabrinha Contra 15 m, which works well once the wind is above roughly 14 knots. Below 12 knots, however, I find it difficult to keep in the air, especially when the wind is gusty or full of lulls. It tends to backstall once the wind drops.

I am mainly looking for something for 8–10 knot days. If that is not realistic on a twin tip, then at least something that works better in inconsistent 10–12 knot conditions.

I was considering an Airush Ultra/slingshot Ghost 15(14 ultra) or 17 m because it is relatively affordable. My hope is to ride it in roughly 8–14 knots.

Is that realistic for my weight and board on a twin tip? Is there a better LEI option in a similar price range? should i go 15(14 ultra) or 17?how soon would i be overpowered with th 17?

The other option I am considering is the Flysurfer Soul 3. It looks well suited for light wind, but I have a few questions:

1. Would the 15 m or 18 m make more sense for my use case?
2. Can I use my Vantage bar with it, or would I need a Flysurfer bar? If so, which one?
3. Is the Soul significantly better than the Ultra at staying in the air in inconsistent 8–12 knot wind?
4. Is the improved low-end performance worth the additional difficulty of handling and water relaunching a foil kite in the sea?

Thank you for any advice.