WHICH KITE TO CHOOSE FOR SNOWKITE

Now that the winter season is in full swing, let’s go get the most snowkite sessions in! But choosing the most adapted kite for snowkite can be a head-scratcher. We are here to help you choose the best tool, based on your riding level and style, but also based on the conditions.

The Shaman is without a doubt the perfect kite for any rider looking for a memorable ride on the snow. Whether you intend to tour high mountains, or to freeride in challenging spots with trees, fences or streams, the Shaman can handle it all. As a matter of fact, safe riding at all times is its key definition.

For an even safer snowkite session, we highly recommend using it with the Gin Ice Bar, which is equipped with a fifth line. To land your kite safely, simply pull the fifth line, which will activate the safety system attached. Also note that the Shaman is extremely compact and lightweight, fitting easily in any backpack.

LEVEL
Beginner to advanced

With the Marabou 2, beginner snowkiters who want to improve their skills get a super-versatile kite, both intuitive and accessible, but also rock solid. One of its key aspect is its smoothness, without any sense of fluttering. It also features the typical stability of a single-skin kite, making it extremely easy to use, regardless of any inconsistent or switchy wind conditions. And don’t be misled! The Marabou 2 also offers easy speed efficiency and effortless upwind edge.

Depending on the wind conditions and the type of ride you are going for, we recommend riding the Marabou 2 with the Gin Foil Bar or the Gin Bar, with line lengths between 17 and 23m.

LEVEL
Beginner to advanced

The Spirit is a very responsive closed-cell kite with a wide wind range, light enough to be carried in a backpack. It is the ideal kite for snowkite regulars, who are looking for performance, light wind rides and slope flights. As a matter of fact, it is Eloi Rondeau’s kite of choice. He loves having long air-times, as well as doing freestyle, racing or slope flight. The Spirit is best suited for laminar wind conditions (constant in direction and strength), when the terrain is not too rough or when the wind isn’t too gusty.

The Spirit should be used with the Gin Foil Bar. The length of the lines may vary depending on the spot. When the wind is consistant on a flat surface, it can be compared to racing on the water, so shortening the lines (and having a bigger sail) can be a clever move. However, short lines might not be a wise idea if the spot is hilly or in the mountains. This prevents from making loops to climb up hills. Also, long lines are great to reach for better wind conditions higher up in altitude. Freestyle and big air work best with 17-18m line length, but 23m can also be used in lighter winds.

LEVEL
Intermediate to advanced

The Instinct HB is the ultimate level snow closed-cell kite. It can be compared to the Spirit, with more suitability to gusty and powerful conditions. Additionally, the Instinct HB allows for better upwind performances and more speed. It is also well-known for its extraordinary hang-time, so feel free to rise to any challenge on snow!

Paired with the Instinct HB, the Gin Foil Bar makes for the perfect combo. As for the Spirit, the length of the lines can vary depending on the spot. Our Test Pilot Tim Bollinger recommends to ride it with 18m line length, making it perfect for any riding conditions, but also suited for loops, as well as for flying around.

LEVEL
Intermediate to advanced

As you can see, Gin Kiteboarding has you covered for your next snowkite session, regardless of the conditions or terrain. Single-skin kites, hybrid kites, or closed-cell kites, your device of choice inevitably lies somewhere within our kite range. Pick yours and live it up!