Right at the start of the fifth generation of the PEAK, we took the time to collect everything worth knowing from our clients. Preparation is the key to a successful expedition and is very important before your daily session. We give you the chance to know your perfect match PEAK x CONNECT even before you unpack it. Read about single skin kites and their use and watch a direct comparison to the PEAK4!
General information about the single skin concept:
Single skins generate a lot of power in relation to their area. Therefore, you can fly a kite size smaller than usual. Small kites are a lot of fun for most riders because of their greater agility.
What are the advantages of a single skin kite?
The single skin concept has high lift profiles and a very efficient depower. Reducing its weight to a minimum brings advantages in stability, drift and light wind handling. Single skins allow the use of our B-Safe system and absorb hard impacts. The excellent longevity of these kites is not only due to the concept but by their material.
Why does a single skin kite flutter?
A single skin kite flutters because it does not hold its structure at a neutral angle of attack. It can be compared to a flag. The flutter increases the depower effect.
Why is the TX-Light fabric built into the PEAK5, what are the effects and benefits?
Increased durability with minimal weight gains. High ageing and tear resistance, three ripstop threads and enormous rigidity at only 33g/m² make the TX-Light the perfect fabric.
How does the PEAK feel in the air:
The new generation of the PEAK pulls stronger and transfers more of its power to the harness hook. You receive more pressure on your lower back, your arms stay relaxed. Therefore, you require less physical strength while steering the kite, it reacts easily and immediately to your input. The PEAK continues to provide a high level of security. It impresses by superb agility with high force peaks in the power zone.
How does the flutter affect the bar feel?
You can feel the fluttering of the kite at the control bar when you depower it. Pulling the adjuster on the control bar increases the depower effect and the flutter occurs earlier. In direct comparison to its predecessors, the PEAK5 feels much calmer and steers effortlessly.
Does the flapping affect the durability of the cloth?
The fabric of a single skin is comparable to an LEI kite in the ageing process. Both systems are suffering under fluttering, whitening stress can occur. The clear advantage of the single skin is that it absorbs impacts, resulting in reduced stretching of the material. The PEAK cannot explode, its longevity is excellent!
How does the TX-Light fabric influence the control bar feel?
The TX-Light fabric does not affect the control bar feel of single skin kites.
Where the PEAK thrives:
The PEAK is built for use on firm ground. It covers an enormous wind range so that you can start in the light valley winds and climb the summit in the most challenging conditions. Its light wind stability, easy control and efficient depower make it a “problem solver” for instructors and newcomers in training. Even hydrofoilers that kite with big front wings are tempted to use the kite more and more often!
I am a skier/snowboarder, what sizes do I need for backcountry touring?
You always have to take the essential factors into consideration: body weight, wind strength, snow conditions and terrain. It is difficult to make a statement, but we recommend the following quivers for skiers/snowboarders/tourers:
- Light wind: 13m / 8m
- Changing conditions: 11m / 8m / 5m
- Strong wind: 6m / 4m / 2.5m*
*Normally when the wind blows so strong that you can use a 2.5m, you better hide in a tent or wind shadow.
How steep can the terrain be in which I move?
The steeper the terrain, the more dangerous it becomes! Especially when you can lose tension in the kite and slide back down the slope. Please obtain information on the current avalanche situation! We recommend completing an avalanche course and contacting the local authorities. Collect as much information as possible. Don’t take any risks!
Why is size 3 no longer available?
We reduced the flat area from 3m to 2.5m to improve the top end. The 2.5 m PEAK is a kite for specialists who have good kite skills. The kite is very agile and has a sensible power to depower ratio. In other words, a kite that needs attention. Therefore we recommend the kite in flat areas or undulating terrain and especially on the hydrofoil. In light winds, it can be used as a trainer kite and flying it is a real pleasure.
Can the PEAK be used on the water?
Yes, the PEAK is useable on the water with one restriction. The relaunch is not reliable and the kite will sink when it drops in the water. As long as you stay in control, the PEAK can be used excellently for hydrofoiling or for training in shallow areas where you can stand and walk to the kite.
Can I use the CONNECT1 Control Bar with the PEAK5?
Yes, the FLYSURFER CONNECT1 and CONNECT2 Control Bars are the recommended products for flying the PEAK5. Both control bars fully support the B-Safe system. Please watch our assembling guide on our YouTube channel. You might prefer installing the control bar and the B-Safe System at home or indoors, before dealing with all outdoor factors.
Important for your safety:
Sport in alpine or high alpine terrain involves enormous dangers. We recommend checking the function of all safety-relevant parts before starting a session. Avalanche knowledge, protective clothing, food and radio equipment are essential for a tour. Any weather warnings, avalanche warnings, nature reserves or prohibited zones must be observed and complied with. On hard surfaces (land, snow, ice, asphalt, etc.) we always fly the PEAK with the B-Safe system including the 5 lines on the matching CONNECT2 Control Bar.
Has the safety system changed?
The B-Safe system has proven itself and has not been changed from its predecessor.
What is the B-Safe System?
The CONNECT Control Bar is specially configured for products with the B-Safe system. After the release, the safety system is guided on a 5th line, which gathers the wingtips of the kite together. The safety system is only compatible with the PEAK and VIRON product lines.
Can I use short flying lines on my PEAK without any safety system restrictions?
Yes, you can attach short flying lines to the PEAK without restricting the safety system. We have developed and tested this product on 14 m and 21 m flying lines. The use of self-made, shorter flying lines is not recommended and can cause malfunctions.
Can I attach a 4-line control bar with a single frontline safety system to the PEAK?
Yes, the PEAK can be used with Single Frontline Safety. The 4-line control bar must have flying lines of the same length and at least a 3 m release throw to fully flag out the kite in an emergency.
Can the B-Safe system still be used if I shorten the flying lines of the CONNECT Control Bar?
Yes, the B-Safe system is fully functional with 14m lines, we recommend this length for training, in schools and strong winds.
Is the B-Safe system useable for self-landing my kites?
Yes, the B-Safe system is ideal for the controlled landing of kites.
Sit back and watch the comparison between PEAK5 and PEAK4.