12m and 16m Kites good for Chicago?

[Lithium]

I am about to get two kites to ride here and other places as well, and was thinking that 12 and 16 offers a good range of wind and allows for strong wind condition riding. I am about 195lbs leaning towards 190 on summertimes. Two weeks ago I was riding a 9m Wipika on strong winds (20-25) and it was darn good but I feel that 12 will be just as good. And 16 for lesser winds . What do you all think

[bcruz]

I would recommend one kite as big as you can get. Something between 19 and 21 Meters is the best. Naish used to offer a 23.5M kite, but I think that was a little to unresponsive due to it's size.

For the second kite, I would get something in the 14-16M range.

I also have a third kite that was an 11M, but only used it on vacation and about 5 other times last year. I used my 19M almost every single time I went out in Chicago.

[Lithium]

Thnx a lot. That might solve one of the problem I m facing right now.

[rhumbaflappy]

This year's new 25m Naish kite is pretty good from what I hear. This kite is for riders of 185lbs or higher in light winds.

For someone 160-185lbs, an 18-20m kite is a pretty good all around kite for Chicago weather. You can be lit up at 14-15mph winds on this kite with a smaller board and have fun. If you're heavier, or go with a smaller kite, you will only be able to ride around, without having fun jumping and stuff.

Get a kite that will help you learn, and one you can grow into. You will probably keep your first kite for 3 years or more.