Buyers Guides | Power Kite | What is depower?

Most foil kites have a fixed bridle system so the kite always generates the same amount of power within the wind window. Fixed bridle foil kites can be trimmed by adjusting the angle of attack from the bridle - this involves landing the kite, and adjusting the bridle manually.

Depowerable kites differ significantly since a depower bridle system on these kites allows the angle of attack (the forward angle of the kite in relation to the wind) to be altered. The kite is permanently attached to the riders harness and the depower system is operated by pushing or pulling on the control bar, giving the kite a significantly greater wind range.

A typical foil depower bar

By pulling the bar towards you, the angle of the kite into the wind steepens, causing the kite to generate more power.
Pushing the bar away reduces the angle of attack with a corresponding reduction in the power generated.

Designed specifically for kite boarding (whether on the snow, water or land), this depower system allows the rider to tune the kite power and turn it on or off in an instant to maintain total safety and control whilst riding.

The depower system gives these kite a significantly greater wind range than fixed bridle foils, although it is worth remembering that depowerable kites will not generate as much power as a similarly sized fixed bridle kite - most riders choose a 7m or 10m as their first depowerable kite.

All modern depower control systems feature safety release systems, allowing the power to be instantly switched off whilst still maintaining kite connection via a safety leash.