FOIL KITE (dual skin)

Dual Skin, also known as Ram Air kites or Foil kites, is one of the most commonly used kite types by the most dedicated kite skiers. 

They come in a variety of designs from "Open Cell" to "Closed Cell" to "Single Skin" and a few in between. Foil kites are characterized by their "parachute" like appearance, intakes (vents)in the leading (front) edge, and bridles (strings) that support the kite's shape and have a somewhat "bumpy" aka "Air Mattress" appearance due to the individual cells.  

Dual skins can be equipped with "closed cells" meaning that it can be used on water and won't immediately take water into the intakes.  This makes for a great option if you are a year-round rider wanting to ride water, but don't want the expense of two dedicated kite quivers. 

Once the most popular snowkite type, they are losing ground to the new single-skin types due to cost, durability, and ease of use.  However, they are still in favor with kiters looking for more performance than a single skin can offer. 

LEI (Inflatable)

LEI (Leading Edge Inflatable) kites are less flat in profile than foil kites and are more "C" shaped.  They have rigid air-filled "Struts" that support the shape of the wing and no bridles. These are the most common kite you see on the water and they are best suited for that use.  

LEIs require a pump to inflate the frame and get the kite into its required shape to fly.  As many of the components for this are plastic and intended to be used in warmer conditions, this can be problematic in the cold.  LEIs rely on internal bladders that support the rigid structure while inflated.  These bladders can leak while riding which can be a problem regardless of the season. 

They have minimal bridles or sometimes none at all which a lot of people prefer and they hold their shape well in shifty winds and generally are simpler to fly than some foils.   ​

They have a smooth appearance due to the lack of individual cells.  They excel in water use but are generally shied away from for dedicated snow use due to the potential issues and time-consuming process of set up.   Most winter riders who use LEIs do so because they already have them and like them.  

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Dual Skin Kite

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FOIL KITE (Single Skin)

Single skins are essentially foil kites but without cells due to the wing's lack of lower skin (Intrados). The result is a kite that is lighter and impervious to over-pressure damage than can occur when crashing a dual-skin kite leading edge down.  Single skins tend to have more power per size and are intended mostly for touring purposes in addition to being ultra-compact so it's easy to carry more than one on a tour.  The flight quality is generally very good but due to their nature they aren't as "smooth" as a dual skin though that has improved greatly in the last 8 years. 

They are fun, forgiving, and even water-relaunchable for those with a lot of experience.  They have an amazing amount of "drift" (float without being powered by the wind) which is a benefit when riding downhill after a climb, when you fly into lulls, or when riding surf, especially on a foil board.  

WING SAIL (Inflatable)

Wing sails are not kites.  There are some that refer to them as "Kitewings" but that is a brand.  Like referring to all in line skates as "Rollerblades".  These are handheld sails that can do many of the same things as wings but are simpler to learn.  Like a kite, you can ride these with skis, skates, a mountain board, or anything that allows you to move with the power of the wind.   They are more convenient than kites in that they need less room to launch and can be used in areas where kites may not be an option.   They can also be less convenient due to the need to use a pump to inflate them as they share the same construction as an LEI kite.   Technically less challenging than a kite, less intimidating but also lower performance overall.   The ability to instantly dump power makes wingsails a great option for high wind days when you lack the skillset or kite to manage elite wind conditions.   

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Wingsail on water with an SUP.