Power Kite Forum

Looking at new gear for water

shaggs2riches - 28-5-2011 at 11:11 AM

So its really looking official, that I'm staying home this summer. As such I'm snooping around for new gear to aid me on the water. I'm not sold on anything for sure just yet, as the endless options really don't help the decision making. ATM I have it narrowed down to a 12m Unity, or possibly (cringe a bit) a LEI. I e-mailed Flysurfer Canada asking if there would be opportunity to test the unity, but after a week they failed to reply. I called a distributor in the city, and they said that maybe in a month or so, but for now any stock is reserved. Seeing my friends success with his Naish Cult, I'm looking at the 2011 Bolt, the sigma series seem to handle our shifty gusty crap winds quite well. Without being biased one way or the other (definitely not trying to start a war here) can some of the more experienced riders here, explain what might make either type (LEI and Closed Cell) more suitable for a beginner who's just entering the water. I don't know enough about the other types of LEI to understand what would make a good beginner kite in my inland gusty conditions.

dylanj423 - 28-5-2011 at 12:27 PM

i am actually selling the first kite i was able to surf with... i tried flysurfers first, but i think maybe they were more than i could handle... anyway... im thinking of getting back into a larger FS, but at the moment i need to trim my quiver...

so, i am selling my venom II 19m RTF for $425 shipped...

... very beginner friendly and can handle weird winds all day long

nfleech - 28-5-2011 at 12:40 PM

I've flown both lei's and foils on the water, they each have their pros and cons...tubes are faster in the window, foils work well in light winds etc..personally I'd spring on some tube kites, your learning curve will decrease and your deltoids will be massive from all that pumping!

As far as style of tubes definitely go for a bow or sle, they are user friendly have a big range and plenty of depower for your gusty conditions. The flexifoil proton and ion are sweet kites and I've loved every sesh on my flexi gear. Good luck!!

bigkahuna - 28-5-2011 at 12:43 PM

I've been flying PL's and LEI's for over 10 years. IMO PL's tend to be more stable in the air and easier to self launch / land. LEI's, on the other hand, typically cost less, have better overall performance and turning speed. I think as a beginner kite, either would be fine.

What do you weigh and what wind speeds will you be kiting in? The Venom II 19 (I have a Venom 19 also for sale) is roughly the equivalent to a 16m LEI's top end and 13m low end. For my weight (230 lbs) I can fly mine in 18 to 30 mph, where as I can fly my 16m Bularoo LEI in 15 to 25 mph (gusts to 30). Good, forgiving kites.

I've owned a number of Flysurfers and just didn't like them. First was a Titan 15.5 and the second was a Speed 2 19. Both seemed finicky and didn't handle gusty winds well. I'm always tempted to give them another try, but as you've found, they are pretty hard to get a demo on. Definitely don't buy one unless you've tried it first. Just my opinion. ;)

tridude - 28-5-2011 at 03:03 PM

Shaggs,

A Pulse/Pulse2 or LEI for inland gusties.......................Slingshot Rev/Rev 2, RPM, Flexi Ion, Wainmans, North Rebel all good choices...............always nice to try before you buy but if you cant the LEIs mentioned are nice........................12 and 9m should cover you easliy.............................

Kamikuza - 28-5-2011 at 04:20 PM

IMHO you want a bow (LEI/SLE) type kite ... lots of power, a heap of depower and so easy to fly you can just park it and get on with the learning.
Unless you're real familiar with the arcs - then I'd go for the V2 too ...

My Speed2 hates gusts but after being tuned by John at powerzonekitesports, is uber-stable. So instead of collapsing and tangling, it just collapses :lol:

shaggs2riches - 28-5-2011 at 05:07 PM

The North Evo was also on my mind....would that be a suitable kite for a beginner?????

Kamikuza - 28-5-2011 at 05:17 PM

Yep ... I think it's the 4-line version of the Rebel, is it not?

ripsessionkites - 28-5-2011 at 06:13 PM

if i you want tubes

my list would be Wainman, F-One, Cabrinha

mgatc - 28-5-2011 at 06:50 PM

I struggled with foils and twin-skins on the water for a couple of years. The issues were performance (power?), staying upwind, turning speed, and re-launch to name a few. The final straw was when I was kiting with some friends, one of which was a beginner. I was spouting off about not needing to pump yada, yada, yada, and the beginner, who is heavier than me, goes to the water and is up and gone. I fight with my kite trying to get up between the wind and adverse current until it hit the water. With the current coming at me, relaunch was not going to happen. I swam out with a mass of soaked, tangled ripstop, embarrassed and chagrined.

That very day i went home and listed a few kites and re-invested in the same LEI's my friends were using.

Power - not an issue. Full de-power - not an issue. Turning speed - not an issue. Upwind ability - not an issue. Re-launch - not an issue. What is left is simply having fun on the water for a change. No more frustration.

Will I go back to using foils/twinskins on the water? I'm sure that at some point I will. But for learning - I'm sold on the LEI.

Kamikuza - 28-5-2011 at 07:03 PM

Wainman a very good choice - jack-of-all-trades!

My Speed2 is the only thing flying and me riding on light wind days ...! The right tool for the job :thumbup: but sometimes, I just wanna ride my arcs :D

macboy - 28-5-2011 at 09:28 PM

I'm right behind you shaggs. That T3 in Florida was so effortless in all aspects that I'm looking for a 12m LEI to continue my learning with. I'll go to the foils once I've got three board skills down.

AD72 - 28-5-2011 at 10:48 PM

OR Rise 9 and 12 are great! Long throw bar helps with the gusts. +1 for LEI and beginning on the water.

AD72 - 28-5-2011 at 10:54 PM

North Fuse is the 4 line version of the Rebel. I flew both and liked the Rebel better. I was looking at Rebel or Rise and got a good deal on the Rise so went that route. North bars are great. I just setup one on my Pulse that allows the 5th and front lines to get untangled.

macboy - 28-5-2011 at 10:56 PM

hehehe....just came back to check in and saw my typo. I might wait until I have six or seven skills before going back to the foils :lol:

Kamikuza - 28-5-2011 at 11:09 PM

Thanks AD :)
Flew a Rebel 14 in Thailand, but the wind was super light so I only remember the frustration of being unable to ride - unlike the guys on the Speed3 19's!
When you can ride, make sure you put some energy into learning to control over-powered riding with the board, and not relying on mountains of depower ... very good skill. Props to progression.me (Fatsands) for tips on their YouTube channel ...

shaggs2riches - 28-5-2011 at 11:14 PM

I need to get the very basic skills down:lol: What are the differences between the rebel and evo????? Would one be better than the other in gusty, shifty conditions????? After watching the 2011 North videos, these kites look quite similar. The bar really looks like the cats meow though....very nice chicken loop. From looking at foils all the time I realized that I know absolutely squat about inflatables.:puzzled:

Kamikuza - 28-5-2011 at 11:57 PM

You'll adapt quickly.
Rebel looks like the big freeride kite, and that's what you'll be doing for a while yet :) 'freeride' usually means good upwind, nice big floaty jumps, good relaunch ...

tridude - 29-5-2011 at 06:37 AM

The Evo is Norths newer Delta shape........................Rebel is a good upwind, jumping freeride kite with good low end.....................rebels have been around for years...................................once you advance to freestyle the rebel will still produce......................

Norths bar and safety systems are awesome as are most of the inflatables for obviouss reasons...................
:thumbup:

AD72 - 29-5-2011 at 07:08 AM

The instructor I learned from swears by the Rebel for beginners. The way the chicken loop releases to 5th line flips the kite to the leading edge and depowers is for good safety. The 08 and 10' are the good model years, I have read the 09 requires extra pumping effort to make rigid. I think (correct me if I am wrong) the Evo is more C-kite like but has a bow type bridle. I have never flown one. I had one lesson on the Rebel and one lesson on the fuse and progressed well during the lesson according to the teacher because I was not so concerned about the kite.
One thing you will have to get used to is the long throw and use of the stopper. With PL and FS bars with the trim strap and the nature of the foils, you can let go of the bar and the kite will sit at 12 (PL more than FS). This is great for getting the board on your feet. With the rebel or OR Rise, you let go of the bar and if you don't have the stopper set, it will depower and fall from the sky. This can be a good thing if you get into trouble, just let go of the bar. With an LEI You will need to set the stopper or keep one hand on the bar flying as you get sorted with the board on to your feet for a water start. (I think I still take too long fannying about putting my feet in the straps.)

tridude - 29-5-2011 at 08:43 AM

a newer SLE and Delta will sit with a tip in the water while you get your feet in the straps.....................

AD72 - 29-5-2011 at 09:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by tridude
a newer SLE and Delta will sit with a tip in the water while you get your feet in the straps.....................

Yes the OR Rise sits at the edge nicely. On friday a couple of times I just put it at the edge and swam a few yards back to the board upwind rather than body dragging. Much faster to get to the board. I still have a hard time body dragging upwind in a current.

shaggs2riches - 29-5-2011 at 10:21 AM

I think I'm sold on the North Rebel, really sounds to be the right kit for learning and progressing.....now I just need that tax return to arrive. Later on when I have some skills I'll give the foils a try, till then I'll reserve them for land.

Taper123 - 29-5-2011 at 04:11 PM

I learned to water with LEI's... they are easier to relaunch when your learning... After that, it's all up to the style of riding you like to do. There newer LEI's are really good kites. Arc's have the auto-zenith... but until you get used to letting go of the bar when you know your gonna wipe out... Lei's are so much easiier to relaunch from the water.

Kamikuza - 29-5-2011 at 05:26 PM

Y'all are spending too much time putting your boards on :lol:
I like the North gear ... it's a pity their engineer is a moron (dull story) and their graphics guy is obsessed with Cuban fruit hats :lol:
Cost is a bit mad too - I'd love to pick up a bar for the Speed2 but $500 for a bar? Gedouddahere!

shaggs2riches - 29-5-2011 at 07:41 PM

Yeah the graphics are really busy, hoping I can find one in the black scheme...really looks the best out of the colors. I definitely spend too much time getting the board on. Especially with wetsuit boots, the rubber soles hold you in there, but don't like to slide in very nice. Might have to get used to getting my feet in place loosely, then snugging things up once I'm riding.:dunno:

AD72 - 29-5-2011 at 10:17 PM

The North Graphics are crap. The best year is 08 when it is simple colors. I like the Ocean Rodeo graphics and the Pulse I graphics. Keep it simple color/black/white. The 2010 North is just ugly. Sorry I ain't flying a pink and green kite. They did do a black and white one last year that is ok.
I started to just stick my feet in the straps and go. Cinching feet down with the straps does not seem to help anything. More time on the board just riding it does. Tridude will tell you to go strapless eventually.
I just had a great day today and Friday at Alameda Crown Beach. Yesterday was 10mph then 2 then 10 again. Yesterday even the Silver Arrow could not save the day. But 2 out of 3 days ain't bad. Friday and today on the 12 Rise. I started with the Spleen Session in lower wind and then moved to the Mako skinny once it was around 20mph and above. I am going to have to get another Mako wide or King. The Mako is fun to skate around with and easy on the knees. Spleen Session is a great starter board cause it is wide and not too long.

AD72 - 29-5-2011 at 10:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Kamikuza
their graphics guy is obsessed with Cuban fruit hats :lol:

That is funny. :yes: could not agree more.

Kamikuza - 29-5-2011 at 11:33 PM

I had the same problem with booties - I set the straps on land, then wiggled my feet in as far as I could easily, then got up on the board ... bouncing around, your feet work their way in eventually :D
Have TRIED to adjust straps when riding, but it never works that well ... usually fall over and have to start all over again :lol:

We got 30 to 40 knots here - plus gusts :o - as the tyhpoon blows past down south. Can't get to the beach today at all though :( damned work!

shaggs2riches - 30-5-2011 at 10:05 PM

The salesman I've been talking too is really recommending the Evo to me. Is there a risk when only flying on 4 lines opposed to a 5 line setup????? Really driving me nuts now. The Evo is designed to work on 5th line or 4 line, the problem is that I either buy a 4 line bar that comes with the kite or I'm guessing stipulating that I want a 5th element bar. Its the same at the bar, but changes at the kite. Some places I've read that the Evo handles gusty stuff better on 5th line. This stuff is really nerve racking. Good thing I have two to three weeks before I can buy.

bigkahuna - 31-5-2011 at 04:05 AM

The only people I know who swear by a 5th line kite are those people who do tricks on flat water. In the ocean that 5th line is a liability. If the kite should roll over in the surf, that 5th line acts like a knife and will rip your kite in two. I've seen this happen a number of times.

syuzhak - 31-5-2011 at 05:04 AM

You definitely cant go wrong with a Rebel..Ive tried almost all newer inflatable kites and all foils, and I can say the Rebel is the best medium to strong wind kite (I've got a 2010 8m and 10m). It works very well in the waves, goes upwind like a Speed and jumps as high as any Flysurfer in the proper winds.

The Rebel does not have a bridle, but rather flies on a loaded 5th line unlike most bowkites. The lines are directly connected to the kite like a C-kite, but the 5th line acts as a very simple bridle. So you need the 5th Element bar for it to fly at all.

I thought about getting the Evo...I think it is more of a beginner kite that pulls more downwind because of its delta shape. It is flown on 4-lines because of the bridle, but you can put the 5th element on it for the safety benefits of the 5th line.

I would try both of them out, as they are both great German designed kites. Save the foil kites for lightwind and showing off!

shaggs2riches - 31-5-2011 at 05:50 AM

Its definitely gonna be one of these kites. The compass on North's Site really shows the Evo as being a great kite for freeriding, and freestyle, while it shows the rebel to be mostly freeriding. I'm more or less on flat water and choppy conditions. As Kami pointed out I'll more than likely be freeriding, but I like the idea that it will work great unhooked should I get to that point (it is what I would like to eventually) If I can learn the ropes, I'm interested in wakeskate, as they look a ton of fun. Four lines does look real simple though. I know that 5th line is the ultimate safety, but 4 lines must be pretty safe as well or they wouldn't sell it.....am I right??????

PHREERIDER - 31-5-2011 at 06:21 AM

tubes have become ridiculously efficient and easy to relaunch.

tubes will get you(beginner) going sooner in lighter air. bridal depower may go about the same but require different skill set., the same with arcs and for the beginner just require more air to perform the same.

4 line roll over is what you want for relaunch. a 5th in heavy air works great for all stop but can be trouble like BK said. newer fifth line units are better esp. 2 attachment points on LE. learning both will just require more learning. more for the beginner generally is confusing. as confidence rises then YOU can make choices.


trying to make it happen in light is tough! add current, tide and wave even more so. and learning forget it, its not a gear problem!

learning ..YOU NEED TO BE POWERED no matter what you're on.

operating the gear in light on land(or water) to get use to the handling is one thing , to add the board for a ride is not the same in the same light air.

if its not 15-20 your not going.

riding in 10-15 on the water(ocean) is a different game, maybe different gear and different skill set not yet available in the beginner.

syuzhak - 31-5-2011 at 07:20 AM

Going Evo vs Rebel is your the choice of your own preference. Both will work just fine for learning, if you get the right size. The Evo will be more similar to a low-aspect delta kite in feel, eg Wainman, Pulse, F-one bandit. Easier relaunch, but with more pull in the center of the windwindow so worse upwind. I heard that Evos pull harder than Rebels eg. a 11m Evo=12m Rebel.

I prefer the Rebel because I like the high-performance feel of the Flysurfer Speeds, and the bridle-less configuration(nothing to fail).

Another choice is the North Fuse which is a basically a 4-line Rebel with a bridle...

The 4-line bar is fine, but it will not offer 100% safety. All bowkites really dont even need to have a flag-out, you can just clip to suicide and in most situations letting go of the bar will be enough. But the 5th line will completely flag the kite out, like a Flysurfer 5th line, so if youre out in 40 kt winds suddenly with a 12m you can just pull the safety, but with most 4-line safety systems when you pull...the kite will either spin while pulling a bit or just depower 90%. But you cannot have full safety.

As for unhooking...all kites will unhook fine if you trim them properly. You can unhook on a Silver arrow if you like and do all the basic moves. Only once you get on a professional level and want to do handle-passes then a C-kite will work much better, but for learning it will be the worst.

Wakeskating is done hooked it so any kite works.

shaggs2riches - 31-5-2011 at 07:06 PM

Thanks for the help on this guys I learned lots from everyone's responses. I was gonna go for the rebel, but like mentioned above 4 lines sounds real simple, and judging from the many videos, it looks to be safe enough. I'll try to make a beginners perspective review, when I have the kite in my hands.

Quote:
Originally posted by PHREERIDER

if its not 15-20 your not going.

riding in 10-15 on the water(ocean) is a different game, maybe different gear and different skill set not yet available in the beginner.


I don't even like trying to landboard in wind less than 15mph takes a bit more attention on kite work. I don't imagine underpowered on water works very well either.

AD72 - 31-5-2011 at 10:13 PM

If you end up getting the 4 line Quad Control and want to try out the 5th line for the 2010 or 2011 North Trust Bar, I have the 5 line setup I am not using. I could swap to the 4 line to use on my 9M Rise. I currently have it setup just the bar on my Pulse with the FDS. The 4 line setup uses a mini 5th to flag out on one or both of the front lines. The really nice thing about it is the centerlines swivel below the bar with the 5th going thru the middle and it is a push away quick release.

4 and 5 line North Bar Setup

tridude - 1-6-2011 at 01:27 PM

Shaggs,

U2u nfleech about the bar/setup.........................even though he flew the Vegas' the bar is the same...............he had the 5th line setup rigged and dont recall any bar/line mares.....................he replaced the depower and 5th line due to wear and that process was very easy (keep in mind he logs huge hours) and all of his are in salt water...............................

sparkin_larkin - 1-6-2011 at 04:23 PM

Delta Cs are nice you really can't get a terrible kite these days maybe workmanship can be a problem but overall they are all good.. it will be the first tube of many. enjoy d;)

L

shaggs2riches - 6-6-2011 at 05:19 PM

Sorry to keep bringing this thread back up guys. My last question before my decision is made. It was suggested that maybe a 14m would be a viable option in my area since my friend always uses a 15m unless the winds are close or over 40km/h. I'm 185 though and at 225 I can see why he'd need the extra grunt, except he manages fine on a 135-138cm board, and I'll be using a 144x44 till I can justify a smaller board. Is a 14m gonna be too much kite????? Does it make a big difference at the lower end (I'm not trying if its blowing less than 25km/h). I don't want to lose to much top end by going to the 14m, I could see how it may be feasible when the winds aren't quite strong enough, but I always thought that anything bigger than 12m would be for a guy pushing 200+lbs, unless you are flying a big flysurfer for low end. This is getting more and more complicated with every variable I throw in the situation. On land slightly underpowered isn't a problem like it would be on water.:dunno:

Kamikuza - 6-6-2011 at 07:01 PM

What's that in nautical? :lol: ok 40kph is about 20 knots, 25kph is about 13.

I think the sweet spot for you with a 14m and the board there is probably 15 knots.
It's a sliding scale - more wind, smaller kite; less wind, bigger kite but the details are determined by the lard of your ass :lol: you can get a LOT more out of the bottom end with the right board too.
Yes it's complicated but it's also pretty simple once you get the feel for conditions, kite and board. If you're serious, you WILL have at least 2 kites and 2 boards!

By way of example - we got some tiny locals here ... one guy weighs 60kg :o he can get away with a much smaller kite and board.
For most of the 'normal' guys - say 75-80kg - if I'm on the LEI's, when there's enough wind (more than 10 knots) I'm usually on a 2-3m bigger kite ... when the wind REALLY picks up, it's almost size for size.

Underpowered sucks, this is true. With just one kite and board though, you'll have to pick your days a bit more carefully - but it's doable :D always remember to keep room downwind of you to obstacles like - the land :lol:

Ooh here's a chart from my blog ...

tridude - 6-6-2011 at 07:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shaggs2riches
Sorry to keep bringing this thread back up guys. My last question before my decision is made. It was suggested that maybe a 14m would be a viable option in my area since my friend always uses a 15m unless the winds are close or over 40km/h. I'm 185 though and at 225 I can see why he'd need the extra grunt, except he manages fine on a 135-138cm board, and I'll be using a 144x44 till I can justify a smaller board. Is a 14m gonna be too much kite????? Does it make a big difference at the lower end (I'm not trying if its blowing less than 25km/h). I don't want to lose to much top end by going to the 14m, I could see how it may be feasible when the winds aren't quite strong enough, but I always thought that anything bigger than 12m would be for a guy pushing 200+lbs, unless you are flying a big flysurfer for low end. This is getting more and more complicated with every variable I throw in the situation. On land slightly underpowered isn't a problem like it would be on water.:dunno:


12m in 40k/25mph winds on a 144cm board will be plenty for an expereinced rider and too much for you at the beginner level. In 40k/25mph Im on a 9m rippin..............I weigh 190 lbs.............factor in 10lbs for your wetsuit /harness, still overpowered. 25k/15mph is plenty on a 12m, 144cm board. suited up......................12m is also faster and you will learn kite speed will add power while sining..........once your forward speed/apparent kicks in, park and bark, set the edge hard, send it back and up you shall go.......................

AD72 - 6-6-2011 at 07:48 PM

I like this thread. Keep it going. My vote would be for a larger board (which you have) and a 12 inflato. I weigh the same as you now and have used the 12 OR Rise more than anything so far this year. A 12 will be faster than a 14 and you can work it on a larger board. Last Sunday when the wind died down there were only a few 14s out. When the wind came back on those guys were really powered up. I am not sure what your conditions are but the most common I see in Alameda in the Spring is 12 and in the delta in the summer is 9. You already have a speed 12 but I think that it would handle lower wind than a 12 tube kite.

shaggs2riches - 6-6-2011 at 08:59 PM

Okay thanks guys, this confirmed my gut feeling about the 12m, I've been given a couple links to other sites with used gear. I'll watch them a bit till I finally get my $$$. If I can get something used still in great condition, then maybe I can spring for a 9m as well. If not I'm thinking that once I have the skills to ride the 12m in the higher end, then I might be able to get some riding in on one of my arcs. In the stronger winds, the 10m synergy has been relatively easy to relaunch, so if I stay close enough to shore I should be okay. By the time I'm confident enough to ride in 40kph winds, I'm guessing I might be able to justify a 9m kite anyway. This has been a real learning experience for me, I'm sure it will pay off in the end. You guys are awesome thanks.

Kamikuza - 6-6-2011 at 09:13 PM

You'll probably get more mileage out of having a medium sized kite and two boards ...

What's wrong with the Speed2 12 again?

shaggs2riches - 6-6-2011 at 09:44 PM

Nothing wrong with the speed 2 Kami. I found myself fighting with overflying, inverts and back stalling the last time I was in the water (in the most typical winds I get out here) My friend was off and cruising on his 15m cult, and his friend slightly lighter than me was riding on his 12m cult and exact same board as me (it was his third time flying on the water) This drove me to believe that I might have better luck with an lei until I build some skills. I dropped the speed2 in the drink multiple times, the last time the bridle got all tangled and took me half hour to straighten out back on the beach. I had a great time on the snow with it, but think it'll serve me best once I'm efficient at riding. I don't really mind buying more gear, I'm kinda interested in learning a pump anyways. Kinda nuts I know:lol: The second board will come soon enough too.

Kamikuza - 7-6-2011 at 05:27 AM

Check your line lengths or send it for a tune to John at powerkite... etc etc. You have to be a little more careful with the foils of course ... but mine hasn't inverted since I got it tuned :thumbup:

You're right though, the LEI is just dead simple. You lose the low end and pure rush of the foils, but they're less of an issue when things go wrong. Don't be fooled though - you can still invert an LEI :o

Oh and don't let John talk you in to selling your S2 12 - he's mad keen for them :lol:

shaggs2riches - 7-6-2011 at 06:06 AM

John tuned mine to C+3, B+1.5 or something similar to that(BandC were short relative to a and z). One end was really tuned, while the other was out a bit. For simplicity I tuned them to all even like the videos show. I had the wac set at full soft before, it was light, and I felt I was losing the feel for the kite. Now I have it set to the middle knot of hard/soft its not as nimble as before, but the bar pressure seems to help me stay in control. Going back to the lake next weekend, I'm gonna give my friend's kite and set how I manage with the speed2 now. Once I can ride and cruise I'm gonna tune it back the other way, as the light bar pressure is really nice.

Kamikuza - 7-6-2011 at 06:08 AM

It's just as nimble, you just have to flex your muscles :D agreed on control though! You shouldn't really need to muscle the Speed around unless your desperate ... for apparent wind, to avoid something or for a good jump ;) Well at least the 19 is like that - let it lazily get around to doing what you want and there's enough power on tap 90% or the time ...

AZKevin - 3-1-2012 at 06:41 PM

A lot of good info on this thread! Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who posted up info and their opinions as I will be in the same boat as shaggs.

This thread really helped narrow down which kite i'll be looking into. Altho Im at 165lbs so I might go with a 10m instead of a 12.

Shaggs which one did you end up going with and whats your review?!

joedy - 3-1-2012 at 08:21 PM

I flew an 2011 EVO 9 last year near Myrtle Beach in 20'ish knots. I'm 185 and the EVO 9 had ample power and turning speed. Lot's of depower and pretty much would flip over and launch itself while I was trying to get into the board straps.

The EVO is a grunty kite and won't have any problems getting you up and running.

I hate the colors, though. Simple color patterns are easier to see and nicer to look at. The 2011 North kites really are ugly. Their teal colored storage bags are just as nasty looking, too.

-joedy

shaggs2riches - 3-1-2012 at 08:23 PM

I actually ended up with a unused unopened 2009 Airush Flow FT. I had a bit of issues with the bar that was sent and not being compatible safeties. I got it all sorted out and have only flown the kite once. When I did fly it, I noticed how much of a different feeling it was from flying a foil. I really hope to get some snow sooner or later so that I can snowkite with it. This next spring I was looking at investing in a 9m evo or rebel. But now I'm deciding that a trip to the coast and a 3-5 day lesson camp will be a more beneficial investment to my kiteboarding future. After the lesson, I hope to have the confidence and skills to actually enjoy the limited time I actually have to ride on the water. I want the past summer to be the last one that I'm not out there cruising with my friends.