I am looking into redoing my quiver. I recently came to the realization (for now) that I prefer foils for lightwind, and tubes for higher/gustier conditions.

My riding style: primarily freeride. I love to jump and getting into spinning around. I'm not big into unhooking yet, but it is a goal this year. We do not have surf here, just wind waves, so a true wave kite isnt needed.

I currently have a 15m speed3 which I am keeping. I also have a 14m rebel, and a 14m vegas. I much prefer the vegas, because it is more direct feeling, and gruntier.. but i like the range of the vegas. I also have a 10m rebel that i am happy fairly happy with.

I am looking for 12,9,7 combo, or a 14,11,8, (or somehwere inbetween with my existing rebel. for ultimate lightwind and smooth wind days, i'll go on the 15m speed.


Do you guys have an kites you are really happy with? I've heard tridude loves his wainman, but im not sure that is right for me, sounds like it really excels in waves.

have you used a 7or 8 much?

I like my foils for cruising in light wind or just cruising, my tubes for "trick" silliness and my arcs for gusty high winds ... in general I mix it up too when I feel like it.

You're asking about type of kite? I was looking at Liquid Force kites before I got the second Cabrinha ... lower AR and less struts, more C-shaped than the Crossbow ... I'd seriously consider a delta cos I was impressed with the Fone kite I used (but not the bar) so don't rule them out ... the North Vegas I used in Thailand was nice, fast and stable and I love their bars ... or you could wait for the PL LEI

I wouldn't be on the 7-8 a lot, but today for example, not having it meant not riding. Also, trips to the gorge this year I would expect that I'm going to need a kite smaller than a 10.

I guess I'm asking about types of kites. perhaps if I could get into something with the direct stable feel of the vegas, but with better hangtime, that would be perfect. the only thing im not in love with regardin the vegas is that it doesnt put you down particularly soft..

Keep the Vegas moving over your head during jumps. Otherwise I really like my Rebels, for waves, upwind, and boosting.

Steve,

you dont need waves for the Wainman to excel.............there are three bridal settings for upwind, factory, or downwind waves................kite goes upwind well, great pop and float for jumping..................Rip and Denis have flown the 9m Smoke and both liked it so they might caviat on this thread...............

Im thinking your 15m S3, 12m, and 9m Smoke would do it..................if you find yourself making frequent Gorge trips a 7m may be necessary

Tridude, I'm glad to see you have such enthusiasm about your kites. Right now I have 2 things playing against me with regards to rabbits. Cost and availability. The local kite shop here isnt actively dealing them anymore, so there is a fair amount of hoops to jump through to try one out. For cost, its a bit much just to buy and try.. so I just don't know. From what I have read, they sound good though.

Right now local shops carry flysurfer, north, naish, epic, liquid force, best, cabrinha, and slingshot.. there may be more... Also, I dont see my self owning a best/liquid force anytime soon.

Epic has a pretty good rep for support and whatnot ... I shared a few emails with Dimitri, trying to get a test ride on one here - pretty good to chat with the head honcho!
LF make some nice kites - got a buddy here with a quiver, they look real good ... I wouldn't touch Best with a barge pole but that's just me ...

Steve,

send Rip a U2U on the Rabbits..................he had the whole quiver but since joining the Team PL he has been trying to sell them......he may send you one for a test ride or you 2 could meet up.........I think you're like an hour apart?

another sweet delta is the Griffin Argonaut ($1000 retail RTF)..............we have a local Aussie who kills it on this one............this is an Aussie design I believe and Im also thinking he's a team rider for Griffin.........dude is amazing!

Yes, and I think the Griffen honcho hangs out at extremekites.com.au or whater the URL is there ... kit looks good too

I'll check in with rip, i know i talked to him at one point and he didn't have a 12 hangin around anymore tho. You're love for them and previous love for speeds compels me to try them tho!

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Originally posted by bigsteve I'll check in with rip, i know i talked to him at one point and he didn't have a 12 hangin around anymore tho. You're love for them and previous love for speeds compels me to try them tho!

i really enjoyed the Rabbits, its just too bad I had to let them go. I too at the point was searching and searching for LEIs to have and toping my quiver with a FS Speed 21m.
the choice I had came down to the Cabrinha vs Wainman.

dunno when you want to use the kite, but Grant is going south from march 20/something and back up april 6/something

i can ship to you if you want, for the record my 2x 9m and 1x 15m is going for cheap, cheap, cheap.

for Gorge riding, i think a 9m is fine but bigger BOOST.

I like my 12/9/7 combo. Being 210, I ride my 12 to 25, 9 to 35 and 7 into the 40's. So I'm not sure what I'd do with a 5 :D My 12 starts at about 17, so a foil for 10-15 is a good addition.

cool rip, let me think about it and get back to you. I'm stillw weighing my options so i dont want to waste your time, but I greatly appreciate your generosity.

On a side note, i started reading up on the north evo. that also sounds like a decent choice. Anyone try it? Would you expect it to behave similar to a wainman, both being delta's and all?

big North market here in Chucktown but Ive never seen an Evo........some Rebels but the Vegas is top draw............

I ended up getting a 2010 vegas 12m this weekend. I am thinking of rounding off the quiver with a 9m rebel and a 6-7 rebel for the wee little stuff.. then I can used the same bar. I am getting mixed reviews with some saying there will be too much overlap with the 9-12, but it seems an 8 would be too small.