WOW!! Stable, powerful (understatement), lifty and Im still alive!! It was def different, alot slower than what Im used to but the raw power and lift were amazing (12ish mph winds)!! Ill get some pics on here soon!

8.5 is a monster. You flying it on the bar or handles? I like the bar for skiing (got to make it a crossover at some point) but have only used the handles for landboarding.

It is a low wind machine - gets me going in about 5mph and I can start to jump at 7mph.

What are your thoughts on how it compared to the bego? The thing I don't like about the blade is the mesh covering on the cells. It gets muffed up if you reverse launch on sticky ice and snow - imagine weedy / stiff grass could do the same.

I really had fun with the 8.5m BIII

Skip the 10.5m - it has too small of a useable wind range...

Flying it on flexi handles with removable strop line--nice little bonus from Ross. It also came with a flexi bar which I'll use with the Samurai while boarding.

B you know I love the Begos so Im prob not going to comment on Blade v Bego! I will say the kite with the most "attitude" Ive flown to date is the Bego 400, as you know a monster when powered up! Ive flown the 8.5 three times in winds 10 to 15 mph so I have not been able to test the low wind performance but surprisingly easy to board with! Alot of that has to due with the speed of the kite which is slower than Im used to. The grunt is awesome and very stable at the edge of the window! Static flying is a breeze for jumping. Just stand with her at zenith and youre assured to leave the ground but again in a slower controlled manner. The only problem Im having with her is overflying zenith so any tips/trimming techniques would be appreciated. I have tied a few extra knots on the brake bridles above the factory knot to see if that helps. All in all very pleased with the 8.5.

I have never had a problem with the 8.5 overshooting the zenith - not even on the bar. Are you having that problem when jumping or just plain old riding?

I do like mine setup on the highest knot - even with the bar - I just can't stand loose brake lines.

Adding knots is the right solution for now if you've already pulled the brakes in on the handle side.

I know the blade can be flown well on two lines but I like all four somewhat tight at all times - that way you balance on the brakes as opposed to applying them.

If the knots don't work check the line lengths.

Did you get it from Ross formerly from NH and owner of Newindsports? Is he selling again in DE?

B,

Thanx for the advice! I havent tried the new knots yet but hope to later today! Yes I purchased the 8.5 from Ross, and the bar and removeable strop were part of the deal. The kite was flown very little, I think he said 5 times! Great deal. I think he has gone totally H2O kiting since his move. He does have a few fixed bridles left! I believe he said he has a bego or two left! Maybe a 600 to go with your 400? You should watch your pennies and go for an Evo before this winter! What a kite! You watch, DaV will have one sooner than later!

Before you add knots to the bridle, pull the brakes in on the handles to see if that helps. The fewer the knots in the bridle the better but if you are going to be flying it on the knot closest to the kite, it doesn't matter how many knots are below it. Knots do weaken lines and blades are pretty lifty so I'd be more concerned if you had a bunch of knots on the bridle and were jumping and flew on the lowest knot.

flexi handles aren't my favorite and based on their curvature and where you need to hold them they do add a lot of slack to the kite while in the neutral position. Add a knot in the middle of the brake bridle on the handle and see if that helps - if not retie it lower - if still no good add a knot on the kite bridle itself. Good luck - the 8.5 is just an awesome kite. How's the mesh covering your cells? Still pristine and all? Watch out for anything on the surface that can snag that. I hate mesh - that's why I was considering a bego 600 over a blade 8.5 but the 8.5 is a great kite.

When Ross was in NH he really wanted to get on the water and had told me that was his plan once set up in DE - glad to see that's coming together for him.

B,

Added new knots on each end inch up from factory knots and made a big difference! Thanks for the help!

cool beans. That's really your type of kite and once its totally dialed - its just awesome.

Yeah its a sweetie but almost slow motion in comparison to the Evo. The 10m is one bad booty foil. I had it at the beach over the weekend.The water folks were so interested that they had a go on her and I got a lesson and my first crack at kite surfing, a Flexi Storm 12m. It was pretty cool.

Tridude on the water So was it harder or easier than you thought? More fun than mountainboarding?

Easier than I thought but amazing what a little instruction and an easterly wind can do! No doubt landboarding and depower helped but def lessons would be essential and highly recommended!

Going for a blade 2 6.4 any comment? Hey good looking out B roc. Remember to check your bridles before jumping.

Thrash,

Hows that 6.4 working for you?

Should get it any day. I will let ya know. Thanks.

Tridude, Are you still on the water? How cool is that! Hey by the way I love my 6.4 thank you. A little snatchy in gusty wind But I kinda like that.