I'm interested in getting a Montana--however the NEO looks interesting with it's crossover abilities...can someone provide input on how they compare on land and then any info on how 'true' of a crossover the NEO is and it's performance on water?

Any help would be appreciated!

Video of Neo on the water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpIVm4BZtqY

The Montana IV is faster with a bit less bar pressure than a NEO. The Montana IV is also a bit more aggressive and suitable for advanced riders interested in aggressive jumps and freestyle action. It will also function a little better in lighter winds due to it’s speed.

The NEO has more stability and grunt power. On water it behaves like a foil kite. LEI pilots without foil experience find it's flying style a little bit different. But I think that is true with any foil vs LEI. Water relaunches are easy and are performed in the same manor on land as on the water, including easy reverse relaunches by pulling a strap connected to the bottom lines.

Personally, I've buggied, snowkited and kite boarded using the NEO. It is a true crossover kite.

Ah cool thanks for the video...can you tell me some of the other crossover kites out there?

arguable any closed inflatable that is water re-launchable could be a cross-over.

Besides the Neo, other ones in the category are the Peter Lynn Arc's or twinskins, with specific examples being the Synergy and Venom series. Other brands are Flysurfer and Sky Country (did I get that right Ken?)

Leading Edge inflatables could be used on land but are not as often since their high pressure bladders are more vulnerable to a puncture that would be catastrophic and end a session. Closed cell inflatable foils and Arc's can withstand a small tear and keep flying.

Hq have the Neo and Hydra trainer.

Flysurfer have many styles of closed cell. Anything from 05 or newer is a good kite.

SkyCountry Just came out with the Wave . I got a shot at it in low wind last weekend. It falls a bit short of the extras that come with Flysurfer but is direct competition with the Neo.

Peter Lynn sells twin skin arcs. These are different kites all together. Best known for their Gust munching + auto zenith qualities. If you live inland and have junk winds , arcs are certainly worth taking a look at ! Again 05 and newer is better.

Inflatables are very often used on land . The new bow kites are great ! Best's Bularoo has extra tough skid pads for land. Ocean Rodeo make tough kites suitable for land as well. 05 and newer also are better.


HA HA,

YES you got it Right Angus . SkyCountry just came out with the wave !

I have NO TIES to SkyCountry I just have the good fortune of getting to fly them. Solaris and Scudley are your GO TO couple on this kite.

I AM now tied with Ripsessionkites and a total Archaholic. :wee:

here in ND we dont have some fairly gusty conditions, a friend of mine started with a montana, and in the slightest gusts it became a nightmare. However a couple people have since switched to the Neo and they swear by it. Also, many people (including myself) have started flying peter lynns and they handle the gusts great too. That being said, from my experience, if you have any gusts, avoid the montana, otherwise, its an awesome kite.

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner YES you got it Right Angus . SkyCountry just came out with the wave ! I have NO TIES to SkyCountry I just have the good fortune of getting to fly them. Solaris and Scudley are your GO TO couple on this kite. I AM now tied with Ripsessionkites and a total Archaholic. :wee:

not to bash ... but the SC Wave has been out for awhile now. saw it posted on the their main website (sc something.ru) its a similar copy to the Concept Air Ex's Wave. The CA EX's series was okay to use on the water for about 2 mins before the inlets took on water.

dunno about the SC Wave, but has anyone tried to water relaunch it.

The FS / HQ / PL kites can sit for hours in the water. thats why in past people went LEI because they had time to water relaunch over foils. not the case now.

my two cents, crossover kites have their place ... its great for people who cant decide or like to move from one sport to the next.
but if you only stay on land, buy a land depower and if you're only on water buy a water type foil. like chris mentioned the difference of performance from the Montana and the Neo.

Even FS has produced a land only depower because it offers more power than a closed cell would.

Auto Zenith RULES!!!

sorry, im going Arc this season with BR. however ill be using my Charger for kiteboarding.