Kiteboarding Forums

hi all,

wanted to hear what the forum recons.

about 5 years ago, the most recommended size for a kite (if you could only afford one kite) was a 12m. The technology in kiting has changed substantially with the introduction of bow's, hybrids etc.

I think its more likely today to rather get a 9m as a one-kite only.

There are some 9m kites with excellent bottom-end that will get a 80kg rider going in 16knts on a 140 twintip. Which 07/08 kites are highly rated by riders ( size 9M only!!!) for use in surf, constant everywhere throughout the wind window, good air, durable, one pump, good bottom end! 2nd hand price range R5000-R6500.

(not in the mood to go try and fly all the options, therefore I am hoping the forum can help shorten my list)

I am firm believer of Slingshot FUELS (own 11m and 13m), because these kites are what finally clicked with me after many other brands and some money... Cant beat the simplicity of the bars and smooth consistency of kites everywhere in sky. These are however very powerful in a waveriding session. Want to get a newer 9m now. Therefore my 1st choice is the Slingshot REV 9m, but I am very open to everyones suggestions.

Let the riders and buyers talk only.

PLEASE, NONE OF THE SUPPLIERS ALLOWED TO COMMENT or POST! (PM me in the classifieds for good deal)

 

Hi Adriaan

You prob. best sticking with slingshot and getting a Rev. It's got good bottom end and the wind range will tie in with your fuels + you can't beat the simple bar.

Other 9m I've ridden with good bottom end are the Cabrinha Crossbow or Switchblade and the North Rebel. All get going around 16knts but prob. prefer 18+ ! The Rebel is a great kite in the waves and Cabrinha...well I've never been a fan.

For the rest I can't comment!

Hey Adriaan

 

I ride fuels - 5m, 7m & 9m - its all i have ever needed, try the newer fuels with the 'bigger' depower if you find them too powerful in waves, or simply a smaller kite and bigger board as 140 twintip is not ideal wave board. I dont see the need to change to something different, the fuels (2nd hand) will cost you less than the amount you willing to spend which should leave you with some cash to fork out on a wave board!

speak to dave from slingshot shop, he will give you some options.

Fuels all the way!!

I'm riding 2008 (7&9m)

Mate of mine on 2007 (7&9m)

Other mates of mine (2008 & 9.....7 & 9m's...)

 

 

---

*****************************************************
F.One Kites | Mystic Apparel | Ronix | Watersportswarehouse.co.za
*****************************************************

Hey Adriaan,

I started kitting about 4 years ago. Started on very old C Shapes and had a 12 and a 8 which was perfect for cape town.

I then decided to move towards the bow / sle kite and had a naish shockwave 9m which covered me in most situations.

I now am the proud owner of a naish helix 9m 2008 model. I find its absolutely amazing. Im a big naish fan. I have tried the cabrinha range but wasnt as good in my opinion.

I would go for the new helix 2009 in 9m but if you buying second hand you can definately get good deals on 2008 helix for the money you wanna spend. if you need help let me know.

I have personally flow my 9m Helix in winds from 14knots to 30+ (over 30 gets a little hairy and depower is needed) I weigh 82kg and have a 134 board.

I believe its great and if you want to demo it let me know otheriwse i know the guys at Cape Dr or naish will organise a demo for you.

Good luck and happy shopping

 

Thanx

I have been kiting for 5 years now (on and off). I have always liked the Naish kites, but dont like the bars. Especially the new ones are slightly oval which are tiring on my fingers. Also, the straps on the bars. I hate straps and plastic buckles. The Naish kites itself, always been good. I have flown the 9m Shockwave, the 9m Helix, 8m Alliance, Cult and Torch. All generally good kites in my opinion. Maybe I should use a slingshot bar with these...

I have ridden a few boards also, still love my custom 142 flip-tip Cape Dr that Goose made for me some years ago. Great board in the surf and the flip-tips have save me multiple serious nose-dives in some hectic surf.

The Gaastra Spyder also not bad. Dont really know the North, Best, Airrush or Flexifoil kites.

I was also thinking FUEL 2008 again, because its without a doubt the best C-kite for me, and with the new more depower on the bar it can be good. Spowy and other Slingshot mates rather recons the REV for the surf though.

I still would appraciate more interesting feedback and opinions, just to keep me updated

Hey Adriaan ,

I know I originally suggested you go for the REV2 above the Fuel09 for wave riding but i must admit that after using the Fuel09 a few times in the surf now I can honestly say it's pretty damn sick in the waves . So what I would suggest is that because you already have Fuels is to stay with them and get the 2009 one with a lot more depower .

 

 

 

---

Regards
Gavin Spowart

Cyclone Extreme Products
25 Hunter street Durban
27 31 3686864
083 4638025
www.cyclonekiteboarding.com

Slingshot CT
shop 55 Eden on the Bay
Big Bay
Blouberg
Cape Town
021 5549777
www.sskites.co.za

Ahh sh.t I only saw the bottom of your post now ....sorry .

 

 

---

Regards
Gavin Spowart

Cyclone Extreme Products
25 Hunter street Durban
27 31 3686864
083 4638025
www.cyclonekiteboarding.com

Slingshot CT
shop 55 Eden on the Bay
Big Bay
Blouberg
Cape Town
021 5549777
www.sskites.co.za

Hi Adriaan

I would say in Summer, the Kite your might use the most would be a 7M, actually

A 9M is also alright, just come to Muizenberg, and try an Ozone Kite Instinct Edge II 9M, I have one for you to try...

Just give me a shout on 076 202 37 01

Cheers,
Patrice

---

Patrice Hartmann
Ozone kites South-Africa
info@surfstore.co.za
www.surfstore.co.za

Howzit Adriaan,

At 80kg and a 1 kite quiver (especially for waveriding), i'd rather go for a 7-8m kite if i were you.
Last season i had a 7.5 FOne Bandit as my only kite (92kg & 5'5 directional). The kite's smooth through the window + has full depower (so great in waves) and a very good bottom end - usually on it when others are on 9-12m. I have the 9m too and it's great in lighter wind, but i wouldn't want it as my smallest kite or one-kite-quiver. They don't have one-pump though.

I tried the 7m Rev, and it's a very nice kite too, but has a power spike when thrown through the window, which is great for jumping but might pull you off the rail when waveriding.

---

Cheers

Andre