I've had no issues with the original Switchblade on rough ice or light / patchy snow. It will hold a solid edge through pretty much anything. It has definitely made a lot of sessions happen when without would not have been possible. This video shows a couple different surfaces starting at 1:20 https...
What style of riding do you use it for? I'm not too familiar with 5 line kites, loaded means tense? Also can use if for relaunch? For wakestyle dont you want it to turn a little bit slower and be heavier on the bar? So maybe it wasn't what you were looking for Mike.
Does anyone have experience on the Nirvana? I'm looking at an 11m for flat water wakestyle. Just wondering about the build quality and how it does with powered tricks and boosting/looping? Would you recommend it for someone newer to wakestyle tricks?
Yes! This thing is awesome!! We were in a small bay for this session probably a mile fetch or less. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYDyyLt22kk&list=UUISv9DrGrSv3oWz8PHskFtg Don't know why that ins't working but here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYDyyLt22kk&list=UUISv9DrGrSv3oWz8PHskFtg
I'm in Minnesota so lakes are the only option, I have some decent size ones in my area 2-15 miles in diameter. Wind is usually clean with a 2 mile fetch, but I know guys that ride smaller ones and have fun. I've done it but I'm not a fan.