Sweet kites the Broncos.
I have flown the 9m in 28 - 35 knots, and had a most fabulous time. That little bugger is fast as hell, but hey, in those conditions any little kite is. I got fantastic jumps out of it, but what was really nice and comfy was the little bar. It is so small, almost like a wake board / ski handle.... Even though the little bugger was as fast as hell, it was still extremely stable in gusts, and it was gusting up to 35, I checked the windspeed readings for that day, and time later on.
The 12m I use the most, from 16 - 25knots, and really eenjoy it as well. I like the stability, and speed, especially with such a small bar... It always amazes me.
The 16m I have only used once. The wind started at around 12 and I could cruise, plow through the surf, and do some nice jumps, staying upwind easily on a TX156 from Loose. Slowly the wind picked up and the jumps got loftier and loftier. At around 17 / 18 knots I started pulling the trimmer a bit, and at around 20 was still having fun, although was a bit overpowered. I like overpowered.
Overall the lower aspect ratio does not play a role for me. I am no pro, but I have almost 3 years of experience and consider myself a good kiter, and honestly, I cant tell if it is faster or slower than the AB8.4 which I used my first 2 years (2001 and 2002 2nd edition kite), Skoop 8.5, RhinoII 12, and Caution 12m. I liked one of the above posts about the actual lack of difference between the "hyped" kites and the less "hyped" kites... I agree 100%. I could not have said it better...
The stability on all sizes is fantastic. Gust are absorbed extremely well.
Water relaunch... sorry have not had the necessity to do this yet.
Build: Toughest thing I have ever seen, and I mean it. Put all your X3s and RhinoIIs and whatever you want next to the Bronco... and you will notice the difference. Mostly little things, like seams, stitching and valves. Yes they are a bit more difficult to deflate, but they are tougher than scotch bright! Also the main tube has a release valve, so you need not worry about that.
The bar, needs no talking about, it won awards, and it is simply beautiful, comfortable and works well.
The Punch Out QR system works excellently!!! I think this is the safest QR available today.
My only complaint is the leash. Don't like it, and will need to make myself a rotating leash as soon as I can. Unless OR makes one for me first...
Try one, you will not be disapointed
Ciao
Andi