V4 16 vs X4 16

[hello_world]

I have the V4 16 and X4 14. The X4 14 has longer hantime than the V4 16. For pure height and hangtime the X4 is hard to beat.

The V4 has better low end grunt and smooth mid range power. The X4 is considerably more stable in strong winds but delivers a more "peaky" mid range. The X4 is amazing how little it deforms in strong wind.

If I want to use the low wind end of the kite I use the V4 and bounce off the lines for jumps. I want to huck big jumps while overpowered I use the X4. It's all good....

I consider both to be "pro level" and quite specific kites, each with their own personalities. They are quite different but both make big power.

[SteveM]

I have been riding the V4 16 for about 6 months and have ridden a friends X4 16 for about an hour in total.

The X4 16 generates a lot of board speed, while the V4 16 does not.
The X4 16 feels very big, I think due to the long leading edge compared to the V4 16.
The X4 16 compared to the V4 16 is slow to complete 180 degree turns.
The V4 16 gives pop type jumps, while the X4 16 gives rocket style jumps.

I am sticking with V4's and Boxers as I prefer a quicker turning kite, and don't mind slightly less height. The V4's and Boxers are very good in the waves and a find them easier to learn new tricks with.

Steve

[Kiteboarddog]

Thanks
Great info
Joel

[stringninja]

the V4 is designed to suit itermediate to advanced riders. It best used in new school moves and in the waves. it turns on a dime, adn has a good consistant pull, great for pop moves. Jumps well and requires little input from the bar whilst in the air.

the X4 is designed for advanced riders who want to get the best efficiency from their kite. It suit big jumps and great hang time, perfect for competition riders. The x4 can fly alot faster through the air mainly because it a higher aspect kite, but also has a constant pull at speed, great for large boosts. turning speed is not as sensitive as the V4 nor as fast. Good for big board offs or overly massive airs (helps stop you making oversteer mistakes).

Both kites have a similar power but in a different way. a good rider can get alot more power out a X4 though, but your itermediate rider would probably be more comfortable on the V4. The V4 is lighter on the bar and easier to pump and has better stationary pull. the X4's pull increases quickely as you get moving.

I've ridden the V4 for 6 months in 10,12,14,16,18,25.
and am now riding X4 for 3 months in 12,14,16,18. (V4 25)

hope you get the right kite for you, sometimes price doesn't matter, look at the characteristics!!!!

[Dax]

I've ridden the V4 for 6 months in 10,12,14,16,18,25.
and am now riding X4 for 3 months in 12,14,16,18. (V4 25)

hope you get the right kite for you, sometimes price doesn't matter, look at the characteristics!!!!

Price must not matter to you, with that many kites.

[Kiteboarddog]

I am still waiting on another demo of the X4 but from all the above it sounds like I will pay a few more $ and get the X4 for the hang time
for the record I do like the V4, It's a great kite and has more hang time than many older models.
Thanks for all the info
Joel

[Scott Evil]

Dax, this isn't a Best thread

I consider myself an educated consumer and bought 4 V4's this year.

for me they were the best deal out there (no pun intended)

different strokes for different folks


SE

[stringninja]

above dax wrote[/quote]Price must not matter to you, with that many kites.

you can't put a price on total happyness!

[cglazier]

stringninja

Thanks for your very informative post. And thanks to SteveM for his post also.


Chris Glazier

[Dax]

Dax, this isn't a Best thread

I consider myself an educated consumer and bought 4 V4's this year.

for me they were the best deal out there (no pun intended)

different strokes for different folks


SE

I didn't mention the "B" word, but even at their prices, 6 brand new kites is expensive. Especially when you dump them after 6 months and get 4 new ones. That's all I was saying.

Congrats on your purchase, the V4's look sweet.