Hey..This kite sounds to good to be true. Simple setup and good flying characteristics...why then are these not all over the beach?

Also, i mostly freeride would this kite be good for that?

njrider: the kite is awesome, its just a little too out of the box for most people to consider as a potential new kite, then if they were interested its not an easy kite to find as most airush stockists don't hold this kite in fear they will not be able to sell it. you would have to buy without a demo and for a kite like this thats a hard pill to swallow.

its one draw back is that it is not easy to sell second hand for the same reason above.

which is a shame as it is a very very good kite to fly, its flying characteristics in the low end of its range in particular are a step above any kite on the market today.

i have noticed difference of shapes between 2011 9m and 12m if looking from riders point of view.
9 has lower AR roundish shape and 12 is thinner, higher AR. and i've noticed that 12th loses power in lulls and "waving" the kite does not help much. i mean turning speed is ok air speed is ok, but it just flying and doesn't have the power for moving me, same time 9th works good!
even flat profiled speed kites have more power on down stroke.

do 2012 bigger size Ones behave the same?

you are talking about the forward turning ability - continuous power and sometimes increased power through the turn.
The big Lithiums (12 and 14) are exceptional at this, but the One has power from the sheeting angle as opposed to the turning ability. I've tried the 9 and 15, both turned fast but did not drive relative to the Lithium and Varial X, that said they have bucket loads of sheet in power when you get enough wind to ride.. A characteristic of so many more extreme delta kites..
I'm looking forward to trying the 6m, forward turning is not such an issue in this size!

i'm not talking about Lithiums, i'm talking about how One 12m is "switching off" in about 14knts quite suddenly, while One 9m is still able to pull you if you "sineing" it

Yep! I own the 9 and 12m ones and agree with your comment. The nine definitely overlaps the range of the 12m. To be honest, of I wasn't flying the 9m, I'd want to fly the 15m.

Am I correct in reading that the 12 meter One has issues? Is this for the 2011 model only?...I'm a beginner (working on edging upwind) who has has about one season left on my 12 meter 09 Cabrinha Switchblade (it's getting tired)...Conceptually speaking, I'd like to replace it with a "light wind" alternative to use with my Spleene Door or a North Skimfish (another potential purchase recommended by a friend for light wind) for those after work 8-15 knot evenings - I weigh 158 lbs. Perhaps the 12 meter One is the right choice?

I've read the One has an edge over other kites in terms of relaunch in marginal conditions so I thought it might be an ideal choice. After reading some of your comments in terms of the 12 meter one "switching off" I wonder if this also an issue with the 2011 model, the 2012, or both years.

Am I perhaps better off with another kite; there's a score of kites to choose from. The biggest factor is relaunch-ability in the off and on evening conditions I plan on using it in. For anything stronger I have an 8 meter Switchblade and may consider filling in with something in between if need be. Your advice is appreciated.

You can consider the Airush Lithium 14 LW have a great relaunch-ability and for a 14 M is
a fast kite.

Hmm, thank you for the suggestion. Would a 12 meter Lithium serve my purpose as well, given I may be riding a light wind directional? I read they have decent power.