We had a little stronger winds today, and I had the chance to ride the 2012 8m Lithium, and the 2012 9m Varial X. When I was on the 8m Lithium, winds were around 19-30, averaging 25mph. I rode it for about an hour. When I switched to the 9m Varial X, winds were more 23-35, averaging 30mph.
8m Lithium: Wow... This kite is super fun. I rode the 10m Lithium yesterday, and liked it, but wasn't blown away by it. This 8m blew me away. Super fun, fast, smooth, powerful, and good depower. Maybe it was because it was so windy(for us Florida guys), but even when I pushed the bar all the way out, it left a little power in the kite. It turns on a dime, and kept power thru the turns. And it jumps really well. There was another guy out on an 8m Lithium, throwing HUGE kite loops... Overall, I couldn't find anything wrong with this kite. I highly recommend this one to any style of rider.
9m Varial X: By the time I got on this, it was too much wind for this kite. I rode for about 20 minutes, but had the depower strap pulled all the way, and the bar pushed all the way out. I could ride, but it wasn't ideal conditions for it. Like I found out yesterday with the 10m Varial X, these kites have a lot of power for their size. It would have been a great day for a 6m Varial X...
So, now I am confused... Yesterday, I was blown away by the 10m Varial X, and liked it better than the 10m Lithium. Today, the 8m Lithium blew me away... I wish I would have had a 6m Varial X to compare... so, I may have to do a mix of Lithiums and Varial X's in my quiver now...
Below is some footage today on the 8m Lithium. The quality is not that good, so sorry in advance. I was hoping to show the kite better than it came out. Anyway, hopefully you can get a feel for how it turns, jumps, etc..