Thinking of getting either of the subject kites.
Weight 190lbs (86kgs).
Wind around 12mph.
I have tried SBs but in smaller sizes, but never a Xbow, so I would like some comparison points for this larger size since most posts talk about smaller sizes and not sure how applicable they really are for a 16m kite.

Alternatively, any other 16m kite that is recommended??? I am thinking of those two since I can get a cheaper price b/c they are 2011, and I know the brand quite well.

Thanks!!!

I've flown the 2011 16m switchblade and it was honestly more difficult to get going than my 12. With the smaller kites you can work them a bit (not much since they're slow to begin with) to get going but the 16 felt so big and heavy I couldn't make it work. I am out and riding downwind powered on my 12m in 12mph going upwind in 13. Im also almost 50 lbs lighter than you so maybe you'd get more benefit out of one of those tanks than me, but if I were to get a kite that size I'd look at something light wind specific like a turbine.

Crossbow may be a good choice, I know they race on 16m+ ones but I've only flown a 12 for a few minutes

The Crossbow is a better LW kite but it is very slow.

I tried the 16m xBow and honestly I didn't like it very much. I am really into LW since this is what we get for a big part of our summer so it is not because I dont like big kite.

It really feels like a "heavy kite", also the depower throw is too long for me , I was riding with my arms totally extended. It is also very very slow.

I would think that the 16m xBow would be appropriate for a big Guy. For LW If I was into xBow I would take a 13m LW but If I was a lot bigger - heavier than I would choose the 16m xBow.

Take Blade Big Mama, Epic Infinity, TS 17m are much more fun LW kites in my opinion. I dont mind big kites but I dont like big and really Slow LEI. If I have to go with a big Slow LW kite I will choose a S3 19 or 21.

In my Case I have 2 LW kites : TS 15m + 21 m S3.

PS: I really loved the Lithium LW specific kites, they are a lot faster than the xBow and have similar or better LW performance without feeling too heavy.

2011 Xbow 16 was still a 7-strut kite, not the 5-strut like the 2012 LW 13, 16 or 18 (if it exists!) kites are...

With more projected area I bet it'll park'n'ride sooner. 7-struts is super-stable but heavy as heck!
I've got a 2010 16m and it's big and slow yes, for sure. Don't waste time trying to make power in the turns - whip it around as fast as possible (bit of a balancing act with the bar) and get it working up and down to make power, if you have to. That's no fun though and not as rewarding (effort versus power you get) as some other kites - I really feel my 2010 needs to be parked to be any fun at all...

My direct experiences... I rode a 2012 14m SB and 13m XB LW on the same day, within minutes of each other - literally back to back. I found the SB to be in constant need of sining to keep the power, while I could just park the XB and go for it. I enjoyed the XB much more... bar pressure put me off the SB as well.

Have a 2011 13m XB and it IS better than the 2010 for making power through the turns and is faster... but then, it's a smaller kite! I'm hoping a 16m 2011 will be a improvement too - different bridle and canopy shape I hear.

All that said, I know of people who like the 16m SB more for lighter winds because it's faster and more workable... they're on directionals though.

You can't fly both for yourself?

Thanks for the input!! Unfortunately I don't know anyone with either of these kites (in these sizes) so I cannot test them, but after reading some of the input here, maybe a Slingshot Turbine is better (3 struts) or similar, less heavy, and I do know someone that has one, to test. I will keep looking and please keep the ideas coming!!

Turbine feels super-light, compared to the Xbows Let us know what you think of it...!

Will do Kamikuza!!

Anyone has flown the Airrush large sizes, in particular the Varial X race?

How good and durable are they? Price seems ok, but not sure about quality and durability.

I can't speak for the 2011 but can talk about the 2012.
If you have the extra cash, the 2012 Crossbow "light weight" now, not "light wind" kites are amazing. I own both a 13 and 16m and have a 9m waiting at the store for me for my cash. (yes 9, they are selling well and Cabrinha is now making the smaller kites, hence the light weight not light wind new name. I had my 16m last Sat up and flying at 3.85 knots. Flying but not enough to be on the water. They grab the wind and have grunt to an amazing level. BTW I weigh in at 295lbs......

You should try the 18m 2012 Crossbow. Amazing low end!

We have one that we used for testing for a very reasonable price:

http://www.you-love-it.eu/shop/article_ ... ross18T%26

Best wishes

Gerrit

www.you-love-it.eu