Kiteforum.com

Just purchased a 9m
Previously had a 2011 , New kite seems
Very different to the 09
Bar pressure way lighter and high boosts
Seem to have very hard landings
Also low end of the kite seems to have decreased
Just interested if anyone else tried the new 9
And have any similar observations

I have not ridden the 9m but some other sizes. The difference in the 2013s from the previous SBs is significant. The biggest complaint on SBs has been the bar pressure, slow turning, and relaunch. So the 2013s are far better in those three areas. However, there seems to be a trade-off. They seem to have given up a little hang time and low end. I thought the improvement in the other areas far out weighed what was lost. I had a set of 2009 and have a set of 2012s, and although the 2012s are nicer the difference was very little. The difference between 2012 and 2013 was significant.

Haven't tried to unhook yet , maybe it surprises me !

Unhooking is not really different. The stability has not really changed. The difference is definitely in turning and bar pressure.

I've had five sessions on my 2013 11m. I would say it turns as quick as, if not quicker than my 2010 8m and the low end about the same as the 8m. So if you're going to get a 2013 sb go one or two sizes up. Big improvements are definitely faster turning, quicker relaunching, slightly lower bar pressure and the new lines rock. Overall I'd say its a "nice" kite but it doesn't really blow my hair back like the 2007/2008 switchblades did.

the 11m is like an 8m? f***!

Guess its good I ordered a 14m. I was hoping I was going to get more bottom end then my current 2012 12m but from what you're saying it sounds like they'll be about the same. hmmm my kite is on the next container. hoping to try it out asap!

If you would like more Bar pressure put it on the B setting it will also have a little bit more low end.
Also make sure you have the kite trimmed right that all the lines are the same length

In 30 kts my 9 felt like a 7 and I was on
A surfboard
I'm going to check my lines

Yes please check your lines, I'm curious to see if the "new" ones still stretch as bad as the old ones did. After 4 months of riding my 2012 12m I was going to have to buy extensions for my rear lines because I couldn't keep them the same length as the front ones (ran out of room on all the adjustments they provide)

stretched lines should make the kite feel more powered not less.

Maybe its because his lines are new and haven't stretched yet?