Just got mine last week, and tested in about as light as I want to go out (for a heavy guy anyways), 12-13kts with my tona and boots, in Ocean choppy stuff, and although not a whole lot of fun, at least I was able to stay upwind and mow the lawn, which beats sitting at home watching youtube videos; but I think once I introduce my SB to the FL, its gona be a match made in heaven for light winds.
Now this past Saturday I took the FL down to Key Largo (flat water) in 16-18kts then picked up a bit I'd say to 20, and holy shit (pardon my language) it felt perfect, I mean, this kite is an elevator monster, and the hangtime is fantastic, very smooth, the first boost, I about crapped my wetsuit, it completely caught me off guard how high I boosted. Relaunch very quick, but then again I was powered up, have to see in lighter conditions.
For such a big kite, it really does turn quick, had a dude ask me about the kite, when I told him was a 17 he couldn't believe it, 2 comments: one how quick it looked like it turned, and how it doesn't look that big in the sky, him and his friend though it was a 14. But I must admit the first time I pumped the kite up, I thought WTF did I do, this thing is ginormous.
Bar pressure is perfect, enough to feel the kite, but not enough to get you tired, I kited with the FL for 10 hrs (we haven't had winds these decent in a while, so I wasn't gona miss any of it) with only a 45 minute rest and my hands were torn from a switch bar a buddy let me borrow to test (55cm), but my arms/elbows were fine.
URSS wrote:After 2 rides I'm stoked! Blade has made a great job again.
As URSS pointed out, I'm sooooo stoked with this kite too! I can see the possibilities of being in the water more, I don't think my wife is gona be too happy though.
Only thing now is a bar; debating on the bar, it's not quite as quick with my wainman carrot bar (L) as it was on the switch 55cm bar (couldn't believe 5 cm's make that much difference), or at least it felt that way, so I'm debating between the blade bar, which I haven't been able to test or feel, I've seen it but not even touched it, or perhaps the mutiny bar, which looks incredible, and the grips is silky smooth. I like the switch bar, but that thing is like sand paper, tears you up quick. Any suggestions?