Kiteforum.com

Just wondering how it rates as a light wind kite?

I've flown it a couple times, often times back to back when I had my 12m 2012 SB.

The thing is a tank, it takes ages to turn, with lots of bar pressure. The kite is *not* a light wind kite, like the newer big crossbows are. So, being 65 kg I didn't notice any additional low end once you get to that range where it's too light for a 12m. Once I was back in the 12m kite's range, I was overpowered on the 16m immediately.

I'd recommend it if you're realy overweight and need a big kite to ride the same time others are riding 11 and 12 meters, otherwise I would go for something lightwind specific which perform a lot better in marginal conditions.

I would look into getting a bigger,more light to med wind directional board like an Airush Sector. Then you could go with a 13-14m kite and have great light wind performance. I am 94 kg and ride the smallest Sector 54 and have no trouble ripping around on a 14m when TT guys are on bigger kites. There is a bit of a learning curve but its easy and fun. The best is using a smaller kite in a med wind situation. If I se guys/girls moving well on 12-14m's I can have a great time on a 10m. If you dont want to go the directional route, maybe a wide LW TT would be something.
I used 2012 SB's last year and my largest kite was a 14m. It was slow turning with substantial bar pressure. It had plenty of grunt. I find the 16m and odd size because you would get better performance out of a 18m Xbow or any other brands larger light wind kite.

I have a 2010 SB 14m it has plenty of pull but a bit heavy on the bar, how does the 2012 14m compare in terms of turning speed / bar pressure / grunt? Thanks

wallyman wrote:I have a 2010 SB 14m it has plenty of pull but a bit heavy on the bar, how does the 2012 14m compare in terms of turning speed / bar pressure / grunt? Thanks

Saw a 14m SB with heaps of grunt, quick turning, but lots of bar pressure last Sunday. On a bungled launch (LOL) poor old Ernie got dragged a beauty

wallyman wrote:I have a 2010 SB 14m it has plenty of pull but a bit heavy on the bar, how does the 2012 14m compare in terms of turning speed / bar pressure / grunt? Thanks

The 2012 has a direct connection to the rear line while the 2010 has a pulley on the rear line. The 2012 is faster turning with more direct connection. IMO the bar pressure was very similar. Both years 10/12 have very good bottom end(not as much as the 08/09 yrs) with good range as the wind picks up. The 2013 has lighter BP, faster turning and less low end.
I rode SB's from 08 to 12, the kite is really solid,easy to use. Launching in LW can be a challenge at times. If your thinking about upgrading, I would look at the 2013. There is not a big difference between the 2010 to 12.