Next size for quiver (currently riding a 12 Rally)

[magic%20Ed]

Tried some 2012 Rallies, own 12, 8 & 6 Rally 2013, used to own 9 2013.

When buying a 2013 (or 2014) get an 8. I use the kites with 95 kg on waveboards and can fly the 8 from 16 knots (but often, when current kicks in, stay with the 12 until 18-19). So you and your wife will have a great time with the 12 from 2011 and a newer 8.

The 8 has, in my opinion, a bigger range than the 9.

If you would weigh more (like in my range) and you only ride twintip: take a 9 for some brute air, but otherwise the 8 is the perfect size!

[ivan-d]

Thanks, everyone, for your input. Per most suggestions, I went with the 2013 Rally 8m. Will post back with the results when we get to try it out.

[ivan-d]

Just a follow up on my initial post:

The 12 + 8 Rally combo is rocking! My gf and I were often on the water at the same time, and whenever the wind was in either extreme at least one of us could still fly around. I did notice that I enjoyed my 2011 12m Rally (it's one smooth machine, feels like a papa bear) more than the 2013 8m Rally (I ride a strapless directional), especially in the turns, but this may be due to me still learning the moves. Even had a kitemare (entirely my fault) with the 12m where the wind died when I was passing a tall bluff, and the kite died on some rocks. Providence was on my side, though, and I was able to pull the lines and kite in, and float to the nearby beach, with some F-16s for an escort (not sure about the last part, since they do their training in that area every day, but I swear at least one would pass over me every 5 minutes of my half-hour swim around the cliffs and back to shore). Ended up with 2 small and easily fixable tears on the kite, the biggest adrenaline rush in years, and a lesson learned. Can't wait for spring! And, snowkiting, here we come...

[knotwindy]

nice, glad it is working
and you can speed up the turning of the 2013 (and lighten the bar pressure a bit) by having a shop add an attachment point about 2/3 rds of the way back towards the wingtip from the single attachment point they have on the rear line set. works really well.

either way, continue to have fun!

[ivan-d]

Yep, thanks for the tips. I saw photos of people modding it that way, and I'll try to find someone with the skills to do it for me for next season.

[magic%20Ed]

In my opinion speeding up makes sense for the bigger kites, but the 8, come on, it is fast enough!

[ivan-d]

I am too new to the sport, so I can't describe it in proper terms, but it's basically how the kite behaves in turns -- the 8 does it fast and dies on me at the other end, while the 12m takes longer, but provides a more consistent pull. Though, again, this may be down to my technique.

[TheJoe]

My general rule is a minimum of 3m between kites. I am breaking that rule with my 7/9 which has a lot of over lap but I ride wakestyle so the over lap is there for 25+kts. I ride Fuels and the 7 does not work for a good storm kite. A Rally on the other hand will work better as you push a little beyond the recommended wind range.

Either way both sizes should fit your needs.

[CaptainArgh]

Just a follow up on my initial post:

The 12 + 8 Rally combo is rocking! My gf and I were often on the water at the same time, and whenever the wind was in either extreme at least one of us could still fly around. I did notice that I enjoyed my 2011 12m Rally (it's one smooth machine, feels like a papa bear) more than the 2013 8m Rally (I ride a strapless directional), especially in the turns, but this may be due to me still learning the moves...

Very cool, thanks for the follow-up!

Yeah, I can see even between those sizes the 12M 2011 feeling lighter in the air than the 2013 8M. Still both rock' but they are different kites all together. I love the wind range of my 2014s, but I miss the dexterity of my old 2012s.