Postby boyceduke » Sun Sep 15, 2013 12:29 pm
Hi all, I had a quick go on a 10m dice, (1 hr choppy conditions) so I can't be over critical until I have a second fly. I have been riding for about 4 years, weight 97kg, 6ft 3 ride a 136 TT shinn board, I was out in cross on conditions high tide, choppy as hell in about 19-22mph I think.
I enjoy free riding and basic freestyle, Just learning F-16's so I'm far from advanced. I'm not into handle passes yet and I'll be honest probably won't as I'm too old and can't afford the time off work. I'm not brand affiliated in any way, I'm a paying customer who loves the sport and is totally addicted.
I have been riding rpm,s on and off for 3 years and I changed a few times to different brands but always felt the rpm was more refined, quicker, better handling, forgiving and nice through the loop. I would love to own fuels but the south coast in the uk doesn't suit these kites IMO. Anyway I took my rpm,s to the beach called into the local shop and picked up there demo 10m dice.
First impressions after pumping up, typical north build quality, top notch, D2 material small Dacron trailing edge, much lighter than other kites in the north line up. Scuff patches in all the right places and the new inflation valve, simple to use and quick to pump up, similar to ozone/liquid force.
Laying on the beach it is fairly high aspect and looks like a Vegas with the tips cut off.
I almost forgot I had 22mm lines so probably an equal balance between speed/low end.
In the air the kite looks similar to an rpm but slightly more solid feeling, hard to explain. The north bar is also great on par with the simple slinky bar.
I fully powered the kite up and dived it through the window, the kite accelerated so quickly, caught me by surprise, I easily had enough power to pull out over the crashing waves. The kite felt nimble, solid with great bar feedback. The bar pressure was medium to medium light IMO, slightly lighter than an rpm but I did have it set up on light setting (couldn't be bothered changing it). So on the heavier setting probably ideal for freestyle and the lighter side for waves.
Upwind was great, you could hold your line and the kite would be pullingntowardsbthe front of the window. Down wind was fantastic, kite just drifted so well, I ran towards the kite on quite a few occasions and it just floated backwards well balanced with slack lines.
Freestyle, the wind was not as strong as I would have liked it to be honest due to my weight but I was easily getting 12ft plus airs. Kite loops were very nice indeed, quick with medium pull allowing me the rider to still be in control.
To sum it up it is very rare I get on a kite in these conditions and actually think I prefer that kite to my own as I am always comparing other kites against my own rpm as they have a great reputation as a do it all machine.
To sum up I used to own north Vegas kites as well, great kite but personally can't stand 5 lines, don't think there is any need for them. Also owned a rebel, same opinion, 5 lines and not very good at loops etc.
I just found the dice a great compromise, solid, well built, 4 lines, simple bridal, responsive, excellent drift, IMO pretty good low end considering, a real rpm contender. Well done north, looks like 2014 will be another expensive year for me.
A 2013 Rpm sold already and the other one very soon.