Dimitri M wrote:
So the SURF 8 meter kite can feel like a (7,8,9,10,11 meter) kite, depending on where you position your bar, how fast you move the kite and what length of lines you are using. The SURF 5 meter kite can feel like a (4,5,6,7,8 meter) kite depending on where you position your bar, how fast you move the kite and what length of lines you are using. And the SURF 12 meter kite can feel like a (10,11,12,13,14 meter) kite depending on where you position your bar, how fast you move the kite and what length of lines you are using. But most important it's the shape of the kite that makes this happen. So in few words you can actually get away with only one kite depending the place you kite. For example my quiver can be only the SURF 8 as a one quiver kite and use it with 22 meter lines for more power or 18 meter lines or even 15 meter lines for when the wind picks up. I have used the SURF 8 with a surf board of course from (12 to 32 mph). I even tried the SURF 8 in (9 to 13 mph) but could not stay up wind and had to do a down winder. But at least I was moving when every body else was on 14 meter kites.
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Hi Dimitri...Bob here. Glad to see you offering a wave kite, but I'm 100% with plummet. Too big of a gap between the 8m and 12m. First time I saw the sizes, the 8m, 12m gap jumped out. Even if the 8m is super powerful, then I would assume the 12m is super powerful also, so if the 8m pulls like a 10m, then the 12m probably pulls like a 14m. Still too big of a gap.
IF a 8m has that much range, then it's giving up something somewhere.
I also agree with Plummet that when riding wave boards, especially strapless, you want the RIGHT size kite. Too much power and it will pull you off the board.
I'm not sure I'm convinced you can make up the difference with the methods you mention above. Sure, different bar movements, turning speed with the bar will make a difference, but that's the same for every kite on the market. I personally would hardly ever change my line lengths for each session. This changes how a kite will react and fly and I like getting used to the same lengths for each size. many companies offer longer lengths for bigger kites and shorter for smaller, and that works fine and you get used to it on each size, but changing lengths for the same size kite will cause differences in how it flies. Are you providing 3 different lengths per kite? I know you've offered 2, but I'm not sure how many people change. Could be wrong, but my opinion.
My all time favorite wave kite is the 2012 Rally. I still have a full quiver of 6m, 8m, 10m, 12m and sold my 14m and regret it ever since. It has a cult following as an awesome wave kite. The don't make it anymore which is a shame, so besides the Drifter that I carry, I want a second wave kite by someone. As a dealer who no longer carries Epic, I'd love to have you prove me wrong though.
For me though, words don't impress, but we will be in OBX for 2 weeks this spring again (April 26th - May 10th). Bring the 8m and 12m by and we'll test them against my own 8m and 12m (stashed and hoarded) 2012 Rally's. I'll know quickly how it stacks up and will give an honest review.
And....if it's the best wave kite I've ever flown, I might become an Epic dealer again, but you should come out with a better dealer friendly package.
We'll talk soon.
Bob
www.kiteridersllc.com
