Wainman Boss or Punch?

[Seawalker]

Decisions decisions,

Weight: 80kg (180lbs without gear)
Board: North Dragon 133x38
Alternative kite: epic renegade 9m
Alternative board: girlfriends epic droid (135x41)

I am getting either the boss or punch. This is to replace my slingshot link 12m (finally it died - such a slow boring kite). Sensibility is pointing me towards the Boss, but I'm not looking for a "total low wind" kite.

• 1) What is the real world low end of the the punch, for someone of my weight on a TT? (ie not just lawn-mowing; upwind with small jumps)
  
  2) Also what could I expect in High end from the Boss, before I would feel overpowered? I can hold down the renegade fully powered in force 6 gusting to 7 (30knots)

Is the 10.5 punch just too close to the renegade 9m to be bothered?
The real reason I ask is that the 12m slingshot link was so slow and boring, I like a faster flying kite, love the renegade 9m, especially on shorter lines. Obviously the Punch will fly faster than the Boss but if the Boss is plenty fast and compares in speed to the renegade I would definitely choose the boss.

Any feedback is much appreciated.

• Side notes on the 2007 slingshot link 12m:
  4-line with code red bridle
  The link was heavy, with its 1million struts, I could never fly it in less than 15knots and could only enjoy upwind in 18+ for a 12m it had terrible low end, apparently 12 knots was possible, it would actively fall out of the sky in 12 knots while on the beach! As it aged the canopy would absorb water one drop in 15-18knots and an eternity was spent getting it up again. I hated it sooo much but I love being on the water I would always convince myself "it will be better this time". Anyway the leading edge blew up, a 1ft wave washed over it!!! no crash!!
  one word review: Boring!
  Just in case anyone is buying 2nd hand as a beginner I would not bother with the 12m version, can't speak for other sizes, it does have a lot of safety options, the main one being its love of not flying!!!

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[KYLakeKiter]

I have not flown the Boss, but I did fly the Punch 10.5 a few weeks ago. I am your weight (180). I was very impressed with the Punch. I flew it on a gusty 15 to 25kt day. I had been flying my Screamer 10 on the fast setting and my timing was not working out well. I jumped on the Punch (which was on the slow setting) and had a blast. I was able to send the kite very aggressively and enjoy some big boosts with easy re-direct. It seemed to handle the gusts well, and bar pressure seemed medium to me. Even on the slow setting, it was agile, so I would say you will definitely get the speed you want. The only thing remotely negative I could see is no single point inflation (if that is important to you), and the CL is kind of sensitive. I didn't have a problem with it, but my friend who owns the kite, keeps accidentally releasing it bumping it with his board and such. Personally I like the CL to release easily so its no issue for me. Good luck with your choice. Sounds like you will be happy with the upgrade either way.

[seaplus]

I am 175lbs and own Smoke, Punch, & Boss...I ride my Boss most of the time due to the predominant wind speeds in my area.

137cm & 131cm boards.

Boss is ideal between 18mph and 25mph.
Punch is ideal between 22mph and 30mph.
Smoke is ideal between 27mph and 35mph.

Bridles set on Upwind...Steering Lines set between Fast & Slow.

[seaplus]

KYLakeKiter wrote "CL is kind of sensitive"...

True...Wainman DonkeyStick needs Viagra!

I seldom ride unhooked, so I bought a piece of clear tubing from Home Depot and snugly slid it over the DonkeyStick...sewed a few stitches thru it and the CL stays hooked.

[Seawalker]

Cheers Seaplus and KY,
Based on your feedback i think the boss is the best choice. 15knots gusting to 20+ a 10m would work for sure. But if your having fun with the boss at 15knots steady on a 131 board, then i am sold!

When theres wind here on average it's usually in the mid teens or mid 20's. so i think the boss is the obvious choice now.

Btw seaplus, do you find the boss relativly fast flying/responsive, even at 15knots?

Yes it will be a major upgrade if i sew sheets together!!!

[sflinux]

I had a 9M Link briefly so I feel your pain. I never tried a Punch, but have tried Smoke and Boss. I prefer the Smoke. But for a 12M, the Boss will be light years better than your Link in overall handling, you'll love it. The Smoke already has a really good low end, so either Boss or Punch should serve you well. The Punch will probably have a top end similar to your Renegade. I hold my Boss to the lower 20s, before my old back starts screaming.

[seaplus]

Rosco1 asked..."do you find the boss relativly fast flying/responsive, even at 15knots?"

I don't even have the pigtails set at Fast & the Boss turns plenty fast even in low winds.

[Seawalker]

Cheers guys, I'm sold on the boss.