tautologies wrote: ↑Sat Dec 09, 2017 7:32 pm
John Doe wrote: ↑Sat Dec 09, 2017 4:42 pm
Question - manual says you must deflate the struts by opening the the valve on the struts? There is no workaround to make it so you can just open the main deflate valve & have the whole kite deflate? Seems like a pain.
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Just in general, and this would hold for any kite. Leaving the valves in for a long time is not a good idea. I did that on my evo and it lead to expanded valve receptacle and a leak. It took some work to get it to shrink again.
In general I am willing to bet that the action of opening the valves does, at least, not take more time than having to massage air out through a two-way connection. Remember to use the valve velcro and rubber band to lock it down.
YAAAAYYY!!!!! How exciting. Its such a good time to unwrap new kites!!!!! What sizes did you get? Colors? Pics?
Better to use them for a few months & give solid review than a quick first impression
!!!! I was lucky to spend 2 months at a pretty windy spot with waves. I bought a 6m & 8m 2017 Pivot. I had nearly 30 sessions on the 6m and about 5 on the 8m.
Yes rolling out new kites is bitchen!!!!! Yes the deflate on the struts is not a big deal. I read they have them like that to keep pressure in the struts when you turn the kite.
I totally love the kites. (I was on on 2015 Gaastra's prior so that is a factor-Im sure many 2017 kites would be an improvement. I have ridden some other brands 2017 kites). But, I really like the stability, love the smoothness, love the amount of bar pressure - it seems to be the perfect balance for riding waves. The kites seem to pull more from the harness, and that really helps to surf waves as opposed to edging. The kites go upwind great. I don't feel like I have to edge super hard to go upwind, my Gaastras required significant edging to drive upwind.
The Pivot's are super easy to launch, and even easier to relaunch. I'm really amazed by that. With the slightest bit of wind you can hot-launch them & they just flip right over. Easy launch allows me to have confidence on tight beaches. I'm a bit of a freak & like to launch wherever I can layout a 6m. Some times on rocky beaches, sometimes on small lawns etc.
The jumping ability is friggen amazing. Really incredible. I've been an avid jumper since being on Flexifoil Blades 18 years ago, so I've jumped a ton of kites. These things catch air like crazy. In the past when I jump, I would hit a wave, sheet in as hard as I could & go. With these a lot of times I hit a wave, start flying up & then I start sheeting out cuz I'm going up so friggen high that it's plenty. The kites have the same effect on landing. I can descend, and right before hitting the water sheet in & land super easy.
It's funny because when I bought them I had a little bit of buyers remorse from spending a bit of money on new kites. I could have had another season or 2 on my 2015's. Honestly, it was some of the best money I've ever spent. It's made kiting way more fun. It's seems to be a lot less strain on my arms & legs, which is super important as I've had tendonitis & some other issues. I honestly have more fun. I know I sound like some sort of spokesperson going on & on & on but it's true. Designers have really made some radical advances in the last few years. Really stoked on the kites!!!!!