Postby POACHER » Fri Jun 12, 2020 9:32 pm
I'm a gear whore let's get the obvious out of the way right off the bat. Buy to try is something that is necessary really where I live without a kite shop/demo anywhere close. So no biggie, I flip them if I'm not all in. I've owned too many twin tips, including:
Liquid Force Pickle fork
Liquid Force Lithium 133
Hana Crew something or other?
Shinn Monk 134
Shinn Supershinn 135
Crazyfly Raptor LTD 136
Nobile 666 132
Nobile NHP 134
Nobile NHP Carbon 134
Nobile Flying Carpet
Nobile XTR 140
Axis Limited 136
Axis Limited 138
ASP Stealth 135
ASP Stealth 144
North Jaime Textreme 136
Carved Imperator 6 139
Carved Imperator 6 137
Carved Imperator LW 145
Naish Monarch 135
Naish Drive Carbon LTD 137
(So don't show my wife this list....)
At any rate, short and sweet: you don't need carbon. I love all things carbon because I love the strength to weight ratio, looks cool and is very responsive. Being a mountain biker it's hard to not love it. In kiteboarding, I don't think it's necessary. My favorite board was still my Axis Limited 136. Yes carbon, however my buddy's Vanguard (same board, non carbon) rode every bit as well. Sure the Limited was lighter and maybe a touch stiffer, but it really doesn't make that much difference. In fact a couple boards I had in carbon were much worse. (sorry Nobile NHP.....I wish I kept you in the non carbon version)
Now I might contradict myself and say all carbon boards aren't unforgiving planks. Done right they are light, snappy and forgiving. I really like the couple of Brokite boards I rode a few years ago. Super light, forgiving and responsive without the punishment.
My Drive carbon is pretty forgiving and rides well. I'm sure the Motion is even more comfy.
Monarch..........what can I say. This thing is a monster that was purpose built for hauling ass, jumping and Kevin launching into big chop. It doesn't care about your old knees or forgiving the landings. (it's not that bad actually...) It just goes upwind great, it's fast AF, goes through chops like a torpedo and has about the most locked in edging I've had on a twin. (the 55cm fins are a MUST!) I'm probably too old, too unrad, and not the level rider to be riding it, but I don't care. I'll always have a Monarch in the quiver. It's just weird and fun enough to keep.
Lieuwe boards are extremely interesting to me......seem to get glowing reviews from everyone. So if it were me, I'd take a ride on one if possible.
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- GJibb (Sat Jun 13, 2020 12:37 am)