Kiteforum.com

I'M CONSIDERING BUYING THIS KITE'AND WOULD LIKE OPINIONS PROS-CONS'windrange etc.
i weigh 80 kg and have a 157 board,will i be able to kite in 11-12 knots'how does the kite compare to other brands,is it durable,overall impressions etc.
any info appreciated.
YC

Hi, I'm using it from 10 to 22 knots. Best performance 14/17 knots. Not great with lightest wind due to the weight of the wing. But great in the hi-end of the range.
Yesterday was difficult to hold 12 m for many and I was overpowered but in great control with the 16.5 (12.2 BT) .
Don't buy it if you are looking for low end of the range. In that case better 30 m lines.
To me in any case it is a great gadget and very durable one.
Niks

I have the 12.2 02' and I'm 90kgs and have a 148 Vari. The 12.2 is one of my favorite kites for light wind but I do need at least 15 knts to stay up wind. As far as durability I've had no problems with the kite and am very happy with it. It is a heavy kite but with 15kts. it takes very little effort to steer with my 23" bar. I think that most of the weight is in the LEI. The dacron LEI is really big in diameter but because of its construction I usually pump it up till its very rigid and for a kite of this size I usually don't have many problems relaunching it from the water.

Fly it with a 28" bar if you can. Especially if you are on the light end of the wind range.

I've been riding this kite (BT 12.2) for about months. It doesn't turn quite as well as as an X2, but a prefer it because it seems to have more low end grunt. It is very stable and often corrects itself if you luff it after a bad jump.
It needs to be pumped up very rigid for best performance. people who thought this kite jellyfished didn't pump it up enough. I liked this kite so much that I will be investing in a 2003 version. I wouldn't hesitate to get a 2002 at a good price.