Waroo 07 17m vs. Waroo 07 20m vs. 15 Sport 2

[cnski]

Thinking about getting one of these two kites. Has anyone tested these back to back? I've heard that you don't gain that much low end and loose lots of top end as well as upwind ability (due to the large diameter LE) with the 20m. Is this true? I also have a new 15 sport 2 and am wondering if I will gain any jumping ability by getting one of these Best kites or should I just stick with the 15m sport2. I weigh 235lbs. and ride a SS Glide, and Nobile EXT 143x48 and 666 135x44. Thx

[fernmanus]

Yes, I have.

I would buy the 17M instead of the 20. The 20 does not offer a lot more low-end. Try an 08 Waroo before you buy. It turns much faster than the 07. However, it is not quite as good in low-wind conditions because it is lower aspect than the 07. I think it is a good trade off, but I don't use the 17 as my light wind kite. The 15M Sport2 is a good jumper, not as good as the Edge II. I don't know that you are going to gain a whole lot more. Probably will be able to start jumping sooner with the Waroo.

I would try one if I were you. I think Jake has a 07 Waroo 17M and I have an 08 Waroo. You can try it anytime.

Kite Bishop

[cnski]

Thanks for the tip fernmanus. I was actually going to give you a call on the subject. I have Jake's 17m 07 waroo in my possession but haven't bought it yet. I like the price of the 07 but it might make sense to get the 08, however, low end is my main concern.

[Clew In]

Hey,

What low end are you wanting to achieve?

I am 225lbs(235-250 with gear) and I am having trouble getting going under 12 mph. I am thinking maybe best just going with a new 14-15 meter kite. Maybe the larger kites are too heavy. 2006 Crossbow 16 meter 2007 17 meter Waroo. When the wind is 12mph no problems other than they are slow. Also, I always seem to have light wind and current in the same direction.

I was in Saint Augustine in the spring and one afternoon the wind was 8-10 mph and dropping. I was having trouble keeping my kite in the air and another fellow was on RRD Hyper type and he was flying that kite all over the place. (It was the local shop owner) I did not ride with that kite; however, when he came he let me hook into that kite and fly it on the beach. It was fast and had pull in the light wind that would not even get my kite off the ground(crossbow 16).

Any thoughts?

Maybe I just don't know what I am doing in light wind.........

Clew In

[mv]

I just recently purchased a 2007 Waroo 17m as my light wind kite. I used to use a Speed 2 19m which will really get you going but it costs a lot of money. I got the Waroo for $600 USD with the bar directly from Best.

The 17m works well as a light wind kite. For light wind I still prefer a foil but I am waiting for the new version to come out, the Flysurfer Psycho 4 or Speed 3.

For the money I would recommend the 2007 Waroo 17m and a large board.

[fernmanus]

For big boys in light wind, nothing beats the FS Speed 2 19M. It is my light wind kite of choice.

cnski, you can try my Waroo 17M anytime. I will let you try the Silver Arrow as well if you like.

Kenny

[joshb]

I weigh 200lbs and I ride an 07 waroo 17M. With the SS Glide you should be able to kite in 12 mph conditions. Anything less than than 15mph I don't find much fun and you won't be jumping anyway. The 20M is too big and slow and you'll gain nothing. You are also correct about mostly losing the top end of the wind range.