Cabrihna 2009 Crossbow 13m vs. 16m Crossbow vs. 17m Contra 3

[boardridesurf]

I am looking for a great light wind kite for sub 10 knot winds at altitude (5400 feet above sea level). In a recent magazine review, it lists the Crossbow 13m (2010 which is very similar to the 2009 from what I understand) as a light wind kite but I just can't comprehend how a 13m can be a true light wind kite - at least not unless one is using a surfboard. The biggest board that I would like to use is my 154cm Spleene Door and I weigh 185lbs. I understand that there is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to kite size, is there anyone that can give me the true wind ranges for these three kites for use with a twin tip at my weight?

Thanks for the help.

[BigR]

I've tried all the Contra I, II and III series kites and found the Contra III to be
a very good light wind kite if you are 185# or so, you can still find them for good prices if you look
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0566175333
Haven't tried the new 2010 Crossbow 16M yet but I heard it is also an awesome kite for lightwind

[OceanAdventures]

Well, first thing i have noticed is that the 2010 has less of a bow on the front end. If you are using it in water the 09's acctally relaunch a little better. The 09 16m Crossbow is an excellent lightwind kite, it will get you going in some really light wind and power wise is compareable to the 17m Contra. The 2010 16m has the same power but i find with the flatter bow shape that it does not relaunch very easy in light wind. I personaly have fallen in love with the 2010 13m crossbow for my light wind ridding. I was out yesterday in winds from 9-12 MPH and i was ridding a spleene 159x40. Now i weight 140lbs, but still guys on the beach flying 17m's were amazed at how good i was riding in such light winds. Plus with the smaller shape the 13m acctally relunches in lighter wind that the 16m. I never got to fly the 09 13m so i can't give my opinion on that kite.

[islandbound]

At 200 lbs living in the midwest I need a light wind kite. I had the 17 Contra 3 and now ride the 2009 Crossbow IDS. I enjoy the 2009 CB much more as its a fun kite to fly since it turns and moves much faster than the Contra. For me the Contra was a great park and ride kite with allot of grunt to pull you, the 16CB has less bar preasure so doesnt feel as grunty but Im sure in reality it has the very simular low end power since it is much faster. It jumps great and easy to direct for landings. I wouldnt want to go back to flying the Contra after riding the crossbow - worth the extra dollars for sure, really cant comment on the 13m or the 2010 relaunch except I have heard that the 2009 does relaunch better than the 2010. I have never compared the 2009 and 2010 kites to validate that point, I have seen the 2010 in the air and hands down took a local race in light winds..
Good luck