Postby mike dubs » Wed Nov 07, 2012 9:06 pm
Been watching this thread for a while. Personally don't think there is a perfect wave kite. Everyone is different, ride different conditions and prefer different feels, I.E smooth constant power turn v pivotal turn etc
The biggest difference will always be the rider, and people should also be wary of people generalising about kites and about their turning speed, power and drifting abilities. I have owned and wave ridden on wainmans 9 and 6.5, nomads 11,9,7, Evo's 9 and 7, Reo's 10,8,6, bandit V 9 and 7 and BWS 8,6,5. All of these wave ride well as long as you adjust your riding/timing depending on its feel. Have read a few things in this thread I would disagree with. Of these I've listed the nomads and Reo's were less powerful, the Reo's bandits and BWS drifted the best and the also the quickest turning. The wainmans and Reo's were more pivotal in turning and the bandits, BWS and Evo's the most constant power in smooth turning. The wainmans Evo's and bandits are most all round. Best upwind, BWS and bandits, best for onshore consist ions for me BWS, bandits and Reo's in that order.
Try everything you can, listen to people who've used kites but be aware they ride different to you. For now I'm very happy with a bandit V 12m, bandit VI 9m and BWS 8,6,5.
Mike
Mike