Nova VS Crossbow: test of the futur of the kite

[frederics]

I tried both kites (9m) during 2 hours each (changing 2 times).
Wind was between 15 and 30knots. Flat water.
What is interesting is that kites on paper seems the same but on water they are totally different.
Crossbow: powerfull, fast turning, "violent" power/depower (kind of on-off power).
Nova: little less powerfull but better high end, fast turning too but differently (kite turn more on tip), smoother power.
Jumps with both kites are awesome (the highest jumps of my life).
The Nova is definitly a smoother riding kite and lighter in bar (I was tired with the Crossbow after 1 hour).
From py point of view crossbow is made for people who like to have "violent" power (I think for heavy people it can be good) Nova for soft touch.
For me performance was the same but occurs differently.
I didn't tried to relauchn both.

[ed257]

Interesting review. Would you buy either one and if so, which - or keep C-kites?

[frederics]

I tried different kites, and the only one I want is a nova 9. With 2 boards (140X42 and 128X28) I could cover 15 to 40knots.
That's a good deal.

[Wawando]

I tried different kites, and the only one I want is a nova 9. With 2 boards (140X42 and 128X28) I could cover 15 to 40knots.
That's a good deal.

Hi,

Have you been out in 40 knots with the Nova 9m? With what settings? I used the upper knot position in the front lines and last in the back lines. Half depower. It held up fine, but as it was always almost full depowered, the control was not confortable. 30 knots is the top i am planning to use it.
What are the water conditions where you ride?

Thanks!

[k1t3m4n14k]

Interesting review. Would you buy either one and if so, which - or keep C-kites?

I have tested both kite too.Same impressions like frederics about both kites. And I make my choice. I bought a NOVA 9m. I'm very very happy with the kite.

[kik128]

Have any of you had any problems with the Nova's one pump?
Are there any niggly issues on the kites that exist on the Xbow like shitty ball valves on the struts?

I'm interested in the nova but have not found any other reviews on it.

Have flown the Xbow 9 and 12, found the 12 quite tiring and the 9 was OK.

Would like to fly the Nova 12 but no one in Sydney will have one for Demo.
Oh well will keep trying to find one.

[Dr.Gonzo]

Have any of you had any problems with the Nova's one pump?

On the Nova it is strongly advisable to tightly fit zip ties on all the one pump tubes ... I know someone (who likes his nova a lot) who didn't do this and had one pop off leading to a 200m swim back with a deflated kite.

Simple but essential.

[gazzanz]

I've only had my 12m crossbow out once in 15 to 25 knots but I thought it was great.The bar pressure is a small issue but I would rather have 2 hours of great kiteing then 4 hours of average.I also launched it in overpowered conditions one day and got into a bit of strife.Had to dump the whole kite.Cannot understand why cabrinha don't supply a kiteleash.
There will always be idiots like me who cock up from time to time.
The only other thing that bugs me are the crappy strut ball valves.I seem to spend an eternity trying to pump the struts up.That stupid little ball does not want to sit in place.VERY FRUSTRATING.

[enrico666]

gazzanz,
turn the strut upside down, and look that the ball falls into place, before removing the pump. Alternatively, forget the ball and pinch with your fingers.

[frederics]

use a one pump kite
that's the best deal