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Naish Shockwave 12m Review

Posted: Sun Jan 01, 2006 5:44 pm
by MissionMan
Rider overview

Firstly, an overview on me so you know where it’s coming from. I’m definitely only a weekend kiter although I kite at every possible moment (much to my fiancé’s dismay). I am by no means an extreme kiter and I kite in gusty inland conditions. I am too crap to be sponsored and I don’t have a brand preference. Prior to my latest purchase, I had Cabrinha, Wipika and Caution kites (which will no longer be used) so I am not an existing Naish junkie who will only ride Naish. I ended up buying the Naish after testing it a couple of times.

Overview

I had the opportunity to test some of the bows and eventually decided on a SLE. (Not quite a bow, its hybrid, about half bow). I only tested the crossbow and nova. I didn’t test the turbo diesel or switchblade so I can’t comment on them. The choice is my own and not necessarily the best kite for everyone, so I’ll elaborate in my review of why I liked it. The choice as to whether you get one is your own and I would strongly suggest you test all the kites and don’t buy on reputation or you may not get what you want. I reiterate – TEST THE DAMN KITES BEFORE YOU BUY THEM IN CASE YOU DISAGREE WITH ME!!! You could even disagree with me on a large number of points here, I’m not professing to be an expert at all, in fact I am far from it. These types of kites are largely love or hate style kites.

SLE vs. Bow…how different are they?

Before I start, this is not a comparison between the shockwave and the crossbow, but there are some references to similarities or differences so people know what I am talking about.

So, firstly, what is a SLE? Well, if you missed the “Is the shockwave a bowâ€

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2006 12:55 am
by KingAstra
I just been out with my shockwave for a couple of days but so far I would say Missionman has done a great review of it.The feeling of being in 100% control all the time is awesome the only thing I dislike is the high barpressure it's like a hard workout

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 10:32 am
by kakanala
Great review. One question, though:
How does the "octopus" system work? Does it allow the rider to pump really hard the kite, specially the leading edge?

Thank you.

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 10:40 am
by MissionMan
The octopus system works well. Its 1 way valves where the struts meet the leading edge so you can't see them. When you inflate the leading edge the one way valves inflate the struts. To deflate you open the valves on the struts like you would on a normal kite.

You can inflate pretty hard and it seems to work fine, but sometimes the air does take a little time to go into the struts so if you pump quickly, pause for a couple of seconds to see if the air is still going into the struts and continue pumping if need be.

If you need more info, you can download a octopus system guide from the naish website. It should give you more info on how the system works technically.

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 2:52 pm
by kakanala
thank you for the info. Really useful. :thumb:

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 12:01 pm
by kakanala
sorry :roll: ... one more question:
line length? 20 meters? 27?

I have read somewhere lines are 20 meter long (+ 4 m. for the bridles)

Any confirmation on this subject?

Again, thanks so much.

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 5:03 pm
by MissionMan
Sorry, I'd be lying if I told you. I checked the manual and it doesn't say anything but it seems shorter than 30m.

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 9:40 pm
by KingAstra
The guy in my shop said the lines would be 20m long and the bridles about 4

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 2:39 am
by steadywind
I have had a 12M Shockwave for 3 weeks now. I've had 2 awesome surf sessions on with it on a surfboard style board - no real jumps.
The line are 20M with 4M comprising of leaders and bridle.
I have tried 4M (so 28M total) extensions on flat water with twintip for jumps, only had short session, but will be trying it some more. I can't see how only 20+4M could provide as much hangtime as 25-28M lines. Someone care to expain??
The control of the kite with 28M lines was not as precise as the 24M, 26M could be ideal, not sure yet.

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:38 am
by MissionMan
steadywind wrote:I can't see how only 20+4M could provide as much hangtime as 25-28M lines. Someone care to expain??
Not actually sure, maybe its the flat C shape that gives it more glide, but I am happy jumping with the 24. Even in the lower end of the wind range (15 Knots) I can still get decent jumps.