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G'day Mykrowyre

I've experienced those conditions in Australia on the east Coast several times, it has always been in summer. We are in mid winter here, I took those pictures, it was at approx 4.30pm about 30 mins before sunset.
This was not an inversion wind up top thing, look at the water in the pics, it is not glassy there was a very slight breeze.
Also look at the picture where th kite is low and dragging the flyer.
I have never seen an inflatable kite that big fly in such light wind. I would have been struggling to fly any of my large foil kites, or specialised light wind sport kites (where I can run to keep them flying!!)

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve McCormack

PS Phillipp flew the kite on the water yesterday, hopefully he will write about his experience.

mykrowyre wrote:It's called wind up top.

Have you ever had to run in dead air to get a kite into the air, only to get lofted once it hit 12:00? I have...

Happens all the time down here.

Lofted in 4 knots? No way, it's more up top.

I think kites with extended depower are easier to get in the air in light wind - push the bar way out and all the wind is for moving the kite instead of for pull. This should be a good thing, especially for avoiding Hindenburgs in the lulls.

I’ve now had a chance to fly the Contra 17 in varying wind conditions. Before I give you my first impressions these are some important stats:

Rider:87kg; 190cm (6’3â€

How was the windspeed measured?

And just how flat is this kite?

And what does it weigh?

Sounds like a close match for the Speed 17m (or at least, closer), but I'd have to try both in the same conditions.

The Silver Arrow 17 will fly in the 4-5 mph, still not enough to move on the water, but it will get you going on the snow. I would be curious to do a head to head test between the Contra 17 and the Silver Arrow. I know that the Silver Arrow has more bottom end than a Waroo 20.

As far as doing beach jumps in 4-5. I have to agree with the other comments about more wind up top.

I personally don’t think the Contra 12 needs to be positioned as a light wind kite (It may be one for someone under 50kg). For me that kite is simply an improved 12m bow kite with pretty much the same top end than the other two (Crossbow and Switchblade) but it has all the bells and whistles of the new generation from Cabrinha (one pump, cleaner and better bar, etc.).

OK for the top end, but what about the low end for the 12? Is it better than the SB + CB?
I think a lot of people are eager to get this info... me first.

Phil
Have Fun & Ride Safe

Phil wrote:OK for the top end, but what about the low end for the 12? Is it better than the SB + CB?
I think a lot of people are eager to get this info... me first.

I just got my 12m Contra Bow today,
It's 7.5 LBS (3.4 Kg) (Dry canopy with bridals)
Same as the 12m X-Bow.

If you could wait this weekend I will be able to give a low end review,
compared to the 12m X-Bow and Switchblade.

DrLW

Sure sounds like a sweet kite PPP, but to be fair, and since it seems like you and KP know eachother and I guess he has a shop the sells Cabrinha (I am not trying to say that you are not trying to be honest, but all things considered...). Could you please share with us what type of deal you get from KP?


Alex

DrLightWind wrote:I just got my 12m Contra Bow today,
It's 7.5 LBS (3.4 Kg) (Dry canopy with bridals)
Same as the 12m X-Bow.

That's pretty close to the typical weight for any 12m LEI except maybe the Hellfish. So, sounds like a 17m LEI (bow or C or Contra xbow) is going to run about 5kg - typical 17m twinskin is usually a bit under 4kg.

tautologies wrote:Sure sounds like a sweet kite PPP, but to be fair, and since it seems like you and KP know eachother and I guess he has a shop the sells Cabrinha (I am not trying to say that you are not trying to be honest, but all things considered...). Could you please share with us what type of deal you get from KP?


Alex

G'day Alex

I know Phillipppp, that has been stated before on here.
It is not an appropriate place to comment on any particular customers deals, but lets just say that Phil buys a lot of gear, often 3 kites at once, or 2 boards at once and I do a deal with him, but it is a retail deal, competitive for sure, Phil is not a fool with money, and he shops all over the world, so I have to compete for his business.

However he does appreciate the service I provide to him and all my customers, where possible that includes on the spot repairs, on the spot replacement of obvious warranty issues (even though we may wait several weeks for an answer from the supplier), parts and accessories for virtually any kite held in stock, trained knowledgeable staff, free use of demos, free minor repairs, etc, etc.

Price is one thing, and we are very competitive, but we also recognise the value of regular local customers, and we strive to look after them always.

Phil posted those reviews without any request or input from me. I think he just likes to share his experience with others, and he can often be found giving advice to others on techniques, tricks and gear, even lending his gear to others if they ask him.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve McCormack

PS - We both do enjoy watching that cat dance though!