Which kite to go with a 2011 Switchblade

[soarer]

Hi guys

I'm looking to replace my 2009 7m Revolt with something to go with my other kite, a 2011 12m Switchblade which I use with an Airush Smartbar 2.

What I'm looking for:
- Ideally something that is compatible with the Smartbar 2
- Stable, smooth in gusty conditions, easy relaunch, not too fast (Revolt always felt too "nervous" compared to my 12)
- Complement the Switchblade nicely in terms of feel and windrange, would be great to get something that works at 30kn but still has enough overlap with the 12m Switchblade

I'm somewhere between a beginner to intermediate, just starting to jump. I'm around 75kg, my board is a 134 Nobile NHP.

Won't have a chance to test any kites unfortunately, so any suggestion will help. Best to stick to Switchblades? 7 or 8m?

Thanks

[IWB2]

Soarer,
If you already have the 2011 Switchblade 12m in my opinion the next best size down is the SB 9m. The SB8m would be the next best option. I personally would not recommend going for a SB7m as the gap between the two kites would be too big.

[fishy]

I got a 2011 12m switchblade recently and I then got 2011 converts to go with it 7m and 9m. The 9m convert is a really good all round kite and has the sort of characteristics you're after; good relaunch and very stable and steady in the turn and I've certainly flown it in low 30 knot range, don't know if it would be compatible with that bar though, most of the 2011 kites that are left tend to be sold with the bar complete anyway.

To be honest though if I could have afforded it I probably would have gone for all switchblades, lovely smooth kites, converts were a price compromise go for the 9m if you can afford it!

Agree with the previous post as well, def 9m and not 7m, too bigger gap

[soarer]

Thanks.

Would a Crossbow (8m) be a good alternative maybe? Supposed to cover a somewhat bigger windrange. The problem is that the only spot I can kite several times per year normally either has 12-15kn or somewhere around 30kn. And I simply can't bring more than 2 kites.

I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable in 30kn with a 9m

[fishy]

Yeah 8m CB could be another option (even more expensive though!) will certainly have the biggest range and they do pull like a truck, what sort of weight are you??

Yes if it's gusting over 30 knots I tend to switch down to the 7m but I've been out on the 9m in 30+ and it's not too bad. I think you will find the CB very different to the SB though

[soarer]

I'm 75kg, that should be around 165 pounds.

I always thought that the XB and SB are somewhat similar (without ever getting a chance to try a XB). How would you describe the key differences?

[soarer]

Silly me ... there is no 8m Crossbow, right?

[fishy]

I've only had the older models so not sure, I think they're not really rated as wave kites, probably a bit slower in the turn but bags of depower, that's what gives them the range, maybe do a search on them to get a few more opinions??

[IWB2]

Soarer,
Correct.. the Xbow is not offered in an 8m. If you are looking for an 8m in the Cabrinha lineup then go for the Switchblade. As you already use the SB then this makes sense. The 8m you could squeeze 30knots out of. The 8m is one of my favorite sizes.

I think you too will see what makes the SB8m such a sweet kite.

[experienced1]

Don't make a XB8m..but they do make a 7M and it would be PERFECT in 30Knts at your weight and
board choice. I'm 71kg and use from about 26-38mph. The XBs have the most range in the Cabrinha line up.

steve