Hi anyone got some info on the performance of the Xbow 4 compared to the Xbow 3 ?. I have read a fair amount on the new bar and safety features but not much info on how it flys, jumps, turns compared to the Xbow 3. Currently flying a 7,9,12 but am thinking of going for a 7 and 10 in the new kites. Find that i rarely use the 12. Also interested to know about the bar pressure. I am used to the 2007 kites with heavier bar pressure. I listened to Pete Cabrinha on a podcast saying that there is almost NO bar pressure - concerns me a bit as i like to feel where my kite is. The 1:1 sounds a lot better and i am in favour of no pullies on the bar, would be interested to know how th ebar feeling and performance of the kite is compared to the Xbow 3. Thankyou.

good point.

I also would like to know how the new Crossbow 16 compares to the Contra 17: wind range, grunt, upwind capabilities.

Its called the Crossbow IDS

The barpressure is very nice.
Steering is pressure is reduced compared tot xbow3.
Feels a lot like SB3.
Less on/off on the bar, is better when doing tricks.
Also the new bar just feels better. Bar is a little thicker, and maybe the lower pivot points help to give a good feel.

my experience over the last 2/1/2 wks riding the 9,11 and 13....
bar pressure in the light setting= between the XB3 and the SB3
bar pressure in the lighter setting= similar to the SB3
13 is the replacement for the 14 Contra3...same power and easier to fly
all sizes go up wind easier
extremely stable and VERY smooth in the air
hang time=WOW
11=same power as the 12 XB3
9=seems slightly less power than 9XB3
I've primarily flown the XBs since the beginning and loved the XB3..thought it was perfect. So started out flying the XB IDS in the light setting and for the first 1/2 hour thought they had ruined a great kite...now that I've been on the kite for awhile, I'm flying in the lighter bar setting...the kites are WONDERFUL!!!!!!
all smiles here
by the way...demos over the past two wks have provided all very positive feedback regarding, the stability, smoothness, turning, jumping, hangtime, speed, self landing, bar pressure, etc. Only negative; a couple wished it still had the over ride two on the depower line. These demo were in chop and waves.
steve

I rode a friends XBow4 11m in relatively light winds for the range of the kite, it jumps really well I would say better than Xbow3's (which I have) For the short time I had it I would much prefer it over my Crossbow3. 12M It turns quicker, responds quicker, and like everyone else wish it had a stopper ball. My friend has gotten used to though and rants and raves about how good it is, driveing me crazy because I have one on order and am waiting to get the kite. Bottom line is you cannot go wrong with that kite!

Jeff