Re - the Cabrinha Nomad's end of life - , what's the sensible thing to do. Curious what the big names are going to be riding (Keahi and Reo), I assume Drifters.. but it is the best replacement for a Nomad? Concerned about the lack of bottom end on that.. is the switchblade the better replacement? Finding that going back to my 10m switchblade from my 9m Nomad is a compromise, I find it slow and lethargic but gain on the grunt and its technically like a 12m. I love my Nomads and wish the product line would continue. Advice/recommendations based on 2013 riding experience? Also not happy that kite prices are going up to support further product differentiation (Siren line), yet loosing a key kite like the Nomad.. what are comparable kites by other makes? Thanks.

What kind of riding are you doing? You mentioned Drifter which is for sure better for wave riding than the 2013 SB IDS, but the new SB for 2013 is faster turning and lighter bar pressure than previous years.

The SB for 2013 is probably better for most riding conditions unless you want it for waves. It's a little less power though than previous years also.

Hope this helps,

Bob
www.kiteridersllc.com

Only a problem if you are brand loyal. There are so many good wave kites out there. Why limit yourself to Cabrinha? Reo, Keahi, or any talented rider, would kill it on any brand they ride.

Hang on to your Nomads like me until you've found something you really like. I'm sure the new drifter will probably be the closest replacement. The 2013 SB is not that great in the waves as usual unless you don't mind looping it a lot while riding down the line.

What about the Chaos?

Thanks for the advice.. I will hold on to the Nomads. To answer the earlier question, waves, without a doubt, but in the great lakes that only comes with substantial wind.. so I ride whats available, and will opt for a wave spot the conditions are there. I feel we've lost a really great kite.

Those drifters are great except they turn about as sharply as my land rover.

As some others have posted go to the Chaos?? As far as I'm concerned it's basically the same kite, with another name?

I demoed the '13 Drifter 11m back to back with '13 12m SB a few weeks ago in about 18 knots of wind.

I didn't think the Drifter was a slow turner. I thought it was way faster turning than the SB.

Both were pretty high bar pressure.