I started out with the high aspect kite Ocean Rodeo Rise kites and loved them. Soon everyone was singing the praises of Deltas so I got myself some 2011 Liquid Force Envys. I had tried the 2010 Envy and didn't really see much difference. What I like is that they are stable, handle gusts with ease.
But here is my complaint.
I'm starting to ride strapless and 70% of the time If I lose my board I literally have to drag back to the beach, run upwind (up the beach) then drag out to my board in order to recover. This is pretty time consuming. I didn't realize pulling like a truck meant that it's almost impossible to go upwind body dragging. The most you can hope for is to maintain your position until your board drifts to you which does not always happen. All that time dragging in sharky waters makes me feel like a lure. I often have beach goers and lifeguards waving their arms, pointing and shaking their heads in disgust wondering why I don't just Jesus walk and retrieve my board.
I see now why many of the newer surf kites, Trigger 2013, Rally 2013, NRG 2012-13 are being made to sit closer to the edge of the window.
For now I'm stuck with my Envy's till the wifey finishes her Cardiology fellowship and I can afford to upgrade...were talking 2016 folks. I look forward to shelving these Deltas and getting more time on the board and less time annoying the lifeguards and tempting sharks. I’ve never heard of this downside of the whole “pulls like a truck” dealio.
I noticed a second steering line attachment point on my Envys that is a little further from the trailing edge. I'm going to try this out and see what it does. I've looked at the manuals and it does not say anything. I'm hoping it will put the kite closer to the edge...we’ll see. If anyone has a clue please chime in.