slaterson19 wrote:Anybody test these two kites? I have some Parks but would switch over if it will help me concentrate more on surfing and learning new tricks instead of worrying about what the kite is doing. How does the Ride rate for Jumping, turning speed, stability, relaunch, surfing, freeride? Thanks.
For me it depends a bit on what you are doing and in which wind conditions...the one thing I can say the ride is not a beginners kite. Yes it is easy to use, but the performance does not hold many back.
I think both those kites drift well...but a bit differently Ride is lighter and a bit flatter and you'll notice that.
The jumping on the ride is a bit softer, but it does jump well. I just had the 11 out with a TT, and had a blast. Super easy to know where the kite is.
A buddy of mine just switched over from first version parks to the ride and nailed some strapless rotations he never did before...I think because the kite just hangs there. I'd say turning is similar. Stability both kites have a huge windrange. The Ride will be a tad more alive at the upper ranges, but great windrange. The Park feels tighter in ultra gusty condition, but there is no wind conditions I would not take the ride out in. Relaunch both are great. Surfing...it depends a bit on how you ride. I'd say drift down the line Ride has perhaps the edge, but the Park works well there too...
The biggest difference: if you do and want more powered kiteloops I would go Park. If you like the kite to just sit and control it by sheeting then the ride is your kite...you can still send for jumps..both kites have awesome hangtime. I also think mixing it up can work great. I think for instance for me the 11 ride and 8 park is a great combo...but the 9 ride is a killer kite too LOL.
What sizes are you looking at?