?uest wrote:Hi guys,
I'm probably the 1 000 000th person to ask what kite to buy but I'm confused by the massive amount of marketing information and rider experiences on all the kites out there... I know testing is the way to go but I'm just trying to narrow down the options.
I try to do wave riding, focus on surfing without using the kite too much. The only conditions I ride in are onshore or cross onshore winds ranging 16 -30 knots. I have a 6'0 fish board and my weight is 70 kg.
Looking for a kite with: (in order of importance)
* Super stability. Basicly I'd like a kite that just sits there without moving when my hands or off the bar. I don't like a twitchy kite that's always going further up in the window so prefer rather low AR.
* Drift ability. I want a kite that stays in the air when I'm outrunning it because of the power of the wave.
* Power dump ability. I don't want any pull from the kite when I'm on the wave
* Not to much power when looping (is this what they call pivot turning nowadays?). I don't want to be pulled off my board when steering the kite fast
What model matches my demands? And wich sizes should I look after given my weight, 6ft board and 16-30 knots windrange? Was thinking of 7 and 9m sizes.
Hey man,
So my number one choice this summer living in Cape Hatteras, NC wave riding was the 2013 North NEO 7m and 9m. I weigh 150lbs and ride a 5'11'' Pro Series strapped... With those two kites I rode in anything from 16-35 knots. I would say you would be set with a 7m and 9m or if you want to have a little more on the low end go with a 10m. Being such a great wave kite as the Neo is with its drift (sitting further back into the window), you aren't gonna have a mega powerful kite. I was reminded of that when i switched from the Rebel to the Neo in the waves.
Here is a review I wrote on the Neo after my first session on the kite... I'm still as stoked on the Neo as the day i first rode it!
"Gear: NORTH 2013 NEO 7M, NORTH PRO SERIES 5’10’’
Conditions: Side-offshore winds 20-30mph, head high plus waves!
My first impression of the North Neo was the kite’s amazing ability to turn the power on or off by just simply sheeting in or sheeting out! The 2013 Neo has everything that you need or want in wave kite! Initially after launching the kite off the beach the immediate bar feel and responsiveness of the kite was awesome! Once out in the water and riding my first wave down the line, I was amazed at how well this kite drifted. You can park your kite, forget about it, surf the wave and the kite will just drift down the line waiting for your turning impulse on the bar! The Neo’s turning speed was no less impressive than the rest of the kite; it really pivots and turns quickly! Looping the kite down the line is easy and turning the kite when riding was effortless.
My overall experience of the Neo was great! Rarely is there is not a thing that I would change about a kite, but I wouldn't change a thing in the 2013 North Neo; It is a highly refined kite and is built for dedicated wave-slayers and entry wave riders alike! Hands down, the 2013 North Neo is THE BEST kite I have ever ridden in the waves and I would highly recommend it to any wave rider out there! - See more at:
http://www.kitefinder.com/en/kites/1247 ... er-reviews"
I've ridden the Neo a lot recently in side onshore winds, (we don't get much dead onshore breeze here), and the kite drifts super well when you are riding directly towards it and has saved my butt a few times during a big swell! Let me know if you have any other questions about the kite!
Cheers,
Danny
http://www.facebook.com/dannybarnette.fanpage