Hello,
I just registered to give some feedback on this modification and a bit on the Cloud. Please keep in mind that I am still on a steep learning curve and that I have only tested the kites mentioned in this post (and a F-One Trust 7m2 in Brazil last November (25 to 30 knts), but that wasn't even the same sport! ).
I've only been kiting for a year and a half, usually in pretty light wind (9 to 15 knts typically, sometimes up to 20knts, 35°C) in flat/choppy water. I (85kg) started with a 14m2 2012 Evo with which I started to grow frustrated (heavy, so bad low wind relaunch and high bar pressure in higher winds, wind range not covering the usual conditions). So in April I decided to buy a 17m2 and a 12m2 (Blade Trigger) while selling the 14m2.
I debated between a Cloud and a Fat Lady, ended up choosing the Cloud (smaller to carry, cheaper and I like testing odd ideas).
The kite doesn't take much time getting used to, it has a very sane behaviour in the low end (difficult to drop in the water, very good relaunch ability as long as it is leading edge down).It turns quite fast, faster than the 14m2 Evo. The kite stays "back" in the window so upwind is rather physical on the legs, I'd say on par with the Evo and worse than the Trigger.
Where I kite the wind usually starts around midday and picks up gradually. I almost never go out on the 12m2 at first and most of the times the wind isn't strong enough to switch to the 12m2 (I need 14-15 knts).
My issue with the Cloud was its high end, I was getting overpowered around 13 knts, bar pressure increased a lot and, if I went too fast (not even that fast), the kite started to pull like a truck as if on a rail (very hard to stop...).
I was about ready to give up and buy a Fat Lady (even though I never tried it, it seemed to fulfill my desire for an easy to jump LW kite that would overlap nicely with my 12m2) when Greg posted the instructions for the modified bridling.
Following his instructions is super easy and reversible. I've only had three sessions with the modified kite. The first was quite light, I was the only one of my group to go upwind. The kite's low end didn't seem negatively affected by the mod.
The following day the wind started around 11knts and ended around 17knts. I was able to keep having fun up to apx 15knts and then I switched to the 12. I spent all my time on the Cloud trying to jump as high as I could and I feel that the handling in the high end has much improved, as well as jumping ability. I only experienced this "on the rails" feeling once, whereas I think without the mod I would have been struggling against the kite, unable to try any jumps. Or is it my technique that has suddenly improved to a point where I can better master the kite?
The third day out, the wind was a bit less so I stayed on the Cloud and had fun practicing popping without ever being bothered by the kite (actually the kite stays rather "in front" of the kiter so it is probably quite good at popping).
Of course, estimating the impact of the modification is difficult, I'd have to kite with both modified and unmodified Clouds back to back within the same session. What I can say is that I no longer leave the spot frustrated but thinking of what I want to try next time, also the handling seems more direct/reactive. So thank you Greg for the instructions, I won't be going back! Great customer support!
Do I still believe I made the right choice? The Fat Lady does still feel (based on forum feedback and the behavior of my 12m2 Trigger) like a better option for someone like me (intermediate beginner) who mainly wants to progress and nail new tricks, but I am now having a lot of fun on the modified Cloud so I won't change!
The canopy doesn't fill out as perfectly as with the original bridling, I noticed some slight luffing just behind the corners. This shows that the kite wasn't made whith this bridling in mind. This, combined with the smaller leading edge diameter of the Cloud 2 has me quite optimistic on its flying behavior (better high end and easier to go upwind??).
So here was my feed back, for what it's worth.
Cheers,
Mathieu