The 2012 Trigger is a precision traction device with lots of power for a design that is so elemental and light. Small bar movements result in kite redirections and this kite favors a rider who is a flyer. I was struck by how light the Park felt compared to the Trigger at 1st and how it initiated a redirection with small bar movements but did not turn. I mistakenly thought the Park had less power and is a slow turning kite. But after an hour of flying I really could feel that the Park is a highly refined and super smooth kite that has all the power and more vertical lift and glide...excellent glide at the apex. The octopus sytem is pretty trick too. Auto isolation of each chamber during inflation is really cool. I am really excited about the new Park and can't wait to use again and the way it jumps has got me very curious about the Draft. A quiver that goes 17m Draft-12,9 and 6m Park would be super sweet.
I would have expected the park to be even faster reacting / moving (as there is a fixed bridle), but apparently it's not the case.
Regarding the light feeling, I see what you mean (especially with the 12m Trigger I was surprised initially, coming from very light Takoon furia kites). In the meantime, I don't feel it anymore though.
How fast does the Park turn, if you want it to? Similar speed to Trigger? Pull through kiteloops? Drift in waves?
Lives2fly wrote:Has anyone tried a smaller size yet? 5m or 6m? I need something to sit below my 7.5m Cult for when its over 35 knots and for wave riding.
I like the Parks in the bigger sizes - I have 10m & 12m (2011 & 2012) but not tried anything smaller
I got the 6. It's an amazing kite. It will definitely work for you when you're overpowered on your 7.5 cult. However, the new Park has such a broad range, I would imagine that you will get so much overlap with your 7.5 that you'll rarely be using your old kite.
The park can fly fast to give you speed on your board when you need it. It can also be stalled and kept at a slower pace like you are used to from your cults. The parks really are useful for different conditions and different riding styles. I'm getting a 9 to go with my 6.
The 2015 model looks really nice. Just upgraded from 2013 to the 2014 (I always buy my kites on sale). Rode the 12 and the 7 so far. Really nice development from 2013.
Interesting to see what has changed for 2015.
For 2015 the Pivot will be also on my list.
It depends a bit on weight, skill, board, and wind conditions. I'd say I could go on my 6'0'' custom in maybe 15 mph? It hits its stride at a bit more...on a TT I could probably hold down maybe 30 mph...but I'd be on a smaller kite before then.
I'm 200lb. I ride in gusty conditions.