An easy rule of thumb to work with is taking about a 2m coverage on either side for bows. This doesn't take into account some of the new C kites which have really expanded wind ranges so I wouldn't expect an extra 2m on something like a rebel.

Low End

12m bow/sle = 14m C

High End

12m bow/sle = 10m C

The ultra flats now create a little variation in this of an additional 2m or so on bottom end although no one has been able to give me an answer on top end and I haven't been able to demo one myself as yet.

Low End

10m ultra flat = 14m C

High End

10m ultra flat = ?m C

Thanks saffer.

Which kites would you call ultra flat?

Also, how do you distinguish between a bow and a hybrid? is it just that bows have a bridle to hold their shape and hybrids are a flatter c kite without a bridle? and is a flat the same thing as a bow?

Have been happy with C's so have had my head in the sand as far as bows go. but now everywhere i go there are more of them popping up and to be honest i think they will probably suit my part time addiction perfectly. But which one to test/try.

Biggest problem is that cause i'm not buying new cant really demo/test easily .

Bows and SLE's have full bridles, hybrids allow both or use a 5th line to support the leading edge but thats arguable (like the rebel which some still think is a C and others call a hybrid)

The reference to the new ultra flats is a complete design difference from the bow/sle kites rather than just a very flat bow/sle kite. The biggest noticeable difference is the extra strip on the struts you can see in this picture.

There are only limited ultra-flats as far as I know, I think wind-x (the moonsoonz referred to in this topic) and fluidkiteboarding is due to release one soon (an australian brand). Its a new concept from Bruno so not everyone has started using them yet. I've heard rumours that Cabrinha has one coming but no reliable sources have confirmed them yet so its still just rumours.

If you are looking at only second hand, then this probably takes the ultra flat option out of the equation because they have all just been released, and to be honest, there aren't enough reviews out yet to give the public an idea on whether they really work as well as the manufacturers say. You might be able to source a demo one, but you'd have to speak to both guys to see if thats possible.

Of the bow/sle's/hybrid's, I have heard good stuff about a couple of them, and you'd probably need to look at the 13-14 range to match your requirements (i.e. to match the 15 but keep the upper range of your 13m). Some kites like the rebel are great but lack the low down grunt of some of the others like a Switchblade2 so you may have to opt for a 14 rebel if you go that route. Rebel 14 will still outturn most of the smaller SLE's. Waroo 13 would work well, havoc 14m is good and LF have some great deals on demos at the moment, Switchblade 2 12m is very grunty and popular. Heard very mixed reviews about the link. Its a good year to buy second hand, not a lot of duds.

Hey Mopz,

You should consider the Liquid Force Havoc. I Demo'ed the 12m yesterday and it is a very nice kite. It was very gusty from 10-25 knots on a 151 board at a fat arse 95kgs.

Trucks upwind like no ones business. When depowered it's still very responsive. It just wouldn't invert as hard as I tried, relaunch was instant. No bar pressure, really is a pleasure to fly. Padi could probably hook you up for a demo.

Another kite I demo'ed the other day was the Ocean Rodeo Rise. The 8m I was using felt similar to the ion2, bar pressure is a little diferent. The build quality looks as good as any other kite I've seen. It was very grunty, I'm waiting to demo the bigger kites to compare with the Havoc.

Ocean rodeo do a one quiver kite called the "one". Go to there website for details or contact Jason aka(WOK) for a chat and run down. Ocean Rodeo are a Canadian company, I'm amazed there arn't more of these kites flying around Australia.

GK Trix would be worth some research as well.

No I'm not affilated to a shop or dealer at all.

My 2c worth GL

mops definetly not pimping. I have an 07 14 rebel and have just bought a 10m rhino. I am between 95 -100 kgs ride a 138flx underground,145 nobile.( used to have a 142flx but some f(*&ker stole it) the 10m rhino has heaps of low end and I can fly it down at 15 knots I reckon. My 14m rebel has heaps of grunt and I have used it between 12 and 30 knots. At the top end its over powered. The 12m rhino has the same bottom end as the 14 rebel but it handles the high end really well.(This from a good friend with a 12m rhino) My 10 m is awsome in the high winds but it lives up to its reputation as having a massive bottom end as well.
So i reckon if you want a 1 kiver kite for mostly flat water riding the 12m rhino will do it, you also get big air, great up wind ability,quick turning and a fast kite. You can probibly arrange a test ride as well.

i'd suggest a 2007 11m2 or 13m2 tribal or a 10m2 or 12m2 2007 flow or something similar. I like the hybrids personally. Depends on your favourite or most consistent wind conditions, probably the bigger sizes of the above for 85kg

quote:

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Originally posted by mopz

Looking at my options for a 1 kite quiver.

Mainly i want a kite which covers a broad wind range, is reliable/durable (ie. wont have a heamorage in 6 months) and leaves me with a smile at the end of the day. For around a grand.

Thanks

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Mopz,

Based on your above requirements, have you thought about a Flysurfer kite?

(+) wide wind range

(+) durable: I still used a FS that is 4 year old and there is no reason it does not last 1 or 2 (?) more seasons

(+) very friendly kite : no pumping involved, lines stay attached, small kite (I carry all the gear on a pushbike), safe self launching and self landing.

(-) more expensive than LEI

(-) difficult to find second hand

(-) not sure you have a retailer close to your place

Have a look at the following pages if you want to know more:
http://www.flysurfer.com/Content/246/?mnid=728
members.iinet.com.au/~ianyoung/Flysurfer.html

Believe it or not, I do not receive any royalties from FS...

Good luck!

Fred

The Links are fine, however if you compare a link 12 with a rebel 12 and a rhino 12 on the ground you'll notice that the link is MUCH smaller than the rest, I've got a photo kicking about somewhere of a link 12, sonic 14 and rebel 12 and the rebel is as big or even slightly bigger than the sonic!!!

people always bark on that the 12's have so much bottom end, when your hauling that much more canopy in the sky its no wonder! i can almost guarentee that the slingshots will last longer than the norths tho sa they are built a lot better.

Pnut