I have a 2013 10m noise pro and weigh 105kgs I get a useable wind range of about 15 to 28 knots when used with a twin tip and a surfboard but the comfortable or ideal range for me is more like 18 to 22

I can't comment on the 12m but 8 to 12 knots seems a bit unrealistic to me

I am around 85kgs and have the Noise Pro 12m and ride a surfboard. I would say the usable wind range for me is maybe 12-20kn. But around 12kn, there's some walking involved. I really don't see how 8-12kn fits into the "usable" part of the wind range, but maybe someone more skilled than I can eke a few extra knots of wind range out of it.

If the 2013 version is the Noise "classic", then that thing is a different kite. Its more like a 14m and will give you an extra knot or 2 on the low end. But from my experience, the 12m Noise classic is a "big guy's" kite. At your weight you may find that kind a real handful whenever the wind starts getting up to and over 15kn. I really struggled with that kite and was so much happier when I downsized to the 10m Noise classic at the time.

I think if you want to kite down near 8-12kn, you really need to find a dedicated low wind kite. I don't think any normal kite flies ok in that wind range.

8 knots? AFAIK you could only do that on a foil kite or if you're like 50kgs.

I have the 2013 Noise Classic 12m and am your weight. I have not had any success in sub 15 knots with it, but I am just about to commit to a light wind board to open up the 12-15 knot range hopefully with it and add extension lines. I use the 12m all the way up to like 22knots (with a bit of depower) on a TT.
At about 25knots I am overpowered on it, but still in control. At that wind speed, I usually use my 9m.

with the right board you will get below 15knots and should get better low end than your 11 drifter, the 12m noise classic seemed like a 14m to me and had pretty good low end I would have had it out at about 12 knots on a decent light wind surfboard and I am 105kgs. It is a bit of a tractor but it works pretty well as a low wind surf kite

Hopefully, this is relevant... I only have smaller BWS Noise kites, but have recently purchased a new BWS Æneema 13m and loving it. My previous similar sized kite was a 2014 Cabrinha Switchblade 12m and this was my go-to kite for the gentle summer breezes, 95% wave riding. The Æneema has better low end than the Cab, and is more stable in the light winds. I also tried it out at the top end (guessing ~20knots) when most riders were on 10m kites, and while not ideal for wave riding, the Æneema was quite happy in those conditions - was great for tricks.

I went out yesterday in conditions that I would not usually consider (just as a trial) and was surprised that I could stay upwind - local wind readings were averaging 10 knots but gusting to 15 knots (see attached image: between 14:00 and 15:00). I am 85kg riding a 5'8" surfboard. No other kites out - so it had to have been light!

Agree with Tarakiter. In lighter winds am enjoying the 11m BWS Aeneema much more than my 12m or 10m Noise Pros, which I felt were best at their mid to upper range and when conditions were on for some surf. Not tested back to back, but this is my impression after a bunch of lighterwind strapless sessions (<18 kts), having sailed NPs for a few years :

- a touch extra upwind performance (it sits further forward) - in fact, shooting upwind is a joy
- better turning (Ive got caught out a few times in adjusting from the NP, the Aeneema seems to be ready for you at the end of turns a few seconds earlier, for the same effort)
- a bit more power - I dont seem to dive it so much to get going when light
- still great drfit and steady, I havnt tested it much on big waves, but seems good on the smaller stuff and on the beach I can walk downwind towards it more or less as well as my NP and Cloud.

Also my kids are loving learning to kite on the Aeneema - the 'sheet and go' style is good for them, and it seems to relaunch a touch quicker than the NP as the edges are slightly more drawn back. With the simple BWS bar and its finger friendly thick lines, its an allround class set up for having fun on the beach I recon.

This all makes my 11m Aeneema a really nice and versatile lighter wind option. Looks smart in the sky too. Havnt had the smaller sizes out yet - love the 8 or 6m NP when its on, so cant wait to compare. If the light wind around me continues and the kids keep pinching the 11m, I could imagine getting the 13m and not fear it being a 'slow truck' at all.

Cheers for the more info. And on the aneema as well. Might keep an eye out for some late season ones if they pop up on trademe. Assuming the wife doesn't divorce me on the fourth kite I just got. Lol, she couldn't understand the explanation for why I needed two 12s. One is for waves the other one is for freestyle. What's more simple than that???

All good on the thread hijack juan. Really helpful post for my original question too. :)