I'm looking to buy a new kite but live in an area where there are no dealers and i cant test ride any kites so i will have to buy off the net without test riding one. And i trust the opinion of the riders more than the kite mags.

I currently ride a 12m 08 north rebel, weigh 87kg and have intermediate to advanced skills. I ride surf and freestyle and the wind range is usually between 15/25 knots. Any feed back on whats working well and will last the whole season will be appreciated..

Hay surfingboeye, did I not see you do two or three swims to day, in gusty wind on your Rev, when the other boys on there Dos were out in the waves, some getting dumped in double over head waves & just getting trashed, then relaunching there kites & going back out. Not woosing out into the river to go for another swim, in the gust.
"depending on how much you want to spend."
Did you mean Money or time swimming?
HA, HA,HA.
I would of come & saved you if you got in to the waves, I could see you from the top of the three meter waves & was looking out for you.

if you gave me $1500 tomorrow, i would go straightout and buy a used 11m rev2.
best kite i have flown. best build quality; so many times it has been rolled by waves, yet it still lives scratch free.

interesting to hear other opinions.

12m Vapor III would fit your requirements.

Int to advanced kite
no pulleys or bridles
Quick, super responsive but still stable.
The 12m now turns exceptionally fast for a larger kite.

Good for surf and freestyle, although you have to be careful with bar inputs if doing tricks as it is responsive. However there are simple options to tone down the turning speed.

Your choice at the end of the day, and there are some good kites out now, but I doubt you would be dissapointed with one.

NQ rider said...

.. Im looking for something that turns fast for a 12m and would still like to stay away from the pully and bridal kites if possible. But whatever is working best this season for most riders and will last is the kite im interested in

Your requirements will narrow down the list a bit as most stuff has bridles and pulleys. You may be happy to hear the 09 Rebel turns MUCH faster than previous models in a 12m????

why not check gear reviews

Yeah the new Nobile N62 looks sickk... can't wait to give one a go.