Nando, I can swear by the 09 12m Switchblade IDS but at the end of the day, it all depends on what you're after. I had an 08 North Rebel 12m which is a faster turning kite but relaunch, especially in light wind, was a pain. I've also found the Switchy to be a better kite in the surf.

If you're looking at turning speed as the end-all and be-all, then you may want to look at a different kite but if you're after a stable, easy-to-live-with-and-relaunch kite which excels in many areas, it's hard to beat the Switchy. It is also a great light-wind kite that I can hold down if it blows well over 20 knots. Try different kites before you buy, if you have the opportunity.

Nando said...

Hi, new to the forum & aus
thinking about getting a new quiver of sb ids .
They seem really popular around Australia
was wondering , the reviews say the 12m is a slow kite with a small wind range.
this true??

I,m 95 kg, been kiting a bit, winds are usually 15-25 kts, want to get into unhooking more
considering either 10& 12m sb ids or
9 rev & 13m rev
10 rpm($) & 13m rev
my local dealers got them both at good prices cause there older stock,
any sugestions would be helpful
I know demoing is the way, be there new gear .

So many opinions out there nando, its hard to wade through it all eh?
What one person likes another dislikes, and then theres all the people with some sort of "deal" which influences what they say, part of their deal is to make loud noises on forums dissing the opposition.

The SB IDS is not snail slow and is a very popular kite, thousands sold in Oz and tens of thousands worlwide, must be a good reason to back those numbers up?
It is a good kite, it is not the fastest 12m bow kite, nor is it the slowest. It is fast enough to be a good all rounder, good in waves and equal or better on flat water for unhooking and hooked in freestyle.
It has above average wind range, for someone your weight it will be good from around 15/16 knots to 25-28 knots, on a 1.35x41'ish board.
Combine it with two boards and you will get a couple of knots better bottom end.

The RevII combos are another good choice.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve