Hey Guys,
Where's the love that used to be on this forum?

After having considerable "C" kite, "bow" kite and now "Hybrid" kite experience, I reckon I can contribute a valid opinion.

The "C" kite is part of the evolution of kiting, it will be around for a couple more years in various forms. The bow kite was the extreme version of the bridled newer design, kinda like high A/R kites of 02/03, there was a competition to see how far it could be pushed (Naish X10

). Then manufacturers started knocking out moderate aspect ratio kites which suited the masses, just the same as now most manufacturers are making a version on the SLE/hybrid, it suits the masses.

There are countless advantages to the hybrid style kites, they work well unhooked, they are better in the surf, they now freestyle well, they freeride beautifully, boost well and have bags of power and depower. Not to mention they are absolutely dead easy to ride and fun for all levels.

I recall most of last year getting down to Scarbs and talking to all the guys out on surfboards on their "C" kites and them all saying how gusty and crap it was, I would go out and have awesome sessions barely noticing the gusty conditions on the Halo. The Halo also opened up onshore surf riding conditions and riding upwind right handers which none of the "C" boys could do for being dragged off down the line behind their kite which wouldn't depower.
Our beginners in the school can usually ride upwind in three lessons now (and often in 2) and tend to be much safer, it is rare to see newbies kareening off downwind out of control on hybrids.

I think that criticising the hybrid design and saying they ain't all that is a little premature as the design is improving still in leaps and bounds.
Holding on to older technology is fine but you shouldn't be so insecure about your decision that you outwardly bag the new stuff, especially if you haven't given it a good run with an open mind. If you ride "C" and it suits your style, great ride and be happy. If you struggle with "cool" like some pro team riders who have recently recinded their "bows are gay" approach and exchanged it for "hybrids and bows" have "surf possibilities". LMAO

Whats gay today is cool tomorrow if you wait a couple of months. Ride what works for you and keep your non constructive comments to yourself. Nobody cares what you ride or why you ride it.
Good winds,