WA
21 posts
Quick background. I am around 100kg. Currently have a 13m venom. Also have two boards. One is a 130 Liquid force. Crap for up wind was so so awesome for pops and jumps (Specially back rolls :)). My other board is a old Wipika 186 board. Old, thick and floats like a life raft. Great for light winds days. Current setup for staying upwind is around 13kn with the wipika and 20kn with the liquid. Looking at a new kite for the season. Could I please have some feedback/comparison on the 16m Venom/ Venom 2. A comparison between the 13 and 16 would also be brilliant. Looking for a kite to give me a bit more play in the lower wind range. Last season was such a weak wind season.
PS. Please don't advise on other kites. Specifically looking for info on the venom.
Thanks
Paul
NSW
117 posts
Hi Paul,
I have a V13 and a V19 and I have used the V16.
I would say get the V19. It would give you the right amount of overlap between kites whilst getting the widest windrange for your quiver. I think the V16-V13 would be too close. I've been out on the V13 at the same time as a mate who was on a V19 and we were both comfortably powered.
Can't say much about low end because I only have a small board and not great light wind kite flying skills but I can hold down a V19 (on a 125 board) at 20 knots (actually even higher but not it's not "fun"). I weigh 78kgs.
I can't give any comparions between the V and V2 as I've never tried the V2.
You can also try arcusers yahoo group for any arc related discussion/advice.
WA
3 posts
G'day Paul,
I have a very similar setup, 13m venom2 and Liquid force drop 130. As you've noticed, the board is generally the problem with this setup, you can't keep up the necessary speed in light wind without riding downwind.
I've ridden the 16m version and have found that I don't like it, for my weight (75kg) I only gain 1 or 2 knots in light wind, and am not willing to live with the slower turning tradeoff, I found I have a lot more fun trading up my board to something like an FLX 132.
In saying that, for a heavier person the 16m venom is probably a good choice, you'll pick up more bottom end range then I would, I reckon the top end will be fairly close to the 13m, making it superfluous. To get the most out of it though you really need to be riding with a bit of speed, which unfortunately means a new board as well.
I'm getting a bit repetitive about this board speed, but in terms of the performance differences between V1 and V2, they're fairly difficult to pick at slow speeds, but when you get them moving the V2 will have a larger sweet spot and turn a touch faster.
-Mal
WA
21 posts
My only concern with the V19 is that is responsiveness maybe to slow to do jumps and pops. I imagine it would be brilliant for big long cruises backs and forwards but when you need to get it turning quickly then it might move/turn to slow??? I was hoping that the V16 would be a good trade off with a bit more power but still snappy enough to cranks the odd jump and sweet turn.
If anyone is heading out at some stage with there V19 then please drop me a text. Would love to see it in action. Tend to kite around Lucky bay at this stage but anywhere from Rockingham to leighton is visited.
PS. Great feedback guys. Just was I was hoping for.
WA
92 posts
I got a 19 and 13
the 19 jumps great!
frank
NSW
117 posts
You can do everything you want to on the V19. And the float is crazy. The limiting factor is the rider (ever seen Aaron Jarman on his V19?).
I really think that the V13 and V16 are too close. I don't think you'd get any benefit, maybe a couple knots.
Otherwise go with one of the new light wind boards such as the Airush Exile or Underground 150.
Anyway, best you try it yourself so that you know for sure :-).
WA
21 posts
Thanks again.
If anyone is heading out for a run on there 19 then text me
0419 380 123
Paul
He's a wealth of info and experience with Venoms.
