the next step up would be a 14, a 12 bow *might* cover that range but you'd have to try it. I know that the 13m f-one tribal has sick low end so you might want to see if you can demo that.

also consider that you might be able to dramatically increase your 10m kites usable wind range with a larger, flatter board. I have a 2 kite, 2 board quiver and it works very well for me (12+18m kites, 142+152cm boards).

thanks for the advice!

what i want to be able to do is get out on the water as much as possible. If I could I would sell the 10 and buy 2 new bows. but I cant afford that so what im trying to do is find the right size that will keep me on the water from 10kts up until the wind gets right for my 10m.

what i dont want to do is spend $1500 and have 2 kites that wind range overlap each other significantly.

Hey Hurrah,

I weigh 64kgs and have a 9m crossbow kite but have 3 boards and I alter the power on the kite dependant on wind speed. I personally don't see the point in going out in winds lighter than 12kts because it's just hard work.

My light wind board between 12-18kts is a 133cm x 40cm north dragon board
My mid range 18-25kts is a 122 underground flx board
for anything over that I use my 110cm undergroud flx board

Obviously it can vary depending on how gusty the wind is and how powered up I want to be.

I would suggest you purchase a 12m bow kite and get yourself a variety of boards, if you get a surfboard for those very light days you can always put the kite on the beach and go for a surf!! Otherwise take up a light wind sport like landboarding or mountain biking :-)

Try some out before you buy and follow your own instincts - fly them in different wind strengths to get a proper feeling for them. If you go with a bow, make sure you get instruction on how to fly it as it's different to a C shape kite.

Good Luck!
Caela

Hey

Im the same weight and was initially convinced to get a 10m C type.
A 10 is ideal for winds around maybe 15-20 knots, but by 20 knots, im pushing the limits or control, and anything below 15 barely keeps the kite up.

If i was starting again, i would most definately start with a 9m, maybe even an 8, then later on go for a 12 for the lighter winds.

just my two cents

thanks everyone,

I thought the whole selling point behind the bows was 100% depower and huge range. if this is the case why would a 16m should be fine for anyone as long as they go out in realistic winds? or am i confused?

the 12 is looking good at the moment though

Sell your 10 and try a 12 waroo. one kite quiver for what you want.
I was just out in a measured squall at 44 kts!! (93kg) and then later handed it to a guy same setup and about 65-70kg and he had a ball on it in 12/13 right through 25 when he came in.

Mate Paulio weighs in at a nice 105 Kgs and rides a 12M Switchblade in most winds. He has used it when he would ordinarily have used his old Rhino 20.

My two most used kites are a Rapture 12M - Winds from 18 to 35 knts and a Crossbow 16M - up to 18 Knts.

I weigh 75 Kgs and ride either a 133X39 or a 125 X 39 board.

Fitzy Gold Coast OZ

Have you noticed that all the people advising against bows don't have any or near enough experience with them ?

I used to ride C's and also the True first generation bow the Rapture 1.

Let me tell you, had I had my hands on a bow when I was learning, I'd be much better now. Bows give you the confidence on the water and are TOO easy to relaunch once you F up.

This gives you more time on the water. A Bow will relaunch in 10-20 secs in the hands of a practice user. No swim needed a C requires you to swim at least a little sideways if you have a 5th line.

A Bow/SLE has 95% depower but is relaunchable without the need to release. In a nut shell a BOW/SLE gives you at least 50% if not more water time.

although I have an 8m C, and a 16 C, I only Ride my 12 m Xbow now and am 72kgs. with 2 boards. Bows give me nore time on water where there's wind.

P.S I really don't bother below 12knts

quote:

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Have you noticed that all the people advising against bows don't have any or near enough experience with them ?

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sounds like u havent had enough experience with a c...who needs to swim relaunching a c these days? i cant remember the last time i had to.

plus bows arent that pretty when inverted

check out the 12 metre crossbow or swithbalde. they got the same projected area as a 14 metre C kite because it's so flat. you can also depower down to about an 8 metre. they also have huge lift and are great for doing big floaty jumps