The 2013 for a bigger rider is better than the 2014 in the varial x, loved the earlier model compared to the 2014 which required constant movement to generate the same power, if you were a lighter guy then no dramas, the 2014 would be better in the waves though, it has a mix of the razor and wave, quality looked great, kiteworld magazine has great reviews on both models, www.kiteworldmag/gear reviews,

for me the lithium is a bit mellow, a great mid range kite, havnt rode the wave as I know it isn't my kind of kite,i like a powefull kite that doesn't completely depower which the vx 2013 did , I was going to change to the 2013 vx but settled for the flexifoil ids a similar kite in performance but with a bit more grunt

Hmmm

difficult one

I weigh in at 97kgs and I ride 12 & 9m Wave

My girlfriend(60kgs) rides 6m, 8, 10m Varial X

So obviously I can use her kites too

I've demoed the 12m & 14m VX, the 12 & 14m Lithiums

There has been days we've shared all of the above kites on the same day in the same conditions IYSWIM. Both riding TT. Her on a 130x40 Monk & me 135x44 Dundee

The 9m waves has a massive range for me. My low end is 20mph - 35mph on my TT. It is a grunty kite for it's size, but not as grunty as a Lithium. Once above 30, I do find it a bit much, so if I can I will change to her 8m VX. Otherwise I will stick it out as it is still very manageable

For me the 8m VX starts from 23 and I've had it out in 40, gusting higher. It was not much fun at that top end.

I've used her 6m VX from 25+ and was very surprised how well it worked for me

But the difference is the Varial X is a kite you need to work and keep working, unless it's really windy of course, then you can just park it. Imagine it as a F1 car or a 2 stroke motorcycle, you need to get them into their powerband and once there they will shine

The Varial X works very well in onshore winds, not so great in cross on or cross shore, due to needing that grunt to get over the waves. If your spot is wavey of course. Flat water, no probs
The Wave, will work better in those conditions

The Varial X does not float as well as the the Wave, it is good, but, not as good. You have to keep it moving more, where'as the Wave will wake up much easier

Both kites are good for getting upwind.
Relaunch on the Varial X is not as quick as the Wave

Horses for courses

The Lithium is a pull and go tractor
The Varial & Wave kites need more finese to get the best from them. Plus being lighter on your feet will help. They do make you better kiters IMHO

HTH


<EDIT> The Varial X flies to the edge of the window very easily and mostly stays there
The Wave will go to the edge of the window when you edge and work it, but it will also drop back into the window when you park and ride. Work it and edge the board keeping light on your feet, it will fly back to the edge and you are off
For heavier rider the Wave will work better, but the Varial X is still a good kite for heavier riders. Esp. if you have good kite skills and you're light on your feet.
I like them both, for different reasons and different conditions
Park and ride, pull the bar in style is the Lithium

What style are you?

Hi mate?I was 95kg..but now am 86kg this year?I got off the donuts for a bit...I ride waves only for last 5years and I am on a 6m and 9m Lithium..The 9m goes from 13kn-22kn and the 6m as you know from 16kn-24kn. I also have a 6m wave which I take out in good wind from 20-30kn or storms 25knots + ands its an amazing kite.
If you are just riding summers in good predictable winds the 6m and 9m wave is going to be sweet,

however if you get out in variable conditions the 9m Lithium is a legend of a kite for me.
-Good smooth power doesn't pull you off a rail when turning etc
-Saves having a 11m kite
-safety/relaunch is fast
-Lithiums low end suits bigger rider as the wave suits lighter guys
-its stable in gusty up and down winds like you may get in Tazzie

Really stoked on my quiver atm.

My local spot is always gusty and the wind nearly always builds when you're out. I find the 9 wave pretty good in the gusty shyte. But once it gets overpowered it's like riding a Lithium

I see why some people like the Lithiums, but they are not my style. I prefer something you need to work, not just pull the bar in and you have power. Sure it works for some riders style, just not mine

If you already have Lithiums and your middle kite isn't one, then maybe it should be?

If you are looking at changing the lot over a period of time, then maybe start replacing with the 9 Wave?

I don't unhook, but I believe the 9 Wave does it well.

The 9 wave isn't just for lighter people, it works well for us heavier people as well. It's my most used kite. I try and use it whenever I can, even if I am underpowered

If you're into boosting and unhooking, then maybe you need a Varial X as they do handle wave conditions well. Not as well as a Wave kite tho'
Jumping with the Wave 9 is not as brutal rip you off the water like the Varial X, it offers a nicer longer glide down. The Varial X is pretty good too tho'

Good luck with your dilemma :)

We can all say this is the best, that is the best. but only you know the answer, but you'll not know until you've tried it

Sometimes you just don't know what is better for you until you try it

I agree the 14m Lithium is a great lightwind kite. But once fully powered I find I want to get on something smaller so I can control that power. I found the 12m slightly better, but it didn't have the bottom end the 14 had. But if you worked the 12 it was close

I was lucky and had the 9 Wave on demo, I ended up having it for just over two months. Every session I had with it I loved it. In the end I needed that kite and I didn't send it back. I bought it and sold my 10m Reo

This was my findings

Yours could be different. I have found most people who like the Lithiums, don't really like or get the fact you need to work with the Wave or Varial X to get the best from them.
They prefer the pull & go functionality of the Lithiums. If that's your way, then that's your way. I call it lazy kiting

A Varial is not like a Varial X

Get the 9m Wave

You won't regret it.

John.B

Subculture said.. That's a fine forum name you picked John! Nae place like hame...

Welcome here

I'm a long-term lurker

John.B is my usual forum handle elsewhere and I think I did register here many moons ago under something else... but what exactly?

Had a few emails back and forth about kites with the OP as I ride Airush here is the UK... mostly Troon living in Glasgow where we are now into our spring attire of 5:3 no hood, boots or gloves... might even break out the 4:3 short leg later this year.

Only 78kg but I can confirm the Wave is great in gusty weather has huge range, unhooks well at lower power levels and boosts massive in it's upper range. I love it and it was the kite that convinced me to take a look at bridled kites again after two seasons on 5-line c kites

Well, we have plenty of those cross or onshore conditions down here.

I at some stage have owned these kites you mentioned.

If your into down the line waves then the 9 wave is the go. currently ride one and there are great. The 7 wave is my favorite.

Also have the 2012 8 Lithium that I wont part with. I ride all my small kites on 16 metre lines and the 8 really works a treat for me. Will never sell it. mates have ridden my kites on short lines and don't like them, too fast. What ever floats your boat I guess.

For me I use the Lithium 8 in most conditions other than down the line. 97 kgs so it helps me through the lulls. Lithium don't drift as well as the wave but theres not a lot of difference. Great allrounder.

Lithium is no vrx or ozone edge when boosting but they give you a nice floaty jump.

a mate has a varial x and they are also a great kite for tricking and can be used in waves but not as nice to ride as the wave or lithium.

Your light wind 2014 14 Lithium is also a great kite. I've had big Lithium kites before and really didn't like the truck pull. "BUT" the 2014 is really well balanced. Love it on a nice sunny day on a mini mal catching those ankle slappers.

Lithium 6m in really windy condition are rock solid.

All my Airush kites IMHO need to be pumped up to 10 psi for best performance.

Best of luck with you choice.