My Comments: have been getting away with a 12m 09' liquid force havoc on the bay and looking for new kite. Had some advice that a 10m Slingshot Rally or 10m, Airrush lithium or 11m F-one bandit could be good options for 1kite for summer on the bay (82kg). I like plenty of power
IMO Ozone Zephyr 17m. Don't let the massive size put you off, I'm 80kg and I have had mine out in 22 knots. It's **** loads of fun if you like lots of power and float. Nice and stable, all my new tricks are done on my Zephyr first because it's so easy to keep it where you want. Disclaimer: I would be sponsored by Ozone, but I suck.
I use my Airush Lithium 12m for winds 15 up to 23ish knots on a surfboard, but I weigh 86kg. Lithiums have heaps of bottom end grunt. Delta C shape is good for a very easy relaunch.
I use my Lithium 9m for 20-30ish knots on the surfboard. Above 30 knots I have a Crossbow 7.
I haven't used a Bandit recently (these are also Delta C) or a Slingshot Rally so can't comment on them.
Im with Zarb on this one 17 metre Zephyr... I ride it all the time... I go down to a 10 metre rebel and then a 7 metre rebel if it is nukin... NRG is a great kite and it drifts good as well... As with everything DEMO DEMO DEMO.... if they dont demo dont buy from them... All of the good shops love you to demo its the best form of advertising...
What's wrong with the Rally? I have a 2012 12m Rally and I love it. Good quality, quick, direct feel, massive range, drifts nicely, I could not fault it.
10m Ozone Catalyst - 2013 or 2014. Pulley-free simplicity and direct feel, does everything very well, great durability for a kite that will see a lot of use. I used my 10 and 8 about equally last summer and I am a tad lighter than you.
At 82kg a 10m is a great choice. Some designers draw a line between 9 and 10m, 9 & below being their high wind kites. 10 and above being their high power kites. This means the difference in wind range is enough to warrant having both in your quiver. But at your weight and looking for a one kite semi quiver, then go the 10m. If you are predominantly riding TT,s then a free ride/freestyle kite ( Zeeko Krush), if you are getting more into waves then a free ride/Wave kite (Zeeko Notus). My last Fiji trip, instead of taking my normal 3 kites I took only my 10m Notus and didn't miss a session in winds 15-30kts. Me being 93kg on a 130x39 TT.
I (90kg) have a 12m Rally and an 8m RPM. There is virtually no overlap between the two but I swap my TT for a North Nugget surfboard when the wind is in between and pick the 8m. If you go TT only then yes, 12/9 should work well. I find the 12m Rally works well between 15 and 25 knots, my absolute maximum was 30 knot gusts but I was fighting the kite...not recommended.
I qm pretty much around the same weight, slightly more 85 kg...And i have a 12m and just buying a 9M. I also like power and to be slightly overpower time to time to feel the push...However if i had to buy it again I will go for a 11M...You give up slighly on the low Knots 12-14 knots, but however increase the high ones...And also have a lighter and faster kite...Well that s just what i will do if i will have to buy new ones..Cheers
