Hi Danza,

Naish don't give wind range charts because there is way to many variables when determining a wind range of a kite (i.e. what board/size you ride, weather your an efficient rider or not, how heavy you are, experience, etc...). But from experience I would say that a light rider with good skill would be able to get going as early on a 10.5 Helix as on a 12m Torch. But a Heavier rider wouldn't be able to get enough usable power in light winds. You could probably get going but not really have fun. If your a 12m Torch guy, and thinking of the Helix, take into account that the Helix has more bottom end and more top end! I have put a nice sheet comparing the range up on our website http://www.windgenuity.com.au/kiteboard/naish/2009/09kites.html this should help when comparing the kites. There is also detailed kite descriptions if you click on the desired kite.

I hope this helps,

Kind regards,

JB

good to hear...stay in touch

Thanks for the info JB.

Hello,

I flew the 2009 Helix, 12m yesterday in 20 knots in alva. Most powerful 12m kite i have ever flown.

I had it depowered half way and i was still fully lit.


Turning speed is very good for a 12m. I love how good the Helix responds. Very predictable turning.

Massive hangtime, seems like you are never coming down with bar pulled in while boosting.

Unhooking is very easy with this kite. Never stalls and drops out of the sky.
Very good kite to learn riding unhooked.

I am not a fan of 12m kites anymore but this one is sweet!

Has anybody flown a 10m, how does it compare to 12m?


hang high

ruffryder61 I just got the 10.5 and really tested it out in the waves today, the kite is awesome , I used to have a 12 as my biggest kite but now its a 10.5 and I'm ordering the seven soon.Its super quick the way you can turn these kites in the waves, the way they pivot and turn and you still have power in the turns is nice as most hybrids and sle kites lack this.

Also the lines got extremely slack coming down the face of the wave , I forgot about the kite completely while riding the wave and I thought she was in the drink for sure , but the helix floated back so nicely I regained tension and kept going , the shape of the kite and geo tech give you this luxury in the waves because the kite maintains its shape all the time , it does not matter if your powered up or fully depowered.

The kite is powerful and fast but extremely well behaved , the power delivery is so smooth, but is has the excitement a C kite gives you.I got to test out the bottom end and weighing about 83kg wet and riding a 132 thorn I was able to stay up wind comfortably when the wind hit about 18 knots so I'm super impressed.As the day went on the wind peaked at 26 knots and I still had plenty to go in the top end.
Also with the 4 mtr extensions while riding my twin tip gave me additional bottom end and when we started the downwinder took them off and had the standard 20 mtr lines , awesome best of both worlds.

JB maybe you can answer this , the helix is lowest aspect ratio out of the Naish range , why is it then it flies so fast and generates so much lift when boosting.
I did also drop the kite and without doing anything it basically was out of the water before I knew it, so relaunch has definitely been improved.

Cant wait to hit the waves again.Top day had by all.

I have ridden both and was surprised that the 09 has lost no bottom end. Stick with the 12m

One thing to all Helix owners I found out today that if the kite is not pumped hard enough the wing tips will touch and the kite will do all sorts of funny things.

The kite was at it top end with gusts reaching 32 to 33 knots on a 10.5, it happens when doing a jump and while landing the lines can go slack and then get loaded up again when a gusts hits.

I took it back in pumped it up harder and the problem was solved , I never experienced this with the cult but I guess with the Helix having more of a c shape and a simplified bridle the kite will have to be inflated some what more than the cult.

seized pulleys can cause your bridle to wear and brake every time.