Had a chance to sneak away from the shop today.
Winds were Southerly, tide full (no tidal effect during testing period), water was moderate choppy to fairly smooth inshore.
Wind strength approx 12 - 18 knots, and dropped to approx 10 - 14 knots by the end of the 45 mins session.
Board 07 Underground FLX 1.32, with the totally awesome super comfy new pads and straps.
Rider weight 70kg, rider skill - see the Jack Schitt thread, I know Jack well in regard to wake/freestyle!.

The main differences to last years 14M Contra1 kite, are the way it turns, the kite turns within its tip radius, so tighter turning, much less of a sweep turner.
Flies to the edge of the window easily by edging, so it goes upwind really well and easily.
Bar pressure, light, similar to the CB3 12M, and lighter than the CB3 9M (so is the 12M CB3). Bar is a pulley 221 bar system with Overide3, comes with a leash, same as last years. All safety releases are the red Cabrinha push away style, so super effective and safe and not dependent on line tension from the kite in order to function.

Bar feel, much better constant diameter, and large oval shaped hole allows excellent steering/sheeting control while turning and transitioning
Kite has only 2 single pulleys in the kites bridle and the canopy noticeably changes angle of attack lots. The feel at the bar is much more direct, still not like a C, but not far off it.
Overall the kite feels a lot smoother to fly. Very easy to jump, but quick through the window for a 14M, caught me out timing wise a bit, it was faster than I presumed. Easy to steer one handed, only slight wrist pressure needed to correct its slow tendency to steer downwards.
Forward flight speed, similar to the CB3 12M, so its good for a 14M kite, and in the lulls I had a noticeable advantage in upwind ability compared to last years kite, due to the ability of the kite to tip turn and milk power from the available wind in the top third of the window (from where it is easiest to go upwind on all bows). I was not sining the kite, did not have to, just a quick dip/turn with the bar, sheet out slightly and off it would go. Kite likes apparent wind, so benefits from being allowed to fly, and never choked.

Overall I was very impressed with how it felt as a 14M kite, and I think it will replace my 16M SB2, my other favourite light wind kite.
The 16 SB2 has a bit more bottom end, probably around 3-4 knots with a bigger board.

Did not try relaunch, but it will be quick and simple, like previous kite.

Bag is excellent, plenty of room, its a slightly modified version of last years, slightly bigger, side pockets for the bar and pump, double straps for backpack style carrying with ease.

Construction of the kite is beefed up all round, but without adding weight. In particular, the LE closing seam across the middle 3 struts is reinforced on the inside. The trailing edge has a new material, and the back of each strut has a new material (different to TE Material). The rear of each strut is actually triple reinforced where the sail re-attaches to the strut, and over the entire length of the strut it is double reinforced in a way that will make any cust in the canopy super quick and easy to repair.

Self landing was easy using the pull the trim strap towards me and pull one front line as I turned the kite into the beach method.

Kiters should be aware that if any part of the bridles that go through a pulley, or a pulley itself fails in flight, a bow kite will not go out of control.(Thats not true of all high depower/hybrid/SLE kites).
Some steering ability may be lost, but a rider should still be able to return to shore, or flag the kite to one line and self rescue to shore.
Stock will be available mid to late August. Pre-orders taken now. See the kitepower website for full pricing and colour details.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve