C4 is so much nicer. i didnt like the feel of the torch, hard to feel what its doing, super light pressure too...

c 4 had a real nice smooth feel to it..

more kites out there to try though like hifi comps and fuels too.. dont rule anything out without demoing

I was thinking of getting a 2010 Torch or a C4. I got told the C4's have problems with the leading edges blowing out. Can any one confirm this? Whats the depower on the Torch like?

thorn said...

I'm after big jumps and wave riding ability.

The C4 will make you happy. Can't speak for the new torch other than they look hot and I like the graphic design, we've got a 10m 2007 downstairs, nice kite, more of a proper C kite than the C4, the C4 is much nicer to wave ride with, and I'm not a fan of that octopus one pump system that naish insists on using.

thorn said...
and what size to replace the kites I already have.

GT's have got so much grunt, if you want the same power you'll need to go up a size, like 12 and 9m C4, but I reckon 10 and 7 C4 would be a sweet set up for WA.

As always, demo if you can.

Hi Thorn,

Come and have a play with some of our Demo C4's. They've been winning hearts and converting non "C" kiters to their magic.

It's such a nice kite, Ozone really did their homework and even surprised me.

Cheers mate,

KH

Don't discount the Torch just because the Ozone pushers got to this thread first.
Seriously, try and demo as many of the new C-kites... and not-so-C-kites (C4) as you can. You might end up liking something that isn't being pimped. ;)

kitesurfbali said...By next year most of the Pure C kite will have small bridle like the Ozone!

I highly doubt that.
As you said Jankie, the C4 is a cross-over kite that's been softened to cater for intermediate riders. (I still haven't ridden one though... so i'll withhold judgement about it's merits until then.)
Anyone who wants a 'hardcore' freestyle C-kite will use a 'hardcore' freestyle C-kite. Why are you suggesting that manufacturers would leave their 'hardcore' riders in the lurch by going for a mini-bridle?

Admittedly the Hadlow Pro does use a 6-point attachment system which some might call a... eeek ghasp, a bridle.

Hi Guys,

The C4 has every bit as much performance as any full blood "C" kite I have flown but does it without heavy bar pressure, lack of depower and difficulty in relaunch.

It's a great kite in every aspect as will be attested by anyone who has actually flown one in powered conditions. Try the 9m in 25+ knots, it's a weapon to behold. [}:)]

Reserve your judgements until you've been out there on one. ALL of the wake crew at Pinnas have agreed the C4 is a wicked kite and has stuff all draw backs. I too ate humble pie after thinking the kites performance would be retarded by the mini bridle. I was happy to be wrong.

KH

koma said...

Don't discount the Torch just because the Ozone pushers got to this thread first.
Seriously, try and demo as many of the new C-kites... and not-so-C-kites (C4) as you can. You might end up liking something that isn't being pimped. ;)

Hey thats funny coming from a naish pusher

I rode the c4 a few weeks ago.. Soo good! Can't go wrong with it in my opinion

Bigwavedave said...

Me thinks all should declare their affiliations before recommending a kite (and not just on the original review)

If you have a vested interest in a brand....say so.

It's very misleading to a punter to read some of the obviously (to me) biased comments here.

(btw I fly C4's cos I chose too and the business I work for sell and promote them)

Definitely a good idea!
... and before i get lynched for admitting to being a pusher, i have no affiliation to any brand or shop. I fly, ride and use what ever suits me the best - exactly as everyone else should!

Now where's my Pepsi Cola TM?

snoidberg said...

kitertom said...

c4 kicks ass
go to kite thrills to get one

why not get 4
i got a 5m, 7m, 9m, and 11m ohh yeah

What's your address?

Hey Thorn, we have a 9 and 12mt Demo here if you are keen plus you can try it back to back with the Hi Fi comp so that you can get a different feel, even better you get to try in some good water down here at Safety Bay

Jason
www.westozkiteboarding.com.au

yeah got to admit both rise and diablo (ocean rodeo C) both impressed me a lot when i flew them.. they do make one of the only "legit" C kites these days (airush, flexifoil, slingshot are the only other ones i can think of.)

Got a 10m C4 last week - only used it as couple of times, charlv said it all...... I have found it to be an awesome boosting weapon.. The delivery of the power is much smoohter than the torches (i ride 08 torches + demo'd the new ones @ kitestock) im assuming that is due to the mini bridle. Im no reviewer so i wont try to, its an awesome kite, very forgiving but still got heaps of power to tapp into when needed. My torches are now for sale - that says it all!!

if you want high performance get a c kite
if you want a waveriding kite get a hybrid
if you want a c-kite feeling with high depower, your gona end up getting the best of both styles but when mixed together are a disaster.