i need help, rate the naish shockwave for me

tuffany · Since 24 Jul 2007 4 Posts ptown New Member

Hello. Im a new kiter that has taken a bunch of lessons and i am ready to buy my first kite and board. I am looking at a 9m shockwave, but i am concerned about it being comfortable for my beginner abilities and im concerned about water relaunch.

Does it water relaunch easily, please compare to boxer sle if possible?

Does it invert easily? I can see this being a problem for a beginner.

any info is greatly appreciated, that includes recommendations.....

thanks

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

You should demo one if you are considering buying one.

Demo a lot of kites before you buy.

Pepi · Tue Jul 24, 07 10:44 pm

There is a siginificant difference in safety, ease of use, wind range and relaunch capabilities between this years and last years kites, no matter what brand you choose.

It is definitely worth the extra money it will cost for a current year model. There is a reason that last year's SLE or Bow kites are so much cheaper than this years kites.

Pepi

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

hey so is the shockwave you are considering a 2006 or 2007? I think especially for a beginner the 07 will be a better choice, it is a little more stable.

Although the shockwave does like to be flown fast, I don't think it is a bad beginners kite. It has lots of power, turns fast, and relaunches easy as hell. The 07 does most of what the 06 did better, in addition that kite doesn't back up...which is significant for a beginner. also the 07 has a choice between 1:1 and 2:1 setup, which gives you more flexibility.

I think if you look at the boxer and the SW 07...the boxer turns slightly faster, but the SW has more power. For me it is a toss up what kite is best...I love my boxer sle...but I am going to sell it and buy a helix..which should be the bomb and then some (wooohoo).

If you compare the 06 SW with the boxer, then I think the boxer beats it easy...especially for a beginner.

A.

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

oh, and the boxer / shockwave doesn't invert...I've tried getting my 07 to do so in way high winds, and the kite doesn't budge..the same goes for the boxer..just make sure you have enough pressure in the bladders, and the kites are going to be so much fun for you. I know the boxer and shockwave gave me a new start in kiting, and i have really had so much fun on them.

Okay that is, I saw a guy write on kiteforum about him hearing that some guy had an invert, but it was, as far as I remember, never really clear if that was a result of the kite rolling on th water or it was an actually invert while the kite was airborn.

a.

tuffany · Since 24 Jul 2007 4 Posts ptown New Member

thanks everyone... the kite i am looking at is an 07.....i have heard alot that the difference between o6 and o7 is tremedous.

thanks again.

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

i've flown a 16m 07 and thought it was a really good kite, relaunched well, plenty of power, seemed to fly pretty fast for such a big kite (i was able to KL it w/ only like 4-5 feet of air). The only thing was that it did not jump very high, but what big kite does?

The only thing i didn't like about it was when it was rigged in 2:1, i'm not a fan of pulleys on the bar, nor of the bar pressure caused by 2:1. 1:1 is
the way to go if you can live w/o the depower. just my $0.02

Mark · Wed Jul 25, 07 11:44 am

I think you should look at the 07 boxer. Run it 1to1. You will enjoy it.

favabean · Since 24 Jul 2006 2 Posts pdxhr New Member

i agree with mark fully. shockwave is great, but the boxer is pure butter. it's boost doesn't come on so fast, so less chance of getting yarded for a new kiter. and, it still rocks for any level kiter.