Crossbow Vs. Turbo Diesel

Rico · Since 13 Mar 2005 1219 Posts Vancouver Photographer

Please note my impressions are from flying the kites back to back in high winds. Also, when laid out these kites are very similar in size; therefore I thought they would ride the same.

Positives Turbo Diesel:
· One Pump
· Stopper to ride powered
· One year warranty through Airtime for kite repair
· Better Customer Service (Local Company in Gorge)

Postitives Crossbow:
· De-power line does not wear & is easy to adjust
· Connection already in place to flag kite
· Bar pressure is less
· Kite is faster with higher lift
· More development went into kite, kite fly’s well right out of bag

When switching to the 9M Crossbow it seemed like it was on steroids. The kite was flying faster through the window, lighter bar pressure, and had higher lift.

Of course the flip side is my comfort level on the Crossbow because of the amount of time I have logged on the Crossbow, but I believe this has made it easy for me to pick out the differences.

I really wanted to like the Turbo Diesel; I sold my Crossbow and went with the Turbo Diesel because of its very nice additions. I also have a 16M TD on order until I can call and switch it to a crossbow. When switching to the 9M Crossbow it seemed like the Crossbow was on steroids. The kite was flying faster through the window, lighter bar pressure, and had higher lift. Also, these differences may be because the crossbow is a 9M

Henry

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

henry,
after flying those two, I'd be interested in hearing your comments on the waroo. next time, take it for a spin!

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Good stuff Henry! Even though I haven't flown either, I'm still probably going to go with a TD this summer for crazy wind (right now, anything over ~30kts and I'm having a hard time holding my Fuel 7), but that's just me. SLINGSHOT represent!!! Wink

kiteboard117 · Since 02 Mar 2005 450 Posts PDX McLovin

i dissagree that the crossbow flies better. the td is almost the same design. Lines dont fray with the new metal hole in the bar. The biggest dissadvantage i have noticed is the sizing. the turbo deisel does not come in a 9 meter which is a very very good size for the crossbows. the 8 meter TD has noticably less power then the 9 meter crossbow but isnt really any faster. when i flew the 12meter crossbow and td back to back i coulndt tell a differience (they were both on a td bar)

Rico · Since 13 Mar 2005 1219 Posts Vancouver Photographer

Your right, alot of these difference are probably because the Crossbow was a 9M. Both kites have their positives, I removed the negative stuff as I fell it should be the positives I should be focusing on.

tonski · Since 11 Jun 2005 332 Posts NW Portland Obsessed

I am surprised at Henry's review because I also tested the TD and Crossbow back to back, but in steady, moderate winds in La Ventana. To me, they were very similar in power and jumping, and I like the lower bar pressure better on the TD and simpler design. After testing the TD, I sold my X-bow and purchased 6 and 10m TDs. The only disadvantage I see with TDs is their ugly colors - mine are yellow/ brown/ orange.

PS - my new avatar was taken with 1st sesh on 10m TD on Christmas Eve.

Onad · Sun Mar 05, 06 8:16 am

Tonski’s kidnapped TD rests on kite beach after a gusty wave riding session. I like the color. Thumb's Up

The 6m looks like a cat puked though... ~Nad

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

Nice shots Dano, man I sure do miss that kitebeach sand. I have a little in my 6.5m bag that I pull out when I feel lonely.

Look forward to more Maui pics!

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

I like the color of that Turbo Diesel too... The single color schemes are my fav, but I assumed they're reserved for the team riders..?