Kite selection quandary

richshunter · Since 22 Jun 2008 11 Posts St. Louis, MO New Member

This week in the Gorge I will replace my Naish X4 8.0, 12.0 and 16 kites with modern kites, but I cannot decide which brand and model to choose. I figure I should purchase three kites with sizes such as 7, 9 and 14. I've considered many models and am zeroing in on the SS T3 or Rev's. One possibility is that I purchase a 7m T2 on clearance, test it, and then decide whether to purchase two additional T3's. I have not yet ruled out the Cult, Switchblade, Crossbow, or Havoc.

I must consider I will be returning to Lake Carlyle in Illinois in September with treacherous launch sites (only 4 available on a lake 10 miles long and 3 miles wide) with 12' walls of limestone riprap around much of it, usually involving gusty wind shadowed launches. Once successfully on the water, I prefer not to return to shore, unless I am finished for the day. I am usually alone and my sessions can last 3 to 5 hours if I don't dehydrate or get over or underpowered. I often use a large directional, because the launch sites are too dangerous to launch a Naish X4 large enough to power my smaller bidirectional board.

Ideally I would demo some kites before a purchase, but I just arrived this week to learn I missed a great demo day last weekend.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated. I feel I am alienating valued sales personnel here in the Gorge while I vacillate on the 3 kites I will purchase.

Rich

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

let the chaos ensue Twisted Evil

Mark · Sun Jun 22, 08 9:57 am

Get out and demo as many kites as you can. You cant go to far wrong with any of the 08 kite brands. It comes down to what "feels" good for you.

Mark
Pm me for Naish demos

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

Go see the Slingshot crew ( Shy or Amery at the Slingshot headquarters) to demo the T3 and or Revs. They are located in Steveson Wa, right next to the East Point Launch.

Bettyboarder · Sun Jun 22, 08 1:00 pm

Rich,We dont do gear vs gear on this forum because everyone has their own ideas and it turnes into crazyness. There are a ton of reps locally and shops that will let you demo their kites. If you are interested in SS kites usually you can just stop by SS at Stevenson and they will let you test them out.

If you are intersted in Naish kites - pm Mark he can get you in touch with Nick the Naish Rep. If you are intersted in LF kites - pm Tekko.

You can also stop by some of the shops --- 2nd wind has LF, SS, Royal Big Winds has Cabrina I think

Overall seems like all those kites you are looking at are good kite and I dont think you can go wrong with any of them

pdxmonkeyboy · Sun Jun 22, 08 1:06 pm

Like someone said above, stop by slingshot and give there new kites a try. I'm not doing kite vs kite. All I am saying is that the Rev's are really really awesome kites and that SS hit the nail directly on the head this year with those kites. There is not one thign I would change about the kites.

In terms of safety, I have never thought "Oh I wish the rev depowered more". It has always relaunched except once when it got rolled pretty bad in the surf.

I have a bigger T2 as well which is a lightwind animal but the bar pressure can get a little old.

good luck and enjoy your stay!!

shymac · Since 20 Jul 2005 919 Posts Home Valley, Wa. Bigfoot

Daily demos anytime you head out to Stevenson, Slingshot HQ. Just stop by and ask for "Shy" and i will be able to get you all set up plus a launch if you need one.

Very nice to be so close to a launch site.

Sella · Sun Jun 22, 08 4:31 pm

Rich, just like Betty said there is a great crowd of people that will help you test. Also, the range on the new kites is so good you'll probably only be needing a 2 kite quiver, not 3.

shastadogs2 · Since 28 Mar 2005 336 Posts Obsessed

heya shy,

looking for replacement kites for the upcoming season and would love to ride the rev. can i just stop by the back of the parking lot and look ya' up?

(sounds like some of my hookups from my feckless past-"psst, hey buddie, wanna buy some rev?" Cool

jimmi

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

whatta bunch of pimps Wink

Before the lock, I will say: Shop support is almost as important as the gear you select, so make sure you drop in at a few shops and talk to the people and see who knows there stuff and ask about support issues and how they can help you.

Too bad you missed the demo day last weekend, 12 brands to try out.