One kite to take place of 16 meter and 12 meter
 

Currently, I have a 2006 16 meter crossbow and a 2006 12 meter crossbow. They have been great kites, but am thinking about getting rid of them in favor of a kite that could take both of their places. The reasoning behind this is that I feel there is too much overlap in wind range between the two. I live on the East coast of Florida, weight 160 lbs, use a Airush Exile, and most of the time ride the 16 meter. Most of the time, the winds never get above 15 knots in the summertime and usually hover between 10-15 knots. Everytime I take out the 12 meter, I feel that I could have probably used the 16 meter and been better off.

The Cabrinha kites have been good to me and was thinking about a 14 meter revolver or possibly a 14 meter contra to take the 2 kites place. I am not financially in the market for the new IDS models. Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated.

Don't get the Revolver 14, will not fit the bill.

The Contra 14 has a great low end, but it is not going to pull like the Crossbow 16, especially with a current in the ocean. That 16 is a truck.

My vote for you is to hang on to what you have. Between those two kites, you have incredible range.

you would be better off to get rid of the 12m and buy a 9m instead,

then you have an entire range from 10-35+ kts with a 16m & 9m

Going out with a 9 m in 35 kts. + at 160 lbs.? I weigh 30 lbs. more, seem to recall near maxing my 9 m SB (old one too) below 35 kts.. I picked up a 7 m for conditions like that.

Here is a real important question, what wind range do you want to realistically cover?

Yes Rick,

I used the 2006 9m crossbowI very comfortably in the inaugural Tampa bay kite masters racing event and it easily went that range ,

none of the other 9m CB's that came after the 2006 had as much top end as that one and I would have to switch to the 7m on newer kites in 35+

The 2006 16m also had huge range! easily to 24-25

I don't know if the SB's had the same range, prolly not