2008 Waroos

[ricki]

I have a 9 m Switchblade that does well in higher winds. Think I did about 170 miles of distance races with it last year. It would be neat to get some new kites that overlap my current quiver but then there is the cost issue.

I agree. I think anything between the 9 and 15 might be overlap. I do keep my 12 around though because if it's gusty, I find I have to work the little 9 alot to keep the power on so a 13 may not be a bad idea, especially since the low end of the 13 will probably cover the range of the 15 anyway.

If it's consistent, I can ride the 9 all the way down to 15 and still be jumping and having fun (well you saw it at EB that day).

I would start with just the 9m and ride it for awhile before you pick the next size. Everyone rides differently so the ranges can be different... for example some guys like to ride fast all the time and unhook a lot .. they will need less kite due to apparent wind than someone who likes to ride slow, locked down but still feel fully powered. I don't know where you fall in there so you'll have to try it out.

I can say though that without a doubt my unhooked riding as improved significantly since I got the 9m. Last I heard Daryl at extreme has been riding it exclusively... they can't pry it out of his hands. Thats sort of how I feel about it too. If I can't ride the 9 I almost don't even want to ride.

[donster]

I am loving my new kite.
It's a purple 9m Waroo, just like Tom's. Scott let me ride his a few weeks ago at North Beach and once I rode it, I really wanted one just for me. I usually don't get too excited about a kite, but this kite is different. It's made riding much more fun.
I honestly think I am improving on the kite as well, for two reasons.
I have confidence that the kite will go where I want it to go and it is very easy to power/depower and steer the kite. It doesn't take much effort at all.

Because it's so easy to use, I think my riding is getting better. I practiced carving turns for about an hour yesterday. Most kites would have worn me out too much to do that.

Thanks for the demo, Scott. ;-)

[bryanleighty]

my 12 is my bread and butter kite.. when i get to ride my 12, the conditions are (my preference) optimal.. ( i weigh about 195 to 200lbs)

my 9 usually only gets used in 20+.. late teens for some days if its expected to pick up. tho if the 9 can over a few more knots I would love to always be riding the smallest kite for the conditions.

seems that most my riding has been on my 16 as of late.. wind not perfect for the 12.. but the 16 is often too big/slow to have fun beyond some floaty jumps and stuff.. i can usually loop that beast w/o issue..

thinking the 13/9 combo might be the perfect quiver.. keep my 16 for the light wind days.. keep my 12/9 old waroos for backup.. (not worth too much on the market)

my 2006 9m is still in amazing condition minus the replaced bridle. canopy is perfect and i love the hell out of the kite..

[bryanleighty]

scratch this thread.. 9 and 13m 2008 waroos on their way.. be in tomorrow for weekend fun.
spoke w/ Rob at EK and he gave me lowdown on the 13m.. sounds exactly what I am looking for. I am positive that a 9/15 split would be too much..
I'll keep my 16 as my lightwind cruising kite..

work bonus just announced.. all is well in the world.

tho i really wanted the 13 in purple that the only color they didnt have it in. got green.. 9m orange.

Awesome Bryan! I bet you won't use the 16 much...

Pay attention to the trim... the new 08s are very efficient so they are a little more sensitive to back stalling. The 06's you could over sheet like crazy and get a little more bottom end before they back stalled, but the 08s (at least the 9) will completely dump the power if you do that.

You are gonna like those kites.

BTW I'd like to hear your comparison of the 9m 06 and 9m 08. As far as I can tell them are not even close to being the same kite. The new one is a hybrid C (just my opinion).