What's the Best Grunty 12M Freeride kite for Big Guys ?

[Hellfire Slick]

I've been kiting for about 1 season and am ready to buy my first new kite.

I weigh 220lbs and ride in our local wind conditions of 14-23 knots. I'm looking for a grunty 12m kite to get me going but will still have good enough range to handle those big gust. I don't wanna go bigger then 12 since a 12 was almost a one kite quiver for me around here. I ride a Jimmy Lewis 132 when powered up and a Cabrinah 139 Caliber in lighter conditions.

Thanks in advance,

Hellfire

[clydesdale]

if grunt is what you're after Best Kahoona 11.5m

[john a]

if grunt is what you're after Best Kahoona 11.5m

Yes I agree, that one is very grunty and have a huge wind range! A very nice kite, and lots of fun to fly. It has that low end pull, but also very stabile in gusts and the top/ overpowered part of the range.
Quick pivot turing makes it very playful. The V4 is actually even more stable and solid in the air than previous models. You should try it!

[WildDuke]

Yep, I would go for a delta kite if I were you. They are very grungy generally due to the fact that the majority of their surface area is located in the middle.

I have been riding the Airush One kite and loved it last year. I've ordered two more this year. Others to consider, north evo, wainman, rrd obsession, slingshot rally, best kahoona, liquid force envy and others.

[TheJoe]

Get a Wainman Boss. It is a truck at least the 2009-2011 are (have not ridden a new one yet). I can get going at 10kts on a skim weighing at 180. I have had it up to low 30's but it was more like pure survival. Wind just kept coming up on a downwinder in 6ft waves. For a more accurate range for me is about 13-23ish upwind and throwing tricks on a 136 or my 143 wakestyle board. As far as surf goes I really don't like it because it is hard to stay on a wave with but that might be lack of skill more than pure grunt of the kite. I just don't have the same problem with my 9 or 7.

[lenker]

12m Switchblade, not just grunty but also flies well.

[martins939]

12m Switchblade, not just grunty but also flies well.

Definitely agree. I've been flying the 2010 Cabrinha Switchblade for the last couple of years and its got plenty of grunt and range. I regularly switch between the two settings for bar pressure and turning speed as they really change the speed and flight characteristics of the kite. I'm 86kg and 6'2" so I need a bit more pull than others, but I definitely get it from the switchblade.

I'm thinking of upgrading to the 2012 version, but if you were interested in my 2010 then PM me. No damage at all, and I have plenty of recent pics too.

Martin

[murph68]

If your looking for grunt get the Wainman Hawaii Boss, pulls like a truck! But the thing I like the most is how much you can tune the kite to the way you ride.

[Hellfire Slick]

Great responses guys, please keep them coming.

[Kirok]

I think that the Core GT pulls lile a truck.