Hi all, wondering if anyone has any views on Neo vs Drifter?
I'm a low intermediate, will kite most in 10-20 knots, am 63kgs male, and hope to get away with a single kite.
I am working on going strapless next, always enjoy waves above anything, do a bit of freeride and almost no freestyle. I want something rock solid construction, as I live in Ethiopia so kitesurf only when I take some days off and go abroad, and spares aren't available.
The Neo and the Drifter both seem pretty suitable. The Neo is described as more grunt (you should use a size lower than usual - not sure if this is taken into account in the reviews), and a more progressive depower. The Drifter is described as more twitchy, nimble and aggressive. (The Ozone Reo also gets rave reviews in this space, but seems a little too wave-dedicated.)
I've been flying a 2007 North Rebel since I started kiting. The only modern kite I've flown was a Naish Park, which I instantly adored for its lack of sudden thumps of power especially as the kite inflates after a drift, the comparative lightness of the power when steering it through the centre of the power zone, and its sensitivity/one hand quick steerability. As soon as I flew it I realized my trusty old 2007 Rebel should have been retired years ago.
On build quality, wind range, and versatility for wave/freeride I was pretty sold on the Neo. However I've just heard the Neo is even more grunty than the Rebel. The only decent comparison I've come across (by MACkiteboarders) is the above, but the guy later mentions in the comments that he found the Drifter more fun.
Be very grateful for any thoughts on whether the Drifter is more nimble and fun, or whether I'm going in the wrong direction going from Rebel to Neo hoping for smoother power, thanks.