Open palm mitts for me. But I'm only going out down to 5C.

I'm in a similar position, wishing I'd just sold em "slightly leaky" and got rid. Feels wrong though- I'll sell when I've fixed all the leaks, rebridled it and coated it in shoe glue. Then it will be like a new kite again and I can recoup the money of the glue and bits :s

Seeing a young man at my local spot doing mad boogie loops, I'm gunna now say boogie loops

https://www.iksurfmag.com/kitesurfing-n ... -the-crew/

I used a standard kettle, held my finger down on the switch for a few extra seconds and poured it into a pyrex jug. I then stuffed the valve into the jug and weighted it down with a cup. After 2 mins it peeled straight off. I should have just reglued it and saved my valve trap for travelling.

Not really. I've also been pulled half a km on an out of control looping kite.

I also use 5 line fixed kites for winds above 40knt for this very reason.

Just go for the largest size. If the manufacturers do 38 to 44 get the 44. It'll work.

LW boards are hella boring once you've mastered riding both ways.

If its been stuck for 14 years I'd forget about it. You should have sorted it out way sooner.

Loving my eleveight RS. Not on your list but ticks all my boxes for boosting, looping and being easy going. Quality is top. I've also considered eleveight XS and Airush lift.

My manera exo is 5 years old and hammered. The discolouration around the weld tells me I should consider replacing the spreader soon. The webbing is still like new, I always open and adjust the position of both sides to reduce strap wear. The problem is I cannot find a drop in spreader bar replaceme...

If you need more than 12m at 70kg consider a foil kite. I sold my 14m rally, wont replace it. If I did it would be with a foil kite. Just get a strapless board and use your 12 on them super light days. More canopy doesnt always help you a lot- especially wet, in marginal conditions.