Contra 17 versus Crossbow 16 ?

[Dr_Rosen]

Can anyone comment on the low end difference? ........and the wind range difference?
Is it worth the additional investment?

My weight 90 kg (200 lbs?)
Light wind board: Skywalker Pro Dimitri 135x47,5 cm

[Dr_Rosen]

........ and: My kite buddy got a Waroo 20 m2 (2006) and a Crqzyfly Lightwind board 154x41 cm

How will I do against him with my Skywalker 135x47,5 cm and a Contra 17??

Same weight 90 kg.

Just thinking of those extra 3 m2 (15% or so) does give significant difference?? I mean there still have to be enough wind for the kite to fly right??

[BJkitesurf]

You wont be disappointed at Contra 17.. Easy upwinding on my lovely Nobile Ext in 8-11 knots . my weight is 90kg

[Peter_Frank]

I think you will be better off with a 17m2 than a 20m2, honestly !

You can go just as early, or earlier with the 17m2 (even if the same brand) IMO.

The last m2 in these sizes are most often a disadvantage and dont bring you any extra lowend.
But they will give you a much slower kite, more difficult to relaunch, more drag, cant sinus correctly so you dont gain any low end.
And if the wind picks up slightly - you'll be WAY happier with a smaller kite - much more fun

The flat kites with a 85-90kg rider I've seen giving you the best low end, and most fun, are in the 14-16m2 size.

:- ) Peter

[Dr_Rosen]

I think you will be better off with a 17m2 than a 20m2, honestly !

You can go just as early, or earlier with the 17m2 (even if the same brand) IMO.

The last m2 in these sizes are most often a disadvantage and dont bring you any extra lowend.
But they will give you a much slower kite, more difficult to relaunch, more drag, cant sinus correctly so you dont gain any low end.
And if the wind picks up slightly - you'll be WAY happier with a smaller kite - much more fun

The flat kites with a 85-90kg rider I've seen giving you the best low end, and most fun, are in the 14-16m2 size.

:- ) Peter

.......an I already got a Xbow 1 16 and a SB2 14. Haven't had the opportunity to try the SB2 14 yet though

[terrios666]

The 17 Contra is dog poo. Either get the 14 Contra or try something else.

The 17 is heavy, its slow turning, it has hardly enough lift and UNLESS you are over 230 lbs, its a waste of money.

That being said, the huge guys on our beach love it. They also love Taco Bell, but that is a different story.

[badgb21]

Hi
I have been through the same dilema.
Had a 16m CB, was about to buy a 17 contra - more grunt, one pump, lighter bar pressure...etc.
but was put off by reviews on many forums - mainly too slow and not so good when the wind picked up.
So I stuck with a 16m CB and did the bridle mod. which I would really recommend.
Not able to demo a contra around my beach unfortunately.
Still got my eye open for something that will tick more boxes! but not found one yet.
Good luck with what ever choice you make.

Kev

[Dr_Rosen]

Hi
I have been through the same dilema.
Had a 16m CB, was about to buy a 17 contra - more grunt, one pump, lighter bar pressure...etc.
but was put off by reviews on many forums - mainly too slow and not so good when the wind picked up.
So I stuck with a 16m CB and did the bridle mod. which I would really recommend.
Not able to demo a contra around my beach unfortunately.
Still got my eye open for something that will tick more boxes! but not found one yet.
Good luck with what ever choice you make.

Kev

Where can i read about this bridle modification?
What is your next size down?

[badgb21]

Hi,
Mod is here;
phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2324507&sid=0d86e ... d79b2c2901

My next kite is 12m CB2

With the mod on the 16m CB1 the bar pressure is much lighter. At first you think there is no power cos the 'pull' has gone.
Then after a while you beging to 'feel' the power with the lighter bar pressure.
After a couple of sessions, it's fine and I'd never go back.

The mod allows a closer bar pressure feel to the 12m CB2. Even so the 16m is so much slower, it takes a while to adjust your timing, when changing from one to the other. I certainly would not like a slower kite.

Kev

[wavie_gravie]

Hands Down
CONTRA 17
Best light wind kite i have ever flown, (i ahve tried a lot) a foil might beat it but nothing else.\
Not the fastest thing but pulls like an ox and jumps and depowers.

I have a video of me on the web getting great air on it. 1st I was the only out there then the wind picked up and i was boosting. I can hold this into the mid 20"s at 190lbs. 145 custom jimmy lewis.

I have never before or since owned a Cabrhina....the 17 contra has no rival.

me= 6 years kiting. Had a 16 rapture, 21 Best Nemisis, 16 Globerider,16 x2, 15 ARX, 20 gasstra.....for light wind days. contr rocks