12 m kite for waves

[garyb]

Ok pimpers, I am looking for a new 12m kite for use with a surfboard in waves. Not interested in high powered tricks, just need something which will turn quick, reasonably light bar pressure, won't fall out of the sky when I over run it, and won't backstall too easily, and needs to be at least as tough as my Flexifoils. Also only want an inflatable. I weigh the standard 75-77Kg, 4 years kiting. Currently living/kiting in Ireland with waves and often gusty, onshore conditions.
My current quiver is as follows:
5m and 7m Flexifoil Atoms (07)
10.5m Ion 2
13m tribal 1 (old and getting tired, needs replacing)
14m Royal Era (way too powerful for me, for sale if anyone is interested).
I am looking for a 12 as my biggest kite for those 11-14knt days to replace the Tribal.
Would ideally like 5 lines as I have been caught too many times trying to land the atoms/ion single handed in high winds on my own.
Also would like one pump as I have got lazy.
So far I have tried 08 12 m North Rebel, not bad but not one pump.
08 12m crossbow, way too heavy on the bar.
I guess the obvious answer could be a 12.5 Ion, but have heard they do not have a great bottom end.

Thanks

[surf-turkey]

Easy one. Ocean Rodeo 12m Rise. Great low end, turns super fast on a pivot, no lag, and has venturi vents to keep it from backstalling. Find a local dealer and demo one then buy it or just buy it first since once you fly it you'll buy it anyway. Oh yeah, and it has one pump.

[Gfunk]

I'll second the Rise...

Very quick turning, super light bar, big range, drifts back nicely. Handles gusts very well (inland kiting here). Very nice and clean bar with stopper if you want it, otherwise long throw for big depower, below bar trim. Upwind great. No hint of back stall unless in stupidly light conditions. Build quality is best I've seen, including Flexi's - compromise there is a bit of a heavier kite. Low end is very good. Since you've flown a 12 Xbow 3 for reference - I'd say the Rise has a bit less low-end but not by much. The Rise is a fun kite to fly... I'm 100% sold on them and on an 8, 12, 16 which is overkill covering any condition kiteable under 45 knots I'd say.

Pimping over.. good luck

[ktouhey]

the best 12m kite for waves is a 9m.

[josesr]

Really depends what you like:
- switchblade 12m is good and powerful
- Era 12m if you like he ERA.
- Best Nemi HP 12m

Personally, I prefer a 4-line kite in the waves that turns fast and these kites are good enough.
Currently I'm using a Waroo 13m, that I use from 10 knots with a 6'3 surfboard in the waves.

Good luck

[vasco]

the best 12m kite for waves is a 9m.

I'm with you, if i can't ride my 9m, isn't fun, for me rebel 08 9m starts at 14kn.
I'm 80kg my quiver is 9m&7m 08 Rebels, Pat Rawson 5'11.
If you really want a big kite for waves try the furia 13m, fast turning but doesn't jump much.

Good waves
.

[VOMKB]

You may also want to throw in your list the Caution Mayhem. Caution is all about waves. Check out their videos.

Jaime

[Lord of the Boards]

[pimp mode on]

As said in the previous post, try the Caution Mayhem. Great kite! One pump, 4 lines, easy relaunch, normal bar pressure, superfast. Bar is really sweet. Simple, but complete. I ride the 9, 11 and 14. The best kites I've ever flown.

[pimp mode off]


I'm not a very good wave rider, but I was out in waves on my holiday in Denmark:
[kiteforumtv]http://www.kiteforum.tv/video/Kiteboard ... Sande.html[/kiteforumtv]




Oh, I'm not a Caution pimp. I'm just stoked about their kites!. Also check on youtube. Caution posted some very nice wave vids there.

[reinis]

just grab a 10m2 era.. it has the power of 12m2 other kites and is as big as you would want to go in waves

[Frank Rosin]

the best 12m kite for waves is a 9m.

Hey Kyle!
Love your post, you are absolutely right!
Keen to read your 2nd one.
See you soon somewhere in the waves...
Frank