Switching Kites: Airush Razor to...

[Crocket]

Hi,

it might be a similar topic like the Vegas to GTS switch, but I need some inspiration which Kites to look out for.
The last 5 years I've ridden the Razor and now I want to get rid of them, because I had several quality issues with
the latest gear. I also tested the Vegas and I like them, but it gives you a different feedback and I would like to stick with something which feels a bit more familiar.

I search for:
-aggressive lift
-good slack
-direct feel
-solid build quality(had a big problem with valves)
-besides I'd like it to be stable in gusty winds

So feel free to share your experiences! Thank you

[caduo]

hi,
i was using razors for a few years,indeed some problems with the valves delaminating,maybe because these kites crash a lot in the water,
anyway if you wanna stay with c kites,vegas,for me,would definetely be the best option,or maybe f-one(never tried core),moving to an open c ,like dice or fx requires a bit of time to get used and for sure you loose a bit of slack

[Crocket]

Core impact is one Kite i could try, but it's definetely more expensive and difficult to get an opportunity to test. Did anyone ever try one of the newer torches or the Eleveight FS(don't know how C-like it feels)?
I ride an open C as my 12m and the slack is still alright for me, but overall I'd like smaller kites to be a tiny bit more aggressive. That's a reason why I prefer C-Kites.
On the other hand a steadier pull can be an upgrade to a gusty session.

[BillyGoatGruff]

Naish Torch is the perfect kite for all your criteria. Stay away from the 2017 Torch but all the others are great.

I search for:
-aggressive lift = Torch is getting woo heoghts of 26m, it rips you off the water in a very controlled manner. Kiteworld magazine said the Torch was the biggest jumping "C" kite in their opinion.
-good slack = Perfect unhooked, great for handlepasses
-direct feel = Perfect
-solid build quality(had a big problem with valves) = Never had an issue in 5 years riding Torch's
-besides I'd like it to be stable in gusty winds = It's super stable and actually very good in gusty UK winter winds. The 5th line needs to be tensioned, get the tension wrong and the Torch is a pig to fly.

[BillyGoatGruff]

You can still get 2016 Naish Torch's very cheap brand new (try www.you-love-it.eu)

Kiteworld magazine review: (It's spot on!)

https://www.kiteworldmag.com/gear/naish-torch-9m-2016/

[Crocket]

Thanks a lot for your feedback! Sounds pretty much like a perfect exchange, because I love my C-Kites.
I will give it a try shortly and it's easy to get my hands on them for a test.

[dewwy]

You can take a look at the new ozone amp and the fone wtf aswell. RPM also a kite to consider, its not as aggressive as a pure c-shape tho. Imho 2018 > 2019 rpm for slack and wakestyle riding, 2019 boosts better and feels abit more lively. It's also pretty stable in gusty conditions due to the bridle system.

[Crocket]

That's quite a lot of input and I get some tests to do I'll let you know of my favorites and decision.

[Crocket]

Hi,
the first time in 8 years I ended up with a bridled kite and that's the RPM. Had one of the first generations to learn on and dind't like them for unhooking and lack of aggressiveness.
It's not as progressive as I was used to, but it still has a lot potential in pop, slack, precise turning, feedback and a nice loop. I'm pretty happy with it .

[surfkite25]

Hi,
the first time in 8 years I ended up with a bridled kite and that's the RPM. Had one of the first generations to learn on and dind't like them for unhooking and lack of aggressiveness.
It's not as progressive as I was used to, but it still has a lot potential in pop, slack, precise turning, feedback and a nice loop. I'm pretty happy with it .

What model year RPM did you decide on?