Not 100% but it seems no Naish pro riders are riding torches any more.
Seems like it is the end of an era. Not surprising really as it marketed itself into a niche corner as a kite it really wasn't, it is actually very easy to fly, has depower, and generates so much power from a turn.
In a twist also interesting to see a bit of a shift where many young riders at the megaloop challenge seemed to be back on c kites... the difference was very visible in the sideways speed of the loops and overall sickness of the loops.
I think the best thing about the torch was the 5th line. Anyone that rides in very high winds knows that having a potential virtual hand on the centre of the leading edge is a godsend in high risk situations. Also the lack of bridles meant that you dont have to worry about bridle based deathloops ever... something that feels good when you arrive at the beach and it is gusting 43 knots.
I think the first torch was 2005 just after the Raven which was great too.
Anyway I really liked torches, very entertaining to ride.. some newer kites feel a bit psh (Ed Bassmaster style - ) ... boring In fact when I got off fuels onto a torch - I was like... geez this torch is a sissy kite.
Well that was 15 years of a very similar kite design - the design must have been doing something right.
I have ridden the vegas over the years - it is not the same but similar, actually better tuned out the bag for unhooking for a few years there.
Awesome kite, the loaded 5th line really did work well.. i kind of already knew because I was clamping off my fuels 5th line a bit shorter than normal and voila - way better depower.
Not sure where to go now in replacing what I ride (6 torches) that all have delaminating valves problems... some big unnecessary swims this year
I kind of wish the torch was toned down and marketed as an intermediate/advanced allrounder - you know - 1 kite for everything - freestyle/ air /waves instead of being advertised as the wakestyle kite used by 0.001% of the population.
Well I just tried riding a cloud with a my surfboard... so small to pack up but eeeerrrr no that never was going to work.
Respect to the Naish Torch, a really great kite design!