13m contra instead of 12m switchblade

[Mas198]

Looking for a little advice I am currently 104kg I have a 8m and 10m switchblade which works well for the local wind ranges and my weight when the average size rider is on a 9 I’m on a 10 etc
I did have a 12m switchblade but with my weight couldn’t really get going in less than 18knots what’s your opinions on replacing the 12m switch for the 13m contra as my lower wind range kite? Tue only downside I see to this is the contra doesn’t really perform well above 20knots where with my switchblade I could still be good into the 20 plus knots.
Thanks

[nixmatters]

If you're looking at the wind range charts, don't forget these are based on 75kg rider weight. You should have no issues with Contra 13m upto 25 knots!
But if you're really looking for a lightwind kite, consider the Contra 15m! Praised by everyone who has tried it and generally preferred over the 13m. But you might need one more kite to fill the gap to your 10m switchblade

[Iridian]

Get a 14m kite with three struts.

[Kamikuza]

I have 12, 10, 8m Switchblades. Tried a 15m Contra ...

Water conditions make the difference. In 18 knots I can ride the 12m fine -- on flat water. Nothing is happening in choppy lake or the ocean till over 20. Contra got a couple of knots lower for riding but as the wind picked up it wasn't any use for jumping.

I'd rather foil with small kites, I just can't be bothered with the ponderous busses kites bigger than 12m are. Heck, even the 12 sucks

[mikelet]

I'd rather go with with Moto 14m instead of 13m Contra or 14m switchblade...
It's a much more dinamic and sporty kite than the other two....
That said , IMO it only have a touch more low end than a Switchblade 12m , not a big diference....
In the other hand Switchblade 12m it's a sweet size in the range , really like how it performs and boost...
Owned 15m Contra 2018 , i only recomend it for light wind TT riding ...way too powerful and slow for strapless riding..not really liked it..
Watch for the new AV8 in 14m as well...

[badgb21]

All depends on how you kite, style, water state blah blah.
But if you want to be covered for a good range of winds, that will allow you to kite when you are available, then
I'd suggest adding a 12m S/B to your 8m & 10m quiver as it sounds like you know it (and possibly trust it) and also a 15m Contra - with possibly a larger size TT.

There you go, got you covered!

You could swap out your 8 and 10 for a 9
8m at 104Kg, the water state is going to be very choppy in most spots.
Do you use the 8m much?

It's only money!

Looking for a little advice I am currently 104kg I have a 8m and 10m switchblade which works well for the local wind ranges and my weight when the average size rider is on a 9 I’m on a 10 etc
I did have a 12m switchblade but with my weight couldn’t really get going in less than 18knots what’s your opinions on replacing the 12m switch for the 13m contra as my lower wind range kite? Tue only downside I see to this is the contra doesn’t really perform well above 20knots where with my switchblade I could still be good into the 20 plus knots.
Thanks

[Mas198]

The 8m is getting used certainly at the moment the idea was to have a slightly bigger kite than my brother who is 15kg lighter than me he has 7-9-12 i was thinking 8-10-13 so when he’s on the 7 me on the 8 etc but the more I think about the contra being light wind I would want a kite that gets me going 18knots and ideally upto 24knots but a review about the contra 13m has suggested its no good for the stronger winds

[iriejohn]

I'm along the south coast a bit west of you in the Solent (Wittering/Bracklesham) with much the same conditions as you. My board is a Lieuwe Shotgun 136 x 40.5.

I weigh 81 kg and use my 17m Ozone Zephyr up to 18 knots with a bit of trim still left so at 104 kg you should be fine in a lot more wind than that. I use 27 metre lines in 10-12 knots and 25 metre lines in 13+ knots.

Looking for a little advice I am currently 104kg I have a 8m and 10m switchblade which works well for the local wind ranges and my weight when the average size rider is on a 9 I’m on a 10 etc
I did have a 12m switchblade but with my weight couldn’t really get going in less than 18knots what’s your opinions on replacing the 12m switch for the 13m contra as my lower wind range kite? Tue only downside I see to this is the contra doesn’t really perform well above 20knots where with my switchblade I could still be good into the 20 plus knots.
Thanks

[badgb21]

I'm 116Kg and have used every kite I've every owned above it's 'typical' wind limit.
I had a 13m Contra when they first came out and it was a dog - would not go upwind.
They changed the 13m a lot and I have now read for a number of years it's as good as the 15m

I've never really had a problem with the 15m at it's top end.

Do you have a link to high wind issue review?

I've had a few versions of the Edge 13m - Great kite, but I could fold the wing tips on hard turns. Not sure how the latest versions perform.
High aspect and a slow turner, but more than made up for it in jumps and hang time.

My kites for my weight, which might help for your wind range if adjusted;

2017 Cabrinha S/B 10m 24 to 30mph+
2016 Cabrinha S/B 12m 20 to 25mph
2017 Cabrinha Contra 15m 15 to 22mph

The 8m is getting used certainly at the moment the idea was to have a slightly bigger kite than my brother who is 15kg lighter than me he has 7-9-12 i was thinking 8-10-13 so when he’s on the 7 me on the 8 etc but the more I think about the contra being light wind I would want a kite that gets me going 18knots and ideally upto 24knots but a review about the contra 13m has suggested its no good for the stronger winds

[grigorib]

Looking for a little advice I am currently 104kg I have a 8m and 10m switchblade which works well for the local wind ranges and my weight when the average size rider is on a 9 I’m on a 10 etc
I did have a 12m switchblade but with my weight couldn’t really get going in less than 18knots what’s your opinions on replacing the 12m switch for the 13m contra as my lower wind range kite? Tue only downside I see to this is the contra doesn’t really perform well above 20knots where with my switchblade I could still be good into the 20 plus knots.
Thanks

Get a 17m for lightwind and 14m Switchblade for lower regular range. 13m Contra is a lightwind kite for light folks