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I know there are a lot of kites on the market that are better suited for free ride but this one is just a good deal for a new crispy kite. Currently riding a Naish Ride 2013 as my 12m option.

I am mostly freeride, but do ride lakes that have biggish messy waves sometimes, and like to jump but not huge.

Upwind-ability is definitely an asset but doesn’t have to be the absolute best in this area as I am becoming a much better rider.

I ride in gusty conditions a fair bit.

Long story short am I going to like this kite based on what I need it for and say compared to the
Naish ride that is 6 years older - stretched bridle - multiple canopy repairs? it has two struts.

I would only assume this is going to be a
Massive improvement but if I ride twin tips mostly in the conditions listed above Is this a super bad choice?

Again the price is right. I know there are other better options but that cost a fair bit more.

I ride drifters as an all around kite, foil, waves, free ride and share with my wife, I love these kites. You give up a little on the jumping side and that is the only drawback that I can say after two years on them. If cost is attractive then that is one more reason to buy.

I have a mixed quiver of Drifter, Switchblade, Contra and Ozone Enduro - I can not say that Drifter is in any way worse than the rest as a freeride/allround kite. As a novice I mostly "mow the lawn", do small jumps, downloop transitions, small waves on twintip, etc.. So for a beginner like me - I am really happy with the Drifter.
My Drifter is 5m, so usually when the wind if for it - there are waves present

I wouldn’t get the drifter for a twintip.
It’s amazing on a surfboard but just ok on a twintip.

Now for mowing the lawn and small jumps it is fine.
The switchblade and the moto are better suited for free ride and jumping. I also heard that the drifter is not great in 12m.

I have been switchblade rider since 2007. Love the kites as great all around kites, especially for boosting and hang time. We recently picked up 8,11,13m drifters as I think they are a much better fit for my wife who isn't boosting jumps. She can comfortably download the drifter with out the fear of a power yank off her board. All around better for her than the switchblade. im enjoying the drifters more and more, only go back to switchblade if I want to boost some jumps. The change in my choice comes with age and having a injured knee Im sure. If you want low end grunt, quick power and boost - go switchblade, if those things are not important - drifter is excellent