Naish Pivot, 2020 v 2018

[jonysan]

Currently using 2018 Pivots in sizes 12m and 9m, and 2017 Naish Slash in 7m. the 7m seems 'big' for it's size, and seems to generate nearly as much power as my 2018 Pivot 9m. I'm getting overpowered too quickly on it !

Want to replace the 7m Slash, with a new 2020 Pivot 7m ,

Would the 2020 Pivot 7m , be less 'grunty' than my current 7m, or if this years Pivot is 'big' for it's size, would it be better to get a 6m.

Hope that makes sense!

Thanks for replies.

[Dirk]

Pivots have not changed in their wind range. I have been riding all years, always 11 and 8. Have 2020 11m and 8m Pivot and 7m Slash from 2019. The 7m Pivot will be more powerful than then 7m Slash.

[BudhaNl]

Interesting observation that you consider the Slash 7m almost as powerful as the Pivot 9m! I have a similar experience as Dirk, i.e. that the Pivot is more powerful than most and certainly the Slash, which is why I run Slash 2019 6m, Pivot 2017 7m, 2017 9m.

Either something is off with the Slash or Pivot, or you may be 'tricked' by the increased windspeed when you kite the Slash? What windranges do you use them for and how big is the overlap?

[magnusod]

Difficult to know. Pretty standard quiver would be 7, 9 and 12 or 6, 8 and 11. The Pivot has a really good wind range so it's possible that you would be fine using 6, 9 and 12.

I haven't ridden the Pivot in smaller sizes nor the 2017 Slash. I have 2018 Slash 6 and 8 and used to have 2016 Pivot 11. From what I've read the first Slash had a bigger leading edge and sat further back in the window which will make it feel more powerful for its size. I'm pretty sure you would find the newer Slash less powerful, especially from 2019 and onwards. They would be much more manageable in the upper wind range.
Judging also Dirks answer it seems that maybe the best option could be a 6 m Pivot or a 7 m newer Slash.

Where are you planning to buy the Naish kites? If it's a good shop I'm sure they can help you out with your dilemma.

[jonysan]

Thanks. Dirk, and BudhaNI for your replies, Magnusod I think you sussed the problem I am having with the 2017 Slash, Naish thinned out the leading edge on later models, and stopped it sitting so far back in the window. When riding my 2017 7m at it's top end, if I point hard upwind I can keep the kite at the front of the window, but ! if I head offwind a bit, all hell breaks loose, the kite drops back in the window and pulls like a train. basically I'm too overpowered, and should be on a later Slash, or at least a smaller one (6m ?) .
Going to get a new Pivot 7, which will fit my 9m 12m quiver, and then look out for a smaller Slash for the really windy days.

Thanks for your help.

[Hugh2]

Please let us know what you think of the 2020 Pivot 7m. I have a 2015 and a 2016 and would consider upgrading to the 2020 if it is that much better. My impression is that not that much has changed in terms of shape and flight characteristics, but resilience is better. For example, I have torn both of mine completely in half, one in a tomahawk and one by a wave, so I imagine the quadtex, which I am familiar with from my 2018 9 and 11m Pivots, would be more resilient.

[BudhaNl]

@Hugh2, I went from a quiver of 2015-16 Pivots to the 2017 versions with quadtex and thought that the difference was substantial. Do you notice a performance difference between 7 and the 9/11?

The profile was tweaked less in later years, esp. 2019-2020 are the same except for a new inflation system and a different seam supposed to make it a little stiffer. If I were you I'd be on the look out for a 2019 7m.

I am still too infatuated with the 2017 Pivot 7m to look at anything else, I'll likely kite that until it tears apart.

[John Doe]

I have had 2017's & 2019's. The 2019's are a step up if you can believe it. I would get a 6 simply because, in 20 years of kiting, the Pivot 6 is my favorite kite. It's fast, fast, fast & powerful. Super fun kite!!!!

[tautologies]

I have had 2017's & 2019's. The 2019's are a step up if you can believe it. I would get a 6 simply because, in 20 years of kiting, the Pivot 6 is my favorite kite. It's fast, fast, fast & powerful. Super fun kite!!!!

2020 8 meter pivot is my favorite. And 7 Slash haha. Can't choose.

[BudhaNl]

I have had 2017's & 2019's. The 2019's are a step up if you can believe it. I would get a 6 simply because, in 20 years of kiting, the Pivot 6 is my favorite kite. It's fast, fast, fast & powerful. Super fun kite!!!!

Not exactly what I wanted to hear but thanks I guess