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Are Pivots actually cut bigger than their stated size?

I would not say so. They are powerful, but so are other high performance freeride kites. I think, if you come from kites like Rebel, XR6 etc. compare the same size.

They have more power than kites with more C-shape like Bandits. To compare them to those take one size smaller. This has to do with the shape of the kite being more open.

I have put my 8m Pivot on top of my 9m Naish Dash (more C-shape). The Pivot is clearly smaller, but they have a similar wind range.

alford wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:00 pm

Thanks for the replies. One more question. Does the 14m have the great DNA as the smaller sizes, I mean for a 14m kite?

Hi. I have been flying on Pivot for two years. I have 2019 and 2020. They are really great and very strong kites. I love jumping on them because they give me a sense of security. I also use Pivots for foiling.

14m has an amazing lower and upper range. Hangtime is sensational. The only minus is quite a lot of strength at the bar.

I have a -16 pivot 9m and -15 11m. I have found a deal on a -16 7m new for around 400 euro. It's without the quad tex, does the quad tex affect the performance of the pivot? Or mostly durability? I think since the 7m doesn't get used that often durability wont be an issue especially considering the price

What sort of low end does the 14m have then ? For an 85kg rider (Shinn Monk 134cm) would it work on flat water in 11/12mph on a twin tip ? What's the top end on the 14m like - 23/24mph ? Looks like a good kite for old school board off's etc

BillyGoatGruff wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 09, 2020 2:18 pm

What sort of low end does the 14m have then ? For an 85kg rider (Shinn Monk 134cm) would it work on flat water in 11/12mph on a twin tip ? What's the top end on the 14m like - 23/24mph ? Looks like a good kite for old school board off's etc

I rode a 14m pivot for a while -16 model. For me at 70kg and 138/41 ace wood I would say I was planing at 12 mph, but below that and the kite falls out of the sky. It has a strong low end and very long hangtime but heavy bar pressure. Quite quick for a 14m

BillyGoatGruff wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 09, 2020 2:18 pm

What sort of low end does the 14m have then ? For an 85kg rider (Shinn Monk 134cm) would it work on flat water in 11/12mph on a twin tip ? What's the top end on the 14m like - 23/24mph ? Looks like a good kite for old school board off's etc

Bill,

The low end is good, as good as my Contra 15 was, but not great in 11/12mph. It will backstall and Hindenburg if not kept active. I've noticed on all of my Pivots they don't like being left at 12 o clock unattended like some of other brands I've had. Not a problem for most, but beginners might struggle a little.

I'm a couple kg less than you and I need at least 14mph steady on my Monarch 135 to maintain upwind. Top end is great. I've been on that kite when gusting upper 20's to almost 30. (and why I'm not swapping to a Boxer 14m) It get's to be a handful in the upper range, and that's when I'll gladly go in and swap to my 11m. (unless I'm a lazy shit and don't bring it....)

Andrez is correct on the bar pressure too. The 14m even on the "wimpy arm" setting is still above average. It's not intolerable, but I do get tennis/kiter elbow after a few hours.

So I have to comment on durability - These have been outstanding kites for our group of guys that use them. Granted we're not out 4 days a week in salt water and blistering sun, but we've done some dumb shit with these kites and they have held up great since 2015. No complaints. The Quadtex seems better, but I don't notice a difference really performance wise. It feels more robust than a few other brands I've had.
Now I've never had one crash in front of me for the opportunity to ride through it, but I can only hope for that scenario someday as I hope someone is filming it! I mean, what better indicator of a kite's quality - How well it can withstand a 85kg rider going 25 kts riding a sharp board right into it!
(just when I thought I've heard everything on this forum...............DING! A new high mark!)

^ If you can't drive a car over the kite it's not good quality

Kitedicted wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 09, 2020 1:57 pm

I have a -16 pivot 9m and -15 11m. I have found a deal on a -16 7m new for around 400 euro. It's without the quad tex, does the quad tex affect the performance of the pivot? Or mostly durability? I think since the 7m doesn't get used that often durability wont be an issue especially considering the price

€400 for a 2016 kite is quite a lot so I wouldn't consider that a great offer. I have flown 2015-16 Pivots in the past and think that the upgrade to quadtex & more in 2017 makes a big difference. If I then read here that the general opinion is that the 2019-20 range is again a considerable step forward, If I were you I would reconsider that 2016 kite and see whether you can get a 2019 7m, budget permitting of course.

BudhaNl wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:07 am

Kitedicted wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 09, 2020 1:57 pm

I have a -16 pivot 9m and -15 11m. I have found a deal on a -16 7m new for around 400 euro. It's without the quad tex, does the quad tex affect the performance of the pivot? Or mostly durability? I think since the 7m doesn't get used that often durability wont be an issue especially considering the price

€400 for a 2016 kite is quite a lot so I wouldn't consider that a great offer. I have flown 2015-16 Pivots in the past and think that the upgrade to quadtex & more in 2017 makes a big difference. If I then read here that the general opinion is that the 2019-20 range is again a considerable step forward, If I were you I would reconsider that 2016 kite and see whether you can get a 2019 7m, budget permitting of course.

You think 400 is expensive for a brand new 2016? Anyways I would rather upgrade my main kites first, as 7m conditions where I live is rare, perhaps 10 sessions a year. Also for reference I just sold a -16 pivot 14m for 400 used