Replace a Crossbow 13... with what?

[Randahl]

I have an '08 13m Crossbow which was my first kite, bought used a couple of years ago. I have acquired other kites since, but this kite has been my go-to kite. It has finally gotten to the point where there is more repair tape than canopy. (not really, but I ran out of kite-aid tape in my latest repair and I was wondering how far I should take this) I have flown other Switchblades of the same vintage, and they are alright. The main thing I love about my crossbow vs. my other kites is the jumps. I feel like it floats a lot longer. Now I am not versed in the history of every kite, so I was looking on this forum to see what the original design intent for the crossbow was. I don't know if it was supposed to be a jumper, a racer, etc. It seems higher aspect than my switchblades.

So I'm looking for recommendations for a replacement, (not new, what am I made of, money?), like a '11-'13 year model for my 13m. I was thinking a 14m. Something that boosts, something that turns. (I know high A/R kites float, but maybe don't turn) 13m seemed like an odd size, like a racing size. This would be to take out with the twin tip. I mostly spend my time edging upwind so I can try jumping as high as I can downwind. I am not a wakestyle type, I can't do complicated inverts and spins.

I would probably just use my Blade Unibar. Do they even make bars with 2:1 anymore? My switchblades have them, I don't like them as much as the 1:1 bar.

Just a good solid kite, people. I think the crossbow was (or maybe I think that because its all I know), just need a replacement.

[s1buell_wl]

Can you test some kites?

Nothing under an 18m will truly work well for AS. Anything above 18m works well. There are some !7m's on the water that people say fly well but I have not tested them...

I'm 80k.... I started at 14m then 16m and now fly a 19m and 15m as my main kites.

For me @80k & 19m with 16-20kns is just a dream come true.

[Kamikuza]

Eventually, I'll have to make a similar choice... Airstyle isn't a priority for me but good boosts and upwind ability are. I've been thinking:

Switch Nitro3 14m
North Rebel 14m
Naish Park 14m
Cabrinha Switchblade 14m
Ocean Rodeo Razor 12m...

[jumarcil]

I have an '08 13m Crossbow which was my first kite, bought used a couple of years ago. I have acquired other kites since, but this kite has been my go-to kite. It has finally gotten to the point where there is more repair tape than canopy. (not really, but I ran out of kite-aid tape in my latest repair and I was wondering how far I should take this) I have flown other Switchblades of the same vintage, and they are alright. The main thing I love about my crossbow vs. my other kites is the jumps. I feel like it floats a lot longer. Now I am not versed in the history of every kite, so I was looking on this forum to see what the original design intent for the crossbow was. I don't know if it was supposed to be a jumper, a racer, etc. It seems higher aspect than my switchblades.

So I'm looking for recommendations for a replacement, (not new, what am I made of, money?), like a '11-'13 year model for my 13m. I was thinking a 14m. Something that boosts, something that turns. (I know high A/R kites float, but maybe don't turn) 13m seemed like an odd size, like a racing size. This would be to take out with the twin tip. I mostly spend my time edging upwind so I can try jumping as high as I can downwind. I am not a wakestyle type, I can't do complicated inverts and spins.

I would probably just use my Blade Unibar. Do they even make bars with 2:1 anymore? My switchblades have them, I don't like them as much as the 1:1 bar.

Just a good solid kite, people. I think the crossbow was (or maybe I think that because its all I know), just need a replacement.

If you are use to a crossbow 13m, pretty much everything in these size will seem fast as the crossbow is really slow. Really stable, really good range, one of the safest kite in gusty weather, lots of float, great upwind capabilities but slow.

Great kites for hangtime :

Ozone Edge 13m would do, Switchblade 12m (14 too slow) would be ok, North Rebel, I would say that Core Xr1 or Xr2 would also be great, you will lose a bit on the upwind but will gain a lot on the speed (13.5 as opposed to your 13) and they have major float.

I had xbows and switchblades (still have an 8m sb) but I am now riding 9-12 and 15 core Xr3 and I get the same safe feeling in gusty weather, better turning and looping speed, plus I even get more hangtime. Worth trying. The 13.5 would be a major upgrade.

[Randahl]

I'm warming to the idea of an Ozone Edge. It doesn't seem like anyone can say much against them.

Would I be able to use the Blade Unibar or would I need an ozone bar?

[SENDIT!]

Randahl,
I have similar likes/desires when it comes to riding. The 13m Crossbow was my favorite jumper in that size b/c of the glide/hangtime. I was actually a little irritated when Cabrinha discontinued it and replaced it with the Velocity. That is, until I RODE the 2014 13m Velocity. Wow. Even better jumping/hangtime than the Crossbow. And it's a little faster, too. That had become my new favorite in that size...until I rode the 2013 13m Edge. I only had one session on it (unfortunately, someone saw me riding it and was impressed enough to buy the demo ), but was super impressed with it. Now, I don't know which would be my favorite, but I would gladly have either. I'd have to check to see if you can use a Unibar on that or not. I just don't know off the top of my head.

*Disclaimer* I sell both of these, as well as several other brands.

[TonyL]

Anyone compare the Liquid Force NRG to the Ozone Edge? Both high aspect. Wonder which one performs better..(Jumping, hang time, and drift)

[s1buell_wl]

NRG noly goes to 16m.... I would love to try an 18m or 19m

I've heard good things about them but have yet to see one here.

[gmb13]

You may want to consider the 2013 Peter Lynn Fury 13m. I love this kite for boosting.

--
Gunnar

[downunder]

I've got NRG 16m 2013. Used to fly Xbow 13m 2008(9?) as well.

Still waiting to see how NRG jumps knowing that xbow was really good. The xbow was medium bar pressure and NRG is super light on both settings. One guy was faster than me on his 13m Edge and I'm way lighter, like double (I'm 59kg). However, nrg is more durable, the stitching and overall quality exceeds way above many kites. It is a bit heavier tho coz of a lot of paint I think. But it's b e a t i f u l l.

I do have Airush VX 12m 2013 which beats xbow and edge in height. Maybe not in flow, but it's height I'm after anyway:) VX quality is lower than LF but not to bad either.