Talking about last year’s Slash & Pivot, but without having flown a 10m, there are clear differences between both kites, they definitely fly and feel differently. If you have to chance to test them back to back, you should. I think there might be a chance that the Pivot is the most efficient size here in 10m – both Kevin & Jalou are seen riding it in nice waves but lower wind conditions. But I haven’t ridden the Pivot 10m, so can’t really confirm. In any case, here’s my (hypothetical) thoughts based on riding 7’s (Pivot/Slash) & 9’s (Slash):
- Turning speed: as stated in this thread, both turn equally fast more or less, but differently. The Slash has a bit of a wider arc and a slight pull in the turn; the Pivot pivots around its wingtip without much pull, but then has more pull/grunt in general. Maybe on a 10m in waves, a pivoting kite without too much pull is preferable.
- Boost/hangtime: Pivot is the better / easier jumper TT-kite: very easy sheet in and fly, lots of hangtime. Slash needs some more work/timing but jumps nicely when sent right. Less hangtime than the Pivot.
- Low end: in the lower range of 10m winds, the Pivot will probably have the more accessible low end – more grunt, easier/better upwind
- Depower in waves: Slash totally depowers, better than the Pivot. Slash also will drift better – park & forget when riding the wave. Pivot will seek edge of the window/start dropping a bit sooner.
What is your next size down, and what kind of winds do you want to ride? If you have the money, for waves/SB get a 10m Pivot for 12-16 knots and then an 8m + 6m Slash for the good days with decent winds. And if you really have cash to spare, also get a 7m Pivot for boosting on a TT in 30+ knots
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