Guttorm wrote: ↑Mon Jan 17, 2022 5:33 pm
I am 112kgs & 202cm and wants to change a 2016 Xr4 17 into something new & better for TT riding in 15-28 knots
I have Xr3 9, Xr4 11, 13,5, 17 Edge 19
I like to go fast with a lot of power.
Thinking about a Xr7, but there are several other brands that have lighter models, are they any better?
Please help.
Guttorm,
Welcome to the club! There are a bunch of bigger guys on this forum in search of the same kite you're looking for. I'm 104kg and enjoy Airstyle and going big, but to be honest I still haven't come across a 17m I'm completely happy with.
I can't recommend the 17m XR6 (which I currently own). I have not flown the 17m XR7 yet, so can't comment if it's been improved. The 17m XR6 falls out of the sky during lulls (it's quite heavy for a "light wind" kite), and it doesn't have much range (tops out around 19 mph). It also jumps much more horizontally (downwind) than its 15m counter-part. The 17m does, however, have excellent hang-time.
I also currently own the 15m XR7 (and previously owned the 15m in XR6 and XR5 models). The 15m XR (in all models I've flown) is an absolute gem - quite possibly one of the best Airstyle kites currently on the market. But to me, it's a completely different kite from the 17m. The 15m is faster (obviously), lighter on the bar, jumps straight up vertically, and has a HUGE wind range.
So unfortunately, I don't have any good recommendations for you - just steering you away from the 17m XR6 (again I have not flown the 17m XR7). I've recently been looking at the GTS 17m, but haven't gotten a lot of feedback on that kite on this forum.
I think Core could get it right if they lightened up the 17m XR (less struts and / or lighter materials). Perhaps they'll jump on the Aluula train in the future.
If you come across a 17m Airstyle / big air LEI kite you really like please share!!! Until then...the search goes on.